Radcot Lock facts for kids

Radcot Lock is a special kind of gate on the River Thames in England. It helps boats move up and down the river where the water level changes. You can find it near a village called Radcot in Oxfordshire, on the south side of the river.

This lock was built in 1892 by a group called the Thames Conservancy. It was placed where an older type of weir (a small dam) and a simple flash lock used to be. The main weir for Radcot Lock is located on the other side of a small island next to the lock.

History of Radcot Lock

Before the current lock, there was an old weir at this spot. It was known by a few names, like Clarke's Weir. This old weir was taken down in 1868, and the river was made wider.

Plans for a new, modern lock, called a "pound lock," were made in 1891. This new lock was then built and opened the very next year, in 1892. A pound lock works by holding a section of water between two gates, allowing boats to go up or down.

Around 2013, the old-fashioned "paddle and rhymer" weir was replaced. A new, special path for both fish and canoes was built. This unique path helps fish swim past the weir and also lets canoes easily get around it. As of 2018, it is the only one of its kind on the entire River Thames!

How to Get to the Lock

You can reach Radcot Lock by walking from the south end of Radcot Bridge. If you are coming by car, the road route is longer and goes through a place called Thrupp Turn. However, please note that cars are not allowed to drive right up to the lock itself.

The River Above the Lock

As you travel upstream from Radcot Lock, you will find some interesting spots.

Radcot Bridge: An Ancient Crossing

About halfway along this stretch of the river is Radcot Bridge. This bridge is very special because it is the oldest surviving bridge on the River Thames! The main part of the bridge, which crosses the main river channel, has one arch and was built from stone in the late 1700s.

The road that crosses this bridge, the A4095, also goes over a smaller channel of water called a backwater. This backwater used to be the border between the counties of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The bridge over this backwater is even older, dating back to the 1200s and 1300s! It has three arches. The two outer arches are pointed, while the middle one is less pointed because it was rebuilt later. Many boats can tie up and stay in these backwaters.

An interesting historical fact is that stone used to rebuild St Paul's Cathedral in London was brought from nearby quarries. This stone was loaded onto rafts right near Radcot Bridge.

River Bends and Spots

Further upstream from Radcot, the river makes a very sharp turn. This bend has some cool names, like "Hell's Turn" or "Hell Gut." A bit further on, there is another spot known as "Schoolmaster's Hole."

The Thames Path is a walking trail that follows the River Thames. It is on the opposite side of the river from Radcot Lock. If you follow this path, it will take you along the northern bank all the way to Grafton Lock.