Jesus Lock facts for kids
Jesus Lock is a special kind of water gate on the River Cam in the city of Cambridge, England. It's the very first lock you find on the part of the River Cam that boats can travel on. This lock was built a long time ago in 1836, and it's the only one of its kind in Cambridge!
Right next to the lock, there's a small building called Jesus Green Lock Cottage. This used to be where the person who looked after the lock lived. Today, it's owned by the group that takes care of the River Cam, and they rent it out to students.
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What is Jesus Lock?
A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats move between different water levels in a river or canal. When a boat wants to go up or down the river, it enters the lock. The lock gates close, and the water level inside the lock is either raised or lowered to match the water level on the other side. This clever system allows boats to travel smoothly along the river, even when the land changes height.
Where is Jesus Lock Located?
Jesus Lock gets its name because it's located just north of a big grassy area called Jesus Green. This green space is also north of Jesus College. So, the name "Jesus Lock" makes perfect sense!
If you look north of the lock, you'll find Chesterton Road, which is a main road. To the east, further down the river, is Victoria Avenue Bridge. Beyond that, there's a large open field called Midsummer Common. This common land is still used today for animals like cows to graze, which means they eat grass there. Close by, just a short distance downstream, is the Jesus Green Swimming Pool. This is a very long outdoor swimming pool, also known as a lido.
The River Around Jesus Lock
The part of the river that flows northeast, or downstream, from Jesus Lock is sometimes called the "lower river." This stretch of the River Cam, between Jesus Lock and Baits Bite Lock, is very popular for rowing. Many rowing teams practice here.
You'll also see many boats where people actually live on this part of the river. The people who live on these boats are a friendly community, and they call themselves the "Camboaters." The section of the river above Jesus Lock, going upstream, is sometimes known as the "middle river."
The Jesus Lock Footbridge
Right next to Jesus Lock, there's a special bridge just for people walking. It's called the Jesus Lock footbridge. This bridge connects Chesterton Road with Jesus Green, making it easy for pedestrians to cross the river.
The bridge has metal railings with a criss-cross pattern and a wooden surface for walking. If you're riding a bicycle, it's a good idea to get off and walk your bike across the bridge for safety. This footbridge was built around 1892. It's not far from the Victoria Avenue Bridge, which is a bit further downstream. The next bridge you'd find upstream from Jesus Lock is Magdalene Bridge.
