Pinkhill Lock
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 881452
Postcode: OX29 4JH
Click the link below for a map and a list of facilities at the lock.
Location and facilities for Pinkhill Lock
The manual beam pound lock at Pinkhill was built in 1791, and it looks today just as it did in the 18th century, when merchants' barges were a common sight, travelling to and from London. The arrival of the railways caused a decline in river traffic. These days, pleasure boats are the main craft to use this part of the Thames.
On the weir stream used to be a paddle and rymer weir but this was demolished in 1932 to make way for a Buck weir (using gates that rise vertically on upright runners both sides), which lasted until the new electrically 0perated radial weir was installed in 1998.
Lock Keeper
Tim Brown has been resident Lock Keeper here since 1980, working his way through the system as a summer assistant, patrol boatman and relief lockkeeper. Before that he was a marine engineer at Stuart Turner's Marine Engineers in Henley.
His main love, after family, is his lock. 'It is a labour of love. We are not just keepers of the lock. We are gardeners, DIY-ers, first-aid experts, even marriage guidance counsellors! All sorts of things crop up at the lock. It's never dull, that's for sure!'
Did you know?
In 1935, Amy Johnson, the legendary pilot, flew a biplane from here, signing autographs for fans. She charged half a crown (two shillings and sixpence in old money) a time!