Blake's Lock
Telephone: +44 (0)118 957 2251
Postcode: RG1 3DS
Click the link below for a map and a list of facilities at the lock.
Location and facilities for Blake's Lock
Blake's Lock is unique because it is the only one that, while controlled by the Environment Agency, is not on the River Thames. As with most other locks on the Thames, Blake's was originally a flash lock (an early and crude lock, which consisted of a small opening that had to be quickly opened and closed).
It used to be owned by the then Kennet and Avon Company.
Standing beside the lock is a pair of houses built as recently as 1968, one of them home to the lock keeper. Records show that there was a lock keeper's house here in 1802, but this was demolished to make way for a new building in 1840.
Lock Keeper
The Lock Keeper here is Andy Penny who arrived at Blake's Lock some five years ago. Thirty-nine-year-old Andy started his lock keeping career as a summer assistant. It was when he was living on his 65ft narrowboat, Gypsy Lady, that he saw an advert for a lock keeper's assistant. He says, 'I've always had links with the river, and this was an ideal way of combining work with pleasure'.
Andy is a self-confessed townie, preferring the closeness of Reading, but enjoys the history and tranquillity of his lock. 'I like the fact that it's a manual beam lock too. It keeps me fit and is a constant reminder of the colourful history of this lock' he adds.
Did you know?
In 1771, the toll at Blake’s Lock was fourpence halfpenny, and in 1821 it was 19 shillings per 140 tonnes.