Sandford Lock on the River Thames

Sandford is the site of one of the first three pound locks built on the Thames in 1630. It was built in stone and was rebuilt in 1795 and 1836. Over the years the lock has undergone many modifications and updates, and little of the original construction remains.

The existing lock, the deepest on the non-tidal Thames, was built alongside an earlier one - you can still see the long indentation in the grass. On the lockside there are three large lumps of granite, which remain from the old lock.

In 1875 the nearby Sandford Paper Mill was rebuilt requiring the head water level to be raised by 5 feet. This may explain the need for such a deep lock-chamber. Salters Steamers scheduled public trips stop here. You can embark or disembark without pre-booking. Daily in season from 25th May to 8th September 2019.

Did you know?

The name Sandford possibly originates from a sandy river crossing, or 'sans ford' - without a ford. Sans is Middle English for 'without'.

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)3708 506 506
Postcode: OX4 4YD

Salters Steamers drop off and pick up from here 7 days a week in season from 28th May to 11th September 2016 as part of their Oxford to Abingdon service.

Find out more about the Sandford Lock facilities.

Image credit: http://www.thames-path.org.uk/thames_abingdon_oxford.html