Temple Lock on the River Thames

This lock is quite unique in that when a new replacement lock was built in 1890, the builders left the old one in place alongside it. The old lock was modified with channels to enable light craft, skiffs and punts to be transferred up and downstream.

There was a weir and flash lock here from around 1544 - this was updated to a timber pound lock by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1773. The lock was rebuilt in 1782 and it remained like this until 1890 when a new lock was built alongside. The first lock keeper's house was built in 1777. Today's house was built in 1959.

Did you know?

Nearby Bisham Abbey is famous today as a national sports centre, but it has an important place in English history. It was founded in the 12th century and was part of the divorce settlement for Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

Temple bridge closed- Thames Path on diversion May 2023 onwards

Statement from the EA:

Due to safety concerns we have had to close Temple Footbridge from today, Monday 15 May, until further notice.

Temple Footbridge enables pedestrians to cross the River Thames just upstream of Temple Lock near Marlow, and forms part of the Thames Path.

Although we carry out regular structural surveys of all our bridges and other structures,  the condition of the bridge’s deck boards appear to have deteriorated more quickly than anticipated.

We now need to assess what work is required to return the bridge to safe condition.

We cannot say at the moment what the timescale for that might be, but we are well aware of the inconvenience the bridge closure will cause to the local community and will look to resolve the issue as soon as we can.

We are working with the relevant agencies to put an emergency diversion in place, and will communicate the route as soon as it is agreed.

Diversion Hurley towards Marlow

Diversion Marlow towards Hurley

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)3708 506 506
Postcode: SL7 1SA

Find out more about the Temple Lock facilities.

Image credit: http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Thames_Marlow-Henley.html