Iffley Lock, River lock in Oxford outskirts, England
Iffley Lock is a lock on the River Thames that moves boats between different water levels using gates and mechanical systems. The site also features a footbridge crossing the waterway on the southern edge of Oxford.
The current lock structure was built in 1793 by the Thames Navigation Commission, replacing an earlier one from 1631. This change reflects gradual improvements to river navigation over the centuries.
The lock maintains specific operating hours that historically respected religious services, with regulations preventing passage during divine service times.
You can reach the lock from both sides of the river, either via Donnington Bridge on the west or through Iffley village on the east. The paths are well-marked and make for an easy walk to the site.
A specialized roller mechanism allows smaller boats like punts and rowing boats to be transferred between water levels without using the main lock gates. This ingenious system reduces waiting times for recreational vessels navigating the river.
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