Marlow Lock facts for kids
Marlow Lock from downstream
|
|
| Waterway | River Thames |
|---|---|
| County | Buckinghamshire |
| Maintained by | Environment Agency |
| Operation | Hydraulic |
| First built | 1773 |
| Latest built | 1927 |
| Length | 46.10 m (151 ft 3 in) |
| Width | 6.07 m (19 ft 11 in) |
| Fall | 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) |
| Above sea level | 88' |
| Distance to Teddington Lock |
37 miles |
Marlow Lock is a special water gate, called a lock, and a small dam, known as a weir, on the River Thames in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England. It's located about 300 meters downstream from Marlow Bridge. The very first "pound lock" here was built in 1773.
A pound lock is like a water elevator that helps boats move between different water levels. The weir is a barrier that controls the river's flow and helps keep the water level high enough for boats. The weir at Marlow stretches a long way upstream from the lock.
Contents
History of Marlow Lock
Records from the Domesday Book, which was written in 1086, show that there was a weir at Marlow even back then. In the 1300s, people used a winch to pull boats through a "flash lock." A flash lock was a simple gate that could be opened to create a rush of water, helping boats pass through.
Early Challenges and Changes
The early lock at Marlow often caused problems. In the 1500s and 1600s, there were arguments between millers (who used the river's power for their mills) and navigators (who used the river for transport). One big issue was that the water was often too shallow for boats.
In 1773, the first modern "pound lock" was built here. It was made of fir wood and was the seventh of eight new locks built after a law was passed in 1770 to improve river travel. This first pound lock was actually a bit upstream from where the lock is today and still had issues. Boats needed rollers to guide them in, and because there was no path for horses to pull boats, very long ropes were needed.
Repairs and Rebuilding
The lock needed many repairs in 1780. A year later, special traps for eels, called "eel bucks," had to be taken out of the old flash lock in case it was needed again.
In 1815, the first house for the lock keeper was built. Then, in 1825, the lock was completely rebuilt in its current spot using strong stone from Headington. The weir was rebuilt later in 1872. The last time the lock itself was rebuilt was in 1927, making it what you see today.
Getting to Marlow Lock
The lock is easy to reach because it's right in the town of Marlow. If you are walking along the Thames Path, you'll need to take a short walk through some of the town's streets to get to the lock.
The River Above the Lock
The long weir stretches for several hundred yards above the lock. Beyond it, you'll see the famous Marlow suspension bridge near the church. After the river leaves Marlow, it winds through hills and beautiful beech woods.
On the Berkshire side of the river, you can see Bisham Abbey. This is a grand old house with a long history, connected to famous people like Anne of Cleves and Queen Elizabeth I. Today, it's one of the National Sports Centres. Further upstream is the church of Bisham itself.
Just downstream from Temple Lock, you'll find Temple Mill Island.
River Events
Two rowing events happen on the river above Marlow Lock:
- The Temple Regatta takes place in early May, between Marlow Bridge and Temple Lock.
- The Marlow Town Regatta is held in June.
Sports Clubs
- Marlow Rowing Club is a well-known club located here.
Thames Path Walking Trail
The Thames Path is a long-distance walking trail that follows the River Thames. From Marlow, the path continues on the Bucks side of the river all the way to Temple Lock.
Marlow Lock in Books and Movies
The famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley used to live in Marlow. He spent a lot of time on the river above the lock in a small boat called a Thames skiff. It was during this time that he wrote his long poem, The Revolt of Islam.
The lock was also used as a filming location in 1970 for a scene in the TV show The Ambassadors of Death. In that scene, a character named Liz Shaw is chased onto the weir.
