Romney Lock on the River Thames

Romney Lock's history goes back to the 1400s, when records tell us there was a weir (a flash lock) here called Bullokeslok. This flash lock was part of a fishery, which went by the name of Cokkeshole. The origins of these names remain a mystery.

It wasn't until 1795-7 that an oak pound lock was built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners, but it was rebuilt by the Thames Conservancy in 1869 and again by the Thames Water Authority in 1979.

A recent development was the installation of a public-operation control system, which means the lock can be opened and closed outside normal opening hours.

Did you know?

J Sutton (traditional oar and scull makers) of Romney Lock are famous for producing the oars for Sir Steve Redgrave when he won his Olympic medals.

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)3708 506 506
Postcode: SL4 6HU

Find out more about the Romney Lock facilities.