Hambleden Lock, River lock and footbridge system in Berkshire, England
Hambleden Lock is a lock and footbridge complex on the River Thames connecting Berkshire to Buckinghamshire. The site features a long lock chamber with associated weirs and walking paths that allow access across the river.
The original lock was constructed in 1773 to improve river navigation and control water levels. The structure underwent major reconstruction work in the 1870s and received additional weirs in the following decade.
The location holds significance in the history of competitive rowing on the Thames, marking the birthplace of a sporting tradition that still influences British water activities today. Visitors can sense how this stretch of river remains connected to recreation and outdoor pursuits.
The site is easily accessible on foot with clear pathways on both sides of the river and dedicated areas for pedestrians and cyclists. Visit during dry conditions when the walkways are safe and most pleasant to explore.
A former lock keeper who worked here in the late 1700s operated a bakery for river workers, with his ovens discovered only in the 1970s during restoration work. The discovery offers a glimpse into the daily life of those who maintained the river.
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