Shepperton Lock facts for kids
Shepperton lock (2005)
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| Waterway | River Thames |
|---|---|
| County | Surrey |
| Maintained by | Environment Agency |
| Operation | Hydraulic |
| First built | 1813 |
| Latest built | 1899 |
| Length | 53.16 m (174 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 6.04 m (19 ft 10 in) |
| Fall | 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) |
| Above sea level | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Distance to Teddington Lock |
10 miles |
| Coordinates | 51°22′55.5″N 00°27′31″W / 51.382083°N 0.45861°W |
| Power is available out of hours | |
Shepperton Lock is a special water gate, called a lock, on the River Thames in England. It's located near Shepperton, Surrey, on the left side of the river. Across the river is Weybridge, and you can even take a small passenger ferry to get there!
This lock was built in 1813 by the City of London Corporation. It helps boats move along the river. There are also special dams called weirs nearby. Shepperton Weir is between Shepperton Lock Island and Hamhaugh Island. Another one, Shepperton Upper Weir, is further upstream.
Just upstream from the lock island is the Thames Court pub/restaurant. Downstream from there is Pharaoh's Island. This island was given to the famous Admiral Lord Nelson after a big battle called the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Shepperton Lock is the fifth lock you'll find if you travel up the River Thames from the sea. There are 45 locks in total!
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History of Shepperton Lock
People have known about a weir at Shepperton since 1086. This was recorded in the Domesday Book, which was a big survey of England. In the 1300s, there was also a mention of a "sluice" or "dam" here. This means there was likely a flash lock, which was a simple way to control water levels for boats.
The lock we see today was built in 1813. It was placed where a small waterway called Stoner's Gut used to be. This gut made it hard for boats to pass. Barges often had to go to Weybridge instead.
There are old stories from the late 1700s about floods using Stoner's Gut. One story says a chapel built over the river was washed away. Another flood in 1614 even washed away parts of the main church in the town!
People first suggested building a lock here in 1805. After some disagreement, the idea was brought up again in 1809. A wooden lock was built soon after. Later, in 1899, a stronger stone lock was built next to the old wooden one. The wooden lock was then filled in and removed.
There's a small island upstream from the lock. It was once called Dog Ait. This name later changed to "Dockett," which you can still see in the name Dockett Eddy Lane. Old maps from the 1800s show that Dog Ait was the earlier name for Pharaoh's Island.
How to Reach the Lock
The lock is on the left side of the river. You can get there from a lane that has two entrances. The eastern entrance, from Old Shepperton, has a special walkway. This lane connects to the Thames Path, which is a walking trail along the river. There are also a few places to park your car. If you are on the Weybridge side, you can reach the lock by taking the passenger ferry.
The River Above the Lock
Right above the lock is Pharaoh's Island. This island was given to Admiral Nelson by the country after his victory at the Battle of the Nile. It didn't get its name until the early 1900s.
On the left bank, you'll see open areas and houses along the river until you reach Dumsey Meadow. This meadow is a special place for nature, known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. On the right bank, the town of Chertsey is built up near the river. There's also a public park called Chertsey Meads with a playground. Close to the lock, you'll find homes in the Hamm Court area of Addlestone, Surrey.
Chertsey Bridge crosses the river about 210 meters below Chertsey Lock. The water on the right bank, near the top of this part of the river, becomes the Abbey River. This is very close to where the old Chertsey Abbey used to be. The Chertsey Regatta, a rowing race, is held near Dumsey Meadow in August.
Activities and Businesses Nearby
On the opposite side of the river, you'll find two rowing clubs and a large club for canoeing and kayaking. Weybridge Ait has a recreational rowing club called Weyfarers R.C. The Environment Agency, which manages the river, has a control center and boats on the Lock Island. There's also a shop for boats and a boat repair business on the near side of the river.
The Thames Path Trail
The Thames Path is a long walking trail. It switches to the left, northern bank (sometimes called the "Middlesex" bank) at Shepperton Lock. It then goes through the sharp bend at Dumsey Meadow, which is a very important natural area.
Shepperton Lock in Books and Movies
- In Charles Dickens' book Our Mutual Friend, the lock at Plashwater Mill is based on Shepperton Lock.
- In H. G. Wells' book The War of the Worlds, a big battle against the invaders from Mars happens between Weybridge and Shepperton Lock.
- The 1987 John Boorman film Hope and Glory was filmed at Shepperton Lock.
