Sandford Lock

Sandford Lock is a river lock and footbridge with a water level drop of about 2.7 meters, the steepest change on the non-tidal Thames. The structure connects three islands and allows pedestrians to cross between the eastern and western banks via an iron bridge.

The first lock at this location was built in 1631 by the Oxford-Burcot Commission and represented early innovation in lock engineering. Major reconstructions took place in 1795 and 1836 to meet the demands of growing river traffic.

An obelisk near the lock honors students from Christ Church who died in the nearby Sandford Lasher pool. The memorial stands as a quiet reminder of a tragedy linked to this stretch of river.

The footbridge is accessible from both riverbanks and offers a convenient crossing point for visitors exploring the area. The site is best visited during daylight hours when you can safely navigate the bridge and view the surroundings clearly.

A hydroelectric system using an Archimedes screw was installed here in 2018, blending traditional water management with renewable energy production. This innovative setup demonstrates how historic waterway structures can be adapted to generate clean power while maintaining their original function.

Location: Sandford-on-Thames

GPS coordinates: 51.70800,-1.23310

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01