Day's Lock, Thames River lock and footbridge in Dorchester, England
Day's Lock is a lock and footbridge crossing the River Thames near Dorchester, serving both water traffic and pedestrians. The structure allows boats to navigate changes in water level while providing walkers with a direct route across the river.
The lock was built in 1789 by the Thames Navigation Commissioners to replace an older flash lock system that had operated since the 16th century. This construction was part of broader improvements to the river to make navigation more efficient.
The footbridge hosted the Poohsticks Championships for many years, where players dropped sticks from one side to race them downstream. This quirky competition was inspired by a scene in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories and became a charming local tradition.
The site sits along the Thames Path, a popular walking route offering straightforward access to the area. The bridge connects both riverbanks and leads toward Little Wittenham village, which is within walking distance.
The site serves as the main gauging station for monitoring water flow in the River Thames, continuously collecting data about water levels. This scientific role makes it a valuable observation point for hydrologists and environmental specialists.
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