Teddington Lock

Teddington Lock is a complex of locks and weir on the River Thames between Ham and Teddington in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The installation contains three separate chambers: a launch lock measuring 54 m (177 ft), a skiff lock of 15 m (49 ft), and a barge lock extending 198 m (650 ft).

Construction began in 1810 to improve navigation on the lower river and regulate water levels. A major rebuild in 1857 replaced the original timber structure with more durable stone.

The site takes its name from the nearby area and showcases typical Victorian-era waterway engineering still visible across many canal and river installations in the region. On weekends, local residents walk along the towpaths while boat owners pass through the different chambers.

The installation functions as the lowest full-tide lock on the Thames, marking the transition between tidal river and managed waterway. Pedestrians can cross the entire complex using the footbridges while observing lock operations from above.

Two Grade II listed footbridges built in 1888 span the entire site and allow visitors to watch the lock gates during operation. The site served as a gathering point for small vessels during the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation before they departed for the French coast.

Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

GPS coordinates: 51.43150,-0.32390

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:20