Penton Hook Lock, River lock in Middlesex, England
Penton Hook Lock is a river lock on the Thames in Middlesex that manages water levels for boats and vessels traveling downstream. The facility enables different types of watercraft to pass through safely and continues to serve both commercial and recreational navigation.
The lock was built in 1815 following Parliament's decision in 1814 to address navigation difficulties and river erosion along the Thames. This engineering work became one of several improvements made to manage the river during that period.
The lock serves as a meeting point for working river people and leisure boaters who navigate these waters. You see here a distinct world with its own rhythms, where the daily operations of moving vessels through are woven into Thames life.
You can reach the lock by following Blacksmiths Lane or the Riverside path, where parking is available nearby. The area around the lock can be wet and slippery, so wearing sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The lock faces an island that was formed from a sharp river bend, which is how it got its name referring to this hook-shaped meander. It ranks among the longer locks on the Thames and represents a distinctive example of engineering from the early 1800s.
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