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{{short description|Lock and weir on the River Thames, England}}
{{Infobox Waterlock
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox waterlock
|lock_name = Boulter's Lock |lock_name = Boulter's Lock
|image= BoultersLock02.JPG
|image= Boulterscutjuly2006.jpg|thumb|Boulter's Weir cut channel|200px|right|]]
|caption= Boulter's Lock as a pleasure boat squeezes in and under the bridge
|caption= The top channel
|waterway = ] |waterway = ]
|county = ] |county = ]
|maint = ] |maint = ]
|operation = Hydraulic
|first = 1772 |first = 1772
|latest = 1912 |latest = 1912
|length = {{convert|60.80|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 |access-date=18 November 2012}} Dimensions given in metres.</ref>
|length = 199' 6" (60.80m)
|width = {{convert|6.47|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" />
|width = 21' 3" (6.47m)
|fall = {{convert|2.39|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" />
|fall = 7' 10" (2.39m)
|sealevel = 77' |sealevel = {{convert|77|ft|m}}
|enda = ] |enda = ]
|distenda = 31 miles |distenda = {{convert|31|mi|km}}
|endb = |endb =
|distendb = |distendb =
| map_cue= | map_cue=
| map_image= | map_image=
| map_text= | map_text=
| map_width= | map_width=
| coordinates= | coordinates=
| lat= | extra=
| long=
| extra=
}} }}
{{Boulters Lock map|Boulter's Lock}}
'''Boulter's Lock''' is a ] and ] situated on the ] on the eastern side of ] (formerly in ]) in the ] county of ]. The name is also used for the immediate surrounding area.
'''Boulter's Lock''' is a ] and ] on the ] in England north-east of ] town centre, ]. The present 1912-built lock replaces those at this point of the river to the immediate east dating from the late 16th century and that of 1772 built by the ]. The lock is on the western side of the north–south flowing reach between the ''A4094'' Maidenhead to Cookham road and ]. The name is variably used for the immediate surrounding area.


The lock and weir is owned and managed by the ]. The weir is one of the most popular whitewater ] areas on the ], after ]. The weir is some way upstream of the lock, at the northern end of Ray Mill Island. It is one of the most popular whitewater ] areas on the River Thames, as it has been modified to allow kayakers to use it without causing disruption to other river users.


== Etymology == ==History==
The earliest reference to a ] is in the late 16th century, although a mill is known to have existed here in the 14th century. The flash lock was located in what is now the main weir, with a winch to haul barges through on the west bank near the tip of Boulter's Island.{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |p=176}} In 1746 it was written that there was no (extant) lock further downstream on the Thames.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} The ] obtained in April 1771 did not allow the Thames Navigation Commission to build locks below ],{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |p=153}} so the lock built here in 1772 was the furthest downstream of the eight first built by the commission.{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |p=172}} The lock was timber-sided, and the work was overseen by Joseph Nickalls, who had designed a scheme of improvements to the river from Abingdon to Richmond, in preparation for obtaining the ].{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |pp=153–154}} Originally the lock was on the ] side, close to Taplow Mill.{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |p=176}} It was referred to as Boltus lock or Bolters lock. A "bolter" was a ] and referred to the mill of Taplow. In 1773 a resident landowner complained of trespass in his woods by barge crews who "very much misbehaved themselves by their indecent conversation and horrid oaths and imprecations."{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |p=176}} Its prototype lock-keeper's house was built here in 1774. By 1780 the lock was reported as being in as bad a state as Marlow, and in 1795 Phillips ''Inland Navigation'' complained of the deep hole and subsequent shoals caused by the force of water.
A "bolter" was a ] and hence means "miller's lock."


In 1825 the City of London Corporation complained regarding condition and recommended it be rebuilt on the Berkshire side of the river. This involved excavating a {{convert|600|yd|m|adj=on}} lock cut. For drainage during construction, a ] was placed in the weir, which was used to operate pumps. The contract to dig was given to George Gynell, at a cost of £1,630. A separate contract for the masonry and millwright's work was given to Clarke and Moss, while carpentry and general labouring was done by men employed directly by the commission. Stone was obtained from ] near ]. Because of the distance from the fall below to the lock, a separate {{convert|6|hp|kW|abbr=on|adj=on}} steam engine was used in operation post-building to pump out (lower) the lock chamber. The project was managed by George Treacher, with work beginning in December 1827 and finishing in April 1829. The total cost of the work was £11,800 When completed, the lock's volume &ndash; {{convert|151|by|19|ft|m}} length with a fall of {{convert|6|ft|m}} plus depth of {{convert|5|ft|m}} over the sills—was the largest of a pound lock with masonry walls on English river navigations. In recognition of his work, Treacher was awarded £100 by the Commission in June 1829.{{sfn |Skempton |1996 |pp=170–171}} The new lock was known as Ray Mill pound after Ray Mill Island next to it. The lock cut created ].
== History ==
The first ] was constructed in order to make the higher reaches of the River Thames on the site in ], although there had been other types of lock, including a ] on the site previously. The lock itself was built just two years after the ] which gave the ] the power of ] in order to make the river more accessible.


This part of the river became popular for boating parties in the late 19th century and early 20th century, as portrayed in a painting by ]. The lock was a popular place to visit on the Sunday after ] when the wealthy and famous passed through the lock, some on their way to ]. In 1899 an iron railing was placed round the lock to keep spectators at bay. In 1909 the ] purchased Ray Mill Island to provide for expansion of the lock, and it was rebuilt in 1912.{{sfn |Thacker |1968 |pp=327–328}}
The lock was moved to the opposite bank of the river and enlarged in ] and ]. The lock is situated between the main ] to ] road and ]. This area of the river became popular for boating parties in the late ] and early ].


Congestion at the lock was a serious problem before ], and a novel solution was employed to reduce it. A moving ramp, consisting of wooden slats with chocks to prevent rowing boats from rolling over, was constructed to bypass the lock. The ramp was similar to an ], and small boats simply rowed towards it, and were carried up to the higher level while the occupants remained seated in their boat. The boat lift opened in 1909, and was powered by an electric motor. The date of its demise is uncertain, but its location on Ray Mill island can still be visited.{{sfn |McKnight |1981 |pp=45–47}}
The mill on the island was constructed in ] on the site of a previous mill, and continued to produce flour until the ]. The island has subsequently been the location of a hotel, as well as pleasure gardens managed by the ]. There are a small number of private residences on the island.


The ] opened at Boulters Weir on 19 May 2000 by the ] was the last of a series built on the Thames.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/parks_ray_mill_island.htm |title=Ray Mill Island |publisher=Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead |access-date=14 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214104205/http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/parks_ray_mill_island.htm |archive-date=14 February 2015 }}</ref> The last salmon caught at the weir was landed on 5 August 1993. It is to this day the largest salmon in recorded history caught on the non-tidal River Thames and weighed 14lb's, measuring 97&nbsp;cm's in length.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1972/apr/25/thames-pollution-control-and-fish-life |title=Thames Pollution Control and Fish Life |author=Parliamentary debate |work=] |date=25 April 1972}}</ref>
== Construction ==
The lock is a ] which is 60.81 metres in length and 6.48 metres in width, and has a depth of 5.25m at its highest. It is a manned lock.


== Weir == ==Access==
] ]
Ray Mead road/Lower Cookham road (A4094) runs alongside the lock. There is a public car park about 100m north of the lock. A track runs onto the lock island. An hourly bus route to the lock from ] town centre is run by ].
The weir is some way from the lock, at the northern end of Ray Mill Island. Like most other locks, Boulter's Lock has a weir to maintain the level of the river while still flowing water downstream. Boulter's Weir is special in that it has special modifications made to it, to allow kayakers to play on it without causing disruption to other river users.


{{clear}}
The last Salmon ladder to be built on the Thames was opened at Boulters Weir on 19 May 2000 by the Duke of Wellington


==Reach above the Lock== ==Reach above the lock==
After the long cut beside the islands the reach opens out at the head of the ] on the ] bank. This is followed by the spectacular hanging beech woods on the escarpment above which sits ], well known for the ] and the ]. The river then curves round into the islands where Cookham Lock is situated. After the long cut beside the islands the reach opens out at the head of the ] on the east bank. This is followed by ] on Cliveden Deep with landscaped hanging beech woods on the escarpment above which hosts ], a grandiose mansion run by a visitors' and public hire charity which was in the 20th century a forum for ] and scene of the ]. The river then curves round to ] and the other islands where ] has been built.


The ''']''' follows the western Maidenhead bank along the river until it cuts into ], missing the lock. The ] follows the western (Maidenhead) bank upstream along Cliveden Reach until it cuts into ] village, missing Cookham Lock. The path rejoins the Thames near Cookham church. There was originally a towpath ferry (My Lady ferry or Lower Cliveden ferry) crossing to ]<ref>Cliveden ferries http://thames.me.uk/s000748.htm</ref> and an Upper Cliveden ferry crossing back to Cookham lock island. {{Clear}}


==Kayaking==
{{Main|Kayaking and canoeing on the River Thames}}
]
The weir at Boulter's Lock is a popular ]ing site. A ]/kayak ] is installed during each summer to add to a permanent fixed ] in front of the third of the weir's six gates.
{{Clear}}


==Literature and the media==
== Kayaking ==
], (])]]
]
]
]
===Access===
A car park on Ray Mead road/Lower Cookham road (A4094) provides ample parking to the nearby lock. The ] which runs parallel with this road can be used as a get in point, simply paddle upstream (left after leaving the car park) and when the river splits, turn downstream to face the weir. '''Do not shoot the weir''' - this is not permitted, causes problems with the lock keeper, and relations with the EA.


One of the best known works of the artist ] (1850–1909) is his ''Boulter's Lock, Sunday afternoon''.
===Gates===
The weir consists of 6 radial gates which are opened according to the river levels.
* '''Gates closed'''


], the marine artist, lived at 'Ray Lodge' and broadcaster ] had a house on ].
<blockquote>For most of the summer, the weir is set like this. A canoe/kayak flume is installed by a group of kayakers after the main wet season has died down, and is in place until heavy rain is forecast in September or October.


Author ], grew up in 'The Weir House' opposite.
The flume allows 'hole moves' to be performed, and side surfing. It's deep enough for you not to hit the bottom easily (approximately 4ft/1.2m deep). Short, low volume boats are recommended for maximum use.</blockquote>


The Mr Bean episode ] was recorded in a miniature golf course next to Boulter's Lock.
* '''1 or more gates open'''
{{Clear}}


==See also==
<blockquote>The same team of kayakers with co-operation from the ] (as of the 7th September 2006) have installed a new ramp in front of gate 3. The ramp is not adjustable, but in the future the intention is to allow adjustments of the wave shape, hopefully providing world class retentive waves/holes which can be surfed and freestyle moves executed. The installation is currently being tested.</blockquote>
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Transport}}
* ]


{{S-start}}
===Water levels===
{{River lock start|River=]}}
* '''Flume''' - No gates need to be open, but there needs to be enough water coming over the steps to provide playable whitewater. During winter, the ramp is removed otherwise it could be damaged by heavy flows of water. After heavy rain the flume also becomes very sticky, and harder to get out of.
{{River lock line|upstream=]<br/> {{convert|3.35|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 |access-date=21 November 2012}} Distances given in km.</ref>|downstream=]<br/> {{convert|3.43|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency2" />|location=SU903824}}
* '''Ramp wave (radial gate 3 open)''' - Currently, vague information stands as:
{{S-end}}
<blockquote>
* '''15 inches open''' - Wave/hole combination where most freestyle moves should be possible.
* '''3ft+ open''' - Large and fast hole. More difficult to paddle with.
* '''3 gates open''' - Large wave/hole, no clean eddylines. Can be shallow.
</blockquote>
* '''Other configurations''' - Unknown as yet.


==References==
== Literature and the Media ==
{{Reflist}}
The lock has been the subject of a number of paintings since it is very picturesque. For example, '''' (1882–97) by ] (1850–1909) is probably his most well-known painting. ], the marine artist, lived at Ray Lodge.


==Bibliography==
== External links ==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book
|first=Hugh |last=McKnight
|year=1981
|title=The Shell Book of Inland Waterways
|publisher=David and Charles
|isbn=978-0-7153-8239-4
}}
*{{cite book
|first=Alec |last=Skempton
|title=Civil Engineers and Engineering in Britain, 1600-1830
|publisher=Variorum
|year=1996
|isbn=978-0-86078-578-1
}}
*{{cite book
|first=Fred S
|last=Thacker
|title=The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs
|year=1968
|orig-year=1920
|publisher=David & Charles
|isbn=978-0-7153-4233-6
|url-access=registration
|url=https://archive.org/details/thameshighway0000thac
}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Boulter's Lock}}
*
* including a * including a
* *
{{Coord|51.53329|N|0.69954|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SU903824)|display=title}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->
* '''', 1882–97, Edward John Gregory (])
*
*
*


{{Start box}}
{{River lock start|River=]}}
{{River lock line|upstream=]<br/> 2.08 miles|downstream=]<br/> 2.13 miles|location=SU903824}}
{{End box}}


{{Canoeing and kayaking}}
{{coor title d|51.53329|N|0.69954|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SU903824)}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->


] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 00:36, 23 May 2024

Lock and weir on the River Thames, England

Boulter's Lock
Boulter's Lock as a pleasure boat squeezes in and under the bridge
WaterwayRiver Thames
CountyBerkshire
Maintained byEnvironment Agency
OperationHydraulic
First built1772
Latest built1912
Length60.80 m (199 ft 6 in)
Width6.47 m (21 ft 3 in)
Fall2.39 m (7 ft 10 in)
Above sea level77 feet (23 m)
Distance to
Teddington Lock		31 miles (50 km)
Boulter's Lock
Legend
River Thames
Fleet River
 A3094  road bridge
weir
Hedsor Wharf
weir
bridges
Cookham Lock
Formosa Island
Strand Water
White Brook
Maidenhead Ditch
Mill Race
Kayaking
Ray Mill
Boulter's Lock
Taplow mill
Jubilee River --
-- (to Old Windsor Lock)
Ray Mill Road West
Grass Eyot
Bridge Eyot
Moor Cut
 A4  Bath Road
High St.(Chapel Arches)
York Road
Guards Club Island
Great Western Main Line
Maidenhead Railway Bridge
Forlease Road
York Stream
Weir and boat rollers
(proposed Green Lane lock)
St Michael's Church, Bray
Bray Cut
Headpile Eyot
Bray Lock, island and weir
Bray Mill
The Cut, Berkshire
 M4  Motorway
The Cut
Bray marina
River Thames

Boulter's Lock is a lock and weir on the River Thames in England north-east of Maidenhead town centre, Berkshire. The present 1912-built lock replaces those at this point of the river to the immediate east dating from the late 16th century and that of 1772 built by the Thames Navigation Commission. The lock is on the western side of the north–south flowing reach between the A4094 Maidenhead to Cookham road and Ray Mill Island. The name is variably used for the immediate surrounding area.

The weir is some way upstream of the lock, at the northern end of Ray Mill Island. It is one of the most popular whitewater freestyle kayaking areas on the River Thames, as it has been modified to allow kayakers to use it without causing disruption to other river users.

History

The earliest reference to a flash lock is in the late 16th century, although a mill is known to have existed here in the 14th century. The flash lock was located in what is now the main weir, with a winch to haul barges through on the west bank near the tip of Boulter's Island. In 1746 it was written that there was no (extant) lock further downstream on the Thames. The Navigation Act obtained in April 1771 did not allow the Thames Navigation Commission to build locks below Maidenhead Bridge, so the lock built here in 1772 was the furthest downstream of the eight first built by the commission. The lock was timber-sided, and the work was overseen by Joseph Nickalls, who had designed a scheme of improvements to the river from Abingdon to Richmond, in preparation for obtaining the act of parliament. Originally the lock was on the Taplow side, close to Taplow Mill. It was referred to as Boltus lock or Bolters lock. A "bolter" was a miller and referred to the mill of Taplow. In 1773 a resident landowner complained of trespass in his woods by barge crews who "very much misbehaved themselves by their indecent conversation and horrid oaths and imprecations." Its prototype lock-keeper's house was built here in 1774. By 1780 the lock was reported as being in as bad a state as Marlow, and in 1795 Phillips Inland Navigation complained of the deep hole and subsequent shoals caused by the force of water.

In 1825 the City of London Corporation complained regarding condition and recommended it be rebuilt on the Berkshire side of the river. This involved excavating a 600-yard (550 m) lock cut. For drainage during construction, a waterwheel was placed in the weir, which was used to operate pumps. The contract to dig was given to George Gynell, at a cost of £1,630. A separate contract for the masonry and millwright's work was given to Clarke and Moss, while carpentry and general labouring was done by men employed directly by the commission. Stone was obtained from Headington Quarry near Oxford. Because of the distance from the fall below to the lock, a separate 6 hp (4.5 kW) steam engine was used in operation post-building to pump out (lower) the lock chamber. The project was managed by George Treacher, with work beginning in December 1827 and finishing in April 1829. The total cost of the work was £11,800 When completed, the lock's volume – 151 by 19 feet (46.0 by 5.8 m) length with a fall of 6 feet (1.8 m) plus depth of 5 feet (1.5 m) over the sills—was the largest of a pound lock with masonry walls on English river navigations. In recognition of his work, Treacher was awarded £100 by the Commission in June 1829. The new lock was known as Ray Mill pound after Ray Mill Island next to it. The lock cut created Boulter's Island.

This part of the river became popular for boating parties in the late 19th century and early 20th century, as portrayed in a painting by Edward John Gregory. The lock was a popular place to visit on the Sunday after Royal Ascot when the wealthy and famous passed through the lock, some on their way to Cliveden. In 1899 an iron railing was placed round the lock to keep spectators at bay. In 1909 the Thames Conservancy purchased Ray Mill Island to provide for expansion of the lock, and it was rebuilt in 1912.

Congestion at the lock was a serious problem before World War I, and a novel solution was employed to reduce it. A moving ramp, consisting of wooden slats with chocks to prevent rowing boats from rolling over, was constructed to bypass the lock. The ramp was similar to an escalator, and small boats simply rowed towards it, and were carried up to the higher level while the occupants remained seated in their boat. The boat lift opened in 1909, and was powered by an electric motor. The date of its demise is uncertain, but its location on Ray Mill island can still be visited.

The salmon ladder opened at Boulters Weir on 19 May 2000 by the Duke of Wellington was the last of a series built on the Thames. The last salmon caught at the weir was landed on 5 August 1993. It is to this day the largest salmon in recorded history caught on the non-tidal River Thames and weighed 14lb's, measuring 97 cm's in length.

Access

Boulter's Lock looking upstream with the top gates open

Ray Mead road/Lower Cookham road (A4094) runs alongside the lock. There is a public car park about 100m north of the lock. A track runs onto the lock island. An hourly bus route to the lock from Maidenhead town centre is run by Courtney Coaches.

Reach above the lock

After the long cut beside the islands the reach opens out at the head of the Jubilee River on the east bank. This is followed by Bavin's Gulls on Cliveden Deep with landscaped hanging beech woods on the escarpment above which hosts Cliveden, a grandiose mansion run by a visitors' and public hire charity which was in the 20th century a forum for a prominent set of individuals and scene of the John Profumo affair. The river then curves round to Formosa Island and the other islands where Cookham Lock has been built.

The Thames Path follows the western (Maidenhead) bank upstream along Cliveden Reach until it cuts into Cookham village, missing Cookham Lock. The path rejoins the Thames near Cookham church. There was originally a towpath ferry (My Lady ferry or Lower Cliveden ferry) crossing to Cliveden and an Upper Cliveden ferry crossing back to Cookham lock island.

Kayaking

Main article: Kayaking and canoeing on the River Thames
Kayaker by the weir flume,
during the summer season

The weir at Boulter's Lock is a popular kayaking site. A canoe/kayak flume is installed during each summer to add to a permanent fixed ramp in front of the third of the weir's six gates.

Literature and the media

Boulter's Lock, Sunday Afternoon by Edward John Gregory, (Lady Lever Art Gallery)

One of the best known works of the artist Edward John Gregory (1850–1909) is his Boulter's Lock, Sunday afternoon.

Nicholas Pocock, the marine artist, lived at 'Ray Lodge' and broadcaster Richard Dimbleby had a house on Boulter's Island.

Author John O'Farrell, grew up in 'The Weir House' opposite.

The Mr Bean episode Tee Off Mr Bean was recorded in a miniature golf course next to Boulter's Lock.

See also

Next lock upstream River Thames Next lock downstream
Cookham Lock
3.35 km (2.08 mi) 		Boulter's Lock
Grid reference: SU903824 		Bray Lock
3.43 km (2.13 mi)

References

  1. ^ "Environment Agency Dimensions of locks on the River Thames". web page. Environmental Agency. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012. Dimensions given in metres.
  2. ^ Skempton 1996, p. 176.
  3. Skempton 1996, p. 153.
  4. Skempton 1996, p. 172.
  5. Skempton 1996, pp. 153–154.
  6. Skempton 1996, pp. 170–171.
  7. Thacker 1968, pp. 327–328.
  8. McKnight 1981, pp. 45–47.
  9. "Ray Mill Island". Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  10. Parliamentary debate (25 April 1972). "Thames Pollution Control and Fish Life". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard).
  11. Cliveden ferries http://thames.me.uk/s000748.htm
  12. ^ "Environment Agency Distances between locks on the River Thames". web page. Environmental Agency. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012. Distances given in km.

Bibliography

External links

51°32′00″N 0°41′58″W / 51.53329°N 0.69954°W / 51.53329; -0.69954

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