Isis Lock facts for kids
Isis Lock with the Oxford Canal on the left and the Castle Mill Stream on the right.
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| Waterway | Oxford Canal/Castle Mill Stream |
|---|---|
| County | Oxfordshire |
| First built | 1795–97 |
| Latest built | 1844 |
| Length | 77' |
| Coordinates | 51°45′22″N 1°16′09″W / 51.75598°N 1.26924°W |
Isis Lock is a special water gate that connects two waterways: the Oxford Canal and the Castle Mill Stream. The Castle Mill Stream is a smaller branch of the famous River Thames in Oxford, England. Boat users sometimes call this lock "Louse Lock". A lock helps boats move between parts of a river or canal that are at different heights. It's like a watery elevator for boats!
Where is Isis Lock Located?
Isis Lock is found in the city of Oxford. It is very close to a place called Sheepwash Channel. This channel connects to the River Thames on the west side.
If you look west from the lock, you will see Rewley Road. You can also spot the Cherwell Valley Line and the Cotswold Line railway tracks. These are just north of the Oxford railway station.
To the east of the lock, across the Oxford Canal, are the beautiful grounds of Worcester College. This is one of the many old colleges that make up Oxford University.
Just north of the lock, on the Oxford Canal, there is a special spot called a winding hole. This is a wider part of the canal that allows boats to turn around easily.
The History of Isis Lock
Long ago, the Oxford Canal and the River Thames were connected in central Oxford. This connection was made using a simple type of lock called a flash lock near Hythe Bridge. A flash lock was not very efficient. It worked by holding back water and then releasing it quickly to create a "flash" that helped boats pass through.
Between 1795 and 1797, a man named David Harris built the Isis Lock. He replaced the old flash lock with a new, wider lock. This new lock was designed to let large Thames barges travel easily. These barges could then reach the Oxford Canal Company's wharves (docking areas) at Worcester Street.
Later, in 1844, Isis Lock was rebuilt. It was changed from a wide lock to a narrower one. This change likely happened because the types of boats using the canal had changed over time.
Gallery
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The Oxford Canal, approaching Isis Lock with narrowboats moored by the canal.
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View of Isis Lock and the footbridge.
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Isis Lock, looking towards the river. The raised bricks help open the lock gate in wet weather.
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Isis Lock Looking over the lock gate and under the bridge, towards the southern part of the Oxford Canal.
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Isis Lock and the footbridge.
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Looking over the lock gate.
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Winding hole at Isis Lock.
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Footbridge by Isis Lock.
