Temple Lock facts for kids
Temple Lock looking downstream toward Temple Mill Island
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| Waterway | River Thames |
|---|---|
| County | Buckinghamshire |
| Maintained by | Environment Agency |
| Operation | Hydraulic |
| First built | 1773 |
| Latest built | 1890 |
| Length | 41.02 m (134 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 5.46 m (17 ft 11 in) |
| Fall | 1.23 m (4 ft 1 in) |
| Above sea level | 92' |
| Distance to Teddington Lock |
39 miles |
Temple Lock is a special gate system on the River Thames. It helps boats move smoothly between different water levels. You can find it on the Buckinghamshire side of the river. It's near Temple Mill Island and not far from Hurley, Berkshire.
The lock was first built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1773. Next to the lock, there is a 'weir.' A weir is like a small wall across the river. It helps control the water level and flow.
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History of Temple Lock
Long ago, even before the current lock, there were simpler ways to move boats here. Records from the 1500s mention an old type of lock called a "flash lock." There was also a ferry service at this spot.
The modern type of lock, called a "pound lock," was built in 1773. It was one of the first eight locks built on the Thames. These locks were needed after a new law in 1770 helped improve river travel.
However, the first lock needed to be rebuilt in 1782. Builders thought about using stone or wood. They chose wood because it was cheaper. Later, in 1890, a brand new lock was built right next to the original one.
How to Reach Temple Lock
The lock is located on the Buckinghamshire side of the river. You can only get to it by walking. The best way is to follow the towpath. You can start your walk from either Marlow or Hurley.
The River Section Above the Lock
The section of the river right above Temple Lock is quite short. There isn't much else along this part of the river. In the past, there was a ferry at the top of the lock's entrance channel. This ferry helped people cross the river.
The ferry stopped running in 1953. To replace it, the Temple Footbridge was built in 1989. This bridge now crosses the river at the same spot where the old ferry used to be.
Walking the Thames Path
The Thames Path is a long walking trail. It crosses the river at Temple Footbridge. So, walkers move from the Buckinghamshire side to the Berkshire side here. The path then crosses back over the river. It uses other footbridges between the islands at Hurley, where Hurley Lock is located.
