Chertsey Lock

About

Way back in the 16th and 17th centuries there was a ford across the Thames here at Chertsey, although this was later discarded in favour of a ferry carrying people and goods across the river.

This part of the river was referred to as Laleham Gulls - an area of shallows causing all sorts of difficulties for barges and other river traffic. Eventually the Corporation of the City of London realised the need to improve navigation here and between 1811-1815 they built a series of large locks along the Thames, Chertsey being one of them. This project was described at the time as 'one of the most outstanding examples of river engineering in history'.

French Brothers calls at Sunbury Lock with its Runnymede to Hampton Court Service during the summer months (please check availability).

Did you know?

The local landowner, Lord Lucan (ancestor of the 'disappeared' Lucan) claimed that the lock and lock house spoiled his view. So the lock house was 'sunk' into the ground, causing a later resident to complain of the 'low and therefore damp situation of his bedrooms.'

 

Find out more about the Chertsey Lock facilities.