Godstow Lock on the River Thames

Godstow Lock has the distinction of being the highest hydraulic-operated pound lock on the River Thames.

Godstow is also well known for its nunnery ruins, literally a few yards from the lock. It dates back to the 1100s, when Henry II was King of England. Here you will find legends of scandal, notoriety and war. It was in the nunnery that Henry II met his mistress, Rosamund Clifford, who bore him two sons. Later the nunnery became notorious for its 'hospitality' towards the young monks at Oxford.

Henry VIII, during the dissolution of the monasteries, destroyed Godstow Abbey. Later, during the Civil War the village was used by Royalists to defend Godstow Bridge. When the Roundheads attacked, the whole site was burned down.

Did you know?

The Trout Inn and the picturesque riverbanks on which it sits upon apparently provided inspiration to Lewis Carroll for the magical Alice in Wonderland. An episode of the successful television series Inspector Morse was also filmed here.

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)3708 506 506
Postcode: OX2 8PJ

Find out more about the Godstow Lock facilities.