Grafton Lock, Lock structure on River Thames in Oxfordshire, England
Grafton Lock is a lock structure on the River Thames in Oxfordshire that manages water levels for river traffic. It sits between Kelmscott and Radcot, with gates and mechanisms that allow boats to move between different water heights as they travel along the river.
The lock was built in 1896 and replaced an older weir that used a different type of water management system. This construction was part of efforts to improve the Thames for boat traffic in the late 1800s.
Kelmscott Manor sits just north of the lock, a house that belonged to William Morris, an artist and designer who left a mark on British crafts and thinking during the late 1800s. The place reflects his values about beauty and handmade work, which still draw people interested in his legacy.
The lock sits along an accessible riverside path where visitors can watch boats pass through the structure. The best time to visit is when boats are actively using the lock, which brings movement and activity to the spot.
The meadows around the lock are protected as a site of special scientific interest because of the rare plant species found there. This protection means the area holds value for people interested in plants and wildlife.
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