Bull's Lock

Bull's Lock is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire that regulates water levels for boat passage. The stone-walled structure allows vessels to move between different water elevations on the waterway.

The lock was built between 1718 and 1723 under engineer John Hore's direction as part of a regional waterway development project. It dates from an era when waterways were systematically developed to improve commerce and transport.

The lock represents a connection point between the River Kennet and the canal system, demonstrating early industrial engineering methods from the 18th century.

The lock slows boats as water levels change, so visitors should allow time to watch the mechanism operate. The best viewpoint is from the towpath beside the canal, where you can see the entire process unfold.

The lock connects the River Kennet directly to the canal system, creating a rare point where natural and artificial waterways meet. This design was unusual for its time and shows how engineers integrated natural river flows into their plans.