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{{Short description|Lock on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
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{{Infobox Waterlock
{{Use British English|date=March 2018}}
|lock_name = Iffley Lock<ref>[http://www.visitthames.co.uk/uploads/a_users_guide_to_the_River_thames.pdf Statistics from Environment Agency ''A User's Guide to the River Thames:Part II'']</ref>
{{stack begin}}
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{{Infobox waterlock
|lock_name = Iffley Lock
|image= IffleyLock01.JPG
|image= IffleyLock01.JPG
|caption= Iffley Lock from downstream
|caption= Iffley Lock from downstream
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|first = 1631
|first = 1631
|latest = 1927
|latest = 1927
|length = {{convert|46.96|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <ref name="EnvAgency" >{{cite web |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/135271.aspx |title=Environment Agency Dimensions of locks on the River Thames |date=8 November 2012 |work=web page |publisher=Environmental Agency |accessdate=17 November 2012}} Dimensions given in metres</ref>
|length = 154’ 1” (46.96m)
|width = {{convert|6.47|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" />
|width = 21’ 3” (6.47m)
|fall = {{convert|0.81|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" />
|fall = 2’ 8” 0.81m
|sealevel = 178'
|sealevel = 178'
|enda = [[Teddington Lock]]
|enda = [[Teddington Lock]]
|distenda = 91 miles
|distenda = 91 miles
|endb =
|endb =
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|distendb =
| map_cue=
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| coordinates= {{coord|51|43|42.45|N|1|14|25.21|W|}}
| coordinates= {{Coord|51|43|42.45|N|1|14|25.21|W}}
| lat=
| lat=
| long=
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{{Osney Lock map|Iffley Lock}}
{{Osney Lock map|Iffley Lock}}
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'''Iffley Lock''' is a [[lock (water transport)|lock]] on the [[River Thames]] in England near the village of [[Iffley]], [[Oxfordshire]]. It is on the southern outskirts of [[Oxford]]. The original lock was built by the [[Oxford-Burcot Commission]] in 1631 and the [[Thames Navigation Commission]] replaced this in 1793. The lock has a set of rollers to allow [[punt (boat)|punts]] and [[rowing boat]]s to be moved between the water levels.
'''Iffley Lock''' is a [[lock (water transport)|lock]] on the [[River Thames]] in England near the village of [[Iffley]], [[Oxfordshire]]. It is on the southern outskirts of [[Oxford]]. The original lock was built by the [[Oxford-Burcot Commission]] in 1631 and the [[Thames Navigation Commission]] replaced this in 1793. The lock has a set of rollers to allow [[punt (boat)|punts]] and [[rowing boat]]s to be moved between the water levels.
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==History==
==History==
[[Image:RollersAtIffleyLock.jpg|thumb|left|The Rollers at Iffley Lock]]A weir was owned by [[Lincoln College, Oxford|Lincoln College]] as early as 1302 and this weir may have carried the bridge which is referenced earlier than this. Iffley Lock was the [[pound lock]] furthest upstream that was built by the Oxford-Burcot Commission in 1631. In 1790 the Thames Commissioners took over Iffley and the other Oxford-Burcot locks at [[Sandford Lock|Sandford]] and [[Swift Ditch]]. The Commission rebuilt the lock in 1793, and the keeper was instructed to take tolls for "[[punt (boat)|punt]]s, pleasure boats, [[Thames skiff|skiff]]s and [[wherry|wherries]]" at a charge of sixpence for punts and skiffs and one shilling for four oared craft. However access to the lock was awkward for barge traffic heading for the [[Thames and Severn Canal]] which had to enter backwards and take down their masts. Improvements and enlargements were made to the lock in 1802 and 1806 and the stone lockhouse was built in 1810. In 1826, it was ordered that no craft should pass through the lock during the hours of divine service. In the middle of the 19th century there was a problem with water levels below the water and a witness to a parliamentary enquiry reported that cows and horses were sometimes driven into the river to create sufficient draught. The lock was repaired in 1866, and ten years later the lock was being blamed for flooding in Oxford. Although the boat slide was promised in 1885, at the same time the Thames Conservancy were considering removing the lock. However there were many petitions to retain it and it survived.<ref>Fred. S. Thacker ''The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs'' 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles</ref> The latest rebuilding took place in 1927.
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:RollersAtIffleyLock.jpg|thumb|left|The Rollers at Iffley Lock]] -->A weir was owned by [[Lincoln College, Oxford|Lincoln College]] as early as 1302 and this weir may have carried the bridge which is referenced earlier than this. Iffley Lock was the [[pound lock]] furthest upstream that was built by the Oxford-Burcot Commission in 1631. In 1790 the Thames Commissioners took over Iffley and the other Oxford-Burcot locks at [[Sandford Lock|Sandford]] and [[Swift Ditch]]. The Commission rebuilt the lock in 1793, and the keeper was instructed to take tolls for "[[punt (boat)|punt]]s, pleasure boats, [[Thames skiff|skiff]]s and [[wherry|wherries]]" at a charge of sixpence for punts and skiffs and one shilling for four oared craft. However access to the lock was awkward for barge traffic heading for the [[Thames and Severn Canal]] which had to enter backwards and take down their masts. Improvements and enlargements were made to the lock in 1802 and 1806 and the stone lockhouse was built in 1810. In 1826, it was ordered that no craft should pass through the lock during the hours of divine service. In the middle of the 19th century there was a problem with water levels below the water and a witness to a parliamentary enquiry reported that cows and horses were sometimes driven into the river to create sufficient draught. The lock was repaired in 1866, and ten years later the lock was being blamed for flooding in Oxford. Although the boat slide was promised in 1885, at the same time the [[Thames Conservancy]] were considering removing the lock. However there were many petitions to retain it and it survived.<ref>Fred. S. Thacker ''The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs'' 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles</ref>
[[File:Starting Ring presented to OUBC by Lord Desborough 1924.jpg|thumb|left|Starting Ring presented to OUBC by Lord Desborough 1924]]
The latest rebuilding took place in 1927.


==Access to the lock==
==Access to the lock==
The lock can be reached on foot on the track from Donnington Bridge on the western side.
The lock can be reached on foot on the track from Donnington Bridge on the western side or from Iffley village on the eastern side. The lock can be crossed on foot.


==Reach above the lock==
==Reach above the lock==
[[File:OUCollegeBHs01.JPG|thumb|left|College boathouses and Christ Church Meadow]]
[[File:IffleyReach02.JPG|thumb|left|Housing above Folly Bridge]]
⚫
The river at this point and around Oxford in general is sometimes known as the [[The Isis|Isis]]. [[Donnington Bridge]] crosses the river upstream of the lock and then the [[River Cherwell]] joins the Thames on the northern side. Boathouses of [[Oxford University]] colleges line the bank on the northern side, followed by [[Christ Church Meadow, Oxford|Christ Church Meadow]]. This upstream stretch of the river is used for [[sport rowing|rowing]], and is the location of the University rowing regattas of [[Torpids]] and [[Eights Week|Summer Eights]]. After Christ Church Meadow is [[Folly Bridge]] where are the landing stages for pleasure boats. After Folly Bridge, the river runs through suburbs where it is crossed by [[Grandpont Bridge]]. Beyond this is the [[Gasworks Bridge]], a converted railway bridge, and the [[Osney Rail Bridge]].


⚫
The [[Thames Path]] stays on the western side towards [[South Hinksey]] until it reaches Osney Lock.
⚫
The river at this point and around Oxford in general is known as the [[The Isis|Isis]]. [[Donnington Bridge]] crosses the river upstream of the lock and then the [[River Cherwell]] joins the Thames on the northern side. The [[Oxford University|university]] college boathouses line the bank on the northern side, followed by [[Christ Church Meadow]]. This upstream stretch of the river is used for [[sport rowing|rowing]], and is the location of the University rowing regattas of [[Torpids]] and [[Eights Week|Summer Eights]]. After Christcurch Meadow is [[Folly Bridge]] where are the landing stages for pleasure boats. After Folly bridge, the river runs through suburbs where it is crossed by the [[Oxford Footbridge]]. Beyond this is the [[Osney Footbridge]], a converted railway bridge, and the [[Osney Rail Bridge]].

⚫
The '''[[Thames Path]]''' stays on the western side towards [[South Hinksey]] until it reaches Osney Lock.


<gallery>
Image:IffleyLock.jpg|Iffley Lock
⚫
Image:IffleyLock03.JPG|The lock from upstream
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Transport}}
{{UKWP}}
⚫
[[File:IffleyLock03.JPG|thumb|The lock from upstream]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:IffleyLock.jpg|thumb|Iffley Lock]] -->


* [[Locks on the River Thames]]
* [[Locks on the River Thames]]
* [[Rowing on the River Thames]]
* [[Rowing on the River Thames]]
* [[Crossings of the River Thames]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
{{commons category|Iffley Lock}}
* [http://www.waterscape.com/servicesdirectory/Iffley_Lock Waterscape.com information]
* [https://archive.today/20070927235539/http://www.waterscape.com/servicesdirectory/Iffley_Lock Waterscape.com information]
* [http://www.thames-path.com/ Thames Path Online Guide]
* [http://www.thames-path.com/ Thames Path Online Guide]


{{Start box}}
{{S-start}}
{{River bridge start|River=[[River Thames]]}}
{{River item line|upstream=[[Donnington Bridge]] (road)|downstream=[[Isis Bridge]] (road)}}
{{River lock start|River=[[River Thames]]}}
{{River lock start|River=[[River Thames]]}}
{{River lock line|upstream=[[Osney Lock]]<br/> 2.32 miles|downstream=[[Sandford Lock]]<br/> 1.68 miles|location=SP525036}}
{{River lock line|upstream=[[Osney Lock]]<br/> {{convert|3.73|km|abbr=on}} <ref name="EnvAgency2" >{{cite web |url= http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/131811.aspx |title=Environment Agency Distances between locks on the River Thames |date=19 November 2012 |work=web page |publisher=Environmental Agency |accessdate=20 November 2012}} Distances given in km</ref>|downstream=[[Sandford Lock]]<br/> {{convert|2.70|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency2" />|location=SP525036}}
{{End box}}
{{S-end}}


[[Category:Locks on the River Thames]]
[[Category:Locks on the River Thames]]
[[Category:Locks of Oxfordshire]]
[[Category:Locks of Oxfordshire]]
[[Category:Thames Path]]

Latest revision as of 16:46, 2 December 2022

Iffley Lock
Iffley Lock from downstream
Map
51°43′42.45″N 1°14′25.21″W / 51.7284583°N 1.2403361°W / 51.7284583; -1.2403361
WaterwayRiver Thames
CountyOxfordshire
Maintained byEnvironment Agency
OperationHydraulic
First built1631
Latest built1927
Length46.96 m (154 ft 1 in) [1]
Width6.47 m (21 ft 3 in)[1]
Fall0.81 m (2 ft 8 in)[1]
Above sea level178'
Distance to
Teddington Lock		91 miles
Iffley Lock
Legend
 River Thames
weir
weir
Godstow Lock
Seacourt Stream
--
(to King's Lock)
 Oxford Canal
Castle Mill Stream
Sheepwash Channel
Oxford station
 A420  Botley Road
Osney Lock and mill
moorings
Bulstake Stream
 Osney Rail Bridge
 A4144  Folly Bridge
River Cherwell
Railway bridge
weir
 B4495  Donnington Bridge
Iffley Lock and rollers
Hinksey Stream
 A423  Isis Bridge
River Thames

Iffley Lock is a lock on the River Thames in England near the village of Iffley, Oxfordshire. It is on the southern outskirts of Oxford. The original lock was built by the Oxford-Burcot Commission in 1631 and the Thames Navigation Commission replaced this in 1793. The lock has a set of rollers to allow punts and rowing boats to be moved between the water levels.

In addition the lock and weir streams there is stream further to the east which used to be the Mill Stream.

The weir is downstream of the lock, where the weir stream is joined by the mill stream.

History

[edit]

A weir was owned by Lincoln College as early as 1302 and this weir may have carried the bridge which is referenced earlier than this. Iffley Lock was the pound lock furthest upstream that was built by the Oxford-Burcot Commission in 1631. In 1790 the Thames Commissioners took over Iffley and the other Oxford-Burcot locks at Sandford and Swift Ditch. The Commission rebuilt the lock in 1793, and the keeper was instructed to take tolls for "punts, pleasure boats, skiffs and wherries" at a charge of sixpence for punts and skiffs and one shilling for four oared craft. However access to the lock was awkward for barge traffic heading for the Thames and Severn Canal which had to enter backwards and take down their masts. Improvements and enlargements were made to the lock in 1802 and 1806 and the stone lockhouse was built in 1810. In 1826, it was ordered that no craft should pass through the lock during the hours of divine service. In the middle of the 19th century there was a problem with water levels below the water and a witness to a parliamentary enquiry reported that cows and horses were sometimes driven into the river to create sufficient draught. The lock was repaired in 1866, and ten years later the lock was being blamed for flooding in Oxford. Although the boat slide was promised in 1885, at the same time the Thames Conservancy were considering removing the lock. However there were many petitions to retain it and it survived.[2]

Starting Ring presented to OUBC by Lord Desborough 1924

The latest rebuilding took place in 1927.

Access to the lock

[edit]

The lock can be reached on foot on the track from Donnington Bridge on the western side or from Iffley village on the eastern side. The lock can be crossed on foot.

Reach above the lock

[edit]
College boathouses and Christ Church Meadow
Housing above Folly Bridge

The river at this point and around Oxford in general is sometimes known as the Isis. Donnington Bridge crosses the river upstream of the lock and then the River Cherwell joins the Thames on the northern side. Boathouses of Oxford University colleges line the bank on the northern side, followed by Christ Church Meadow. This upstream stretch of the river is used for rowing, and is the location of the University rowing regattas of Torpids and Summer Eights. After Christ Church Meadow is Folly Bridge where are the landing stages for pleasure boats. After Folly Bridge, the river runs through suburbs where it is crossed by Grandpont Bridge. Beyond this is the Gasworks Bridge, a converted railway bridge, and the Osney Rail Bridge.

The Thames Path stays on the western side towards South Hinksey until it reaches Osney Lock.

See also

[edit]
The lock from upstream

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Environment Agency Dimensions of locks on the River Thames". web page. Environmental Agency. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012. Dimensions given in metres
  2. ^ Fred. S. Thacker The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iffley Lock.
Next crossing upstream River Thames Next crossing downstream
Donnington Bridge (road) Iffley Lock Isis Bridge (road)
Next lock upstream River Thames Next lock downstream
Osney Lock
3.73 km (2.32 mi) [1] 		Iffley Lock
Grid reference: SP525036 		Sandford Lock
2.70 km (1.68 mi)[1]
  1. ^ a b "Environment Agency Distances between locks on the River Thames". web page. Environmental Agency. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012. Distances given in km
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