Misplaced Pages

Sunbury Lock: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 05:00, 18 November 2012 editMichael Glass (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,667 edits Dimensions as per the Environmental Agency← Previous edit Latest revision as of 20:01, 13 October 2024 edit undo2a02:c7c:8a4e:5600:a5e1:171c:a424:7c1f (talk)No edit summaryTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit 
(20 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Lock on the River Thames in Surrey, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2017}}
{{stack begin}} {{stack begin}}
{{Infobox Waterlock {{Infobox waterlock
|lock_name = Sunbury Lock |lock_name = Sunbury Lock
|image =Sunburylock.JPG |image =Sunburylock.JPG
Line 8: Line 11:
|maint = ] |maint = ]
|operation = Old Manual <br> New Hydraulic |operation = Old Manual <br> New Hydraulic
|first = 1812 <br> Old 1856 <br> New 1927 |first = 1812 (removed) <br> 1856 (middle) <br> 1927 (bankside)
|latest = |latest =
|length = Old {{convert|47.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<br> New {{convert|62.78|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=18 November 2012}} Dimensions given in metres</ref> |length = Old {{convert|47.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<br> New {{convert|62.78|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=18 November 2012}} Dimensions given in metres</ref>
|width = Old {{convert|5.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <br> New {{convert|7.41|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <ref name="EnvAgency" /> |width = Old {{convert|5.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <br> New {{convert|7.41|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <ref name="EnvAgency" />
|fall = Both locks {{convert|1.87|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" /> |fall = Both locks {{convert|1.87|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency" />
|sealevel = 27' |sealevel = {{convert|27|ft|0}}
|enda = ] |enda = ]
|distenda = 8 miles |distenda = 8 miles
Line 19: Line 22:
|coordinates = {{coord|51|24|18.5|N|0|24|22|W|scale:2000_region:GB|display=inline,title|name=Sunbury Lock}} |coordinates = {{coord|51|24|18.5|N|0|24|22|W|scale:2000_region:GB|display=inline,title|name=Sunbury Lock}}
|lat = |lat =
|long = |long =
|extra = Power is available out of hours |extra = Power is available out of hours
}} }}
{{Sunbury Lock map}} {{Sunbury Lock map}}
]]] ]]]
{{stack end}} {{stack end}}


'''Sunbury Lock''' is a ] on the ] in England near ] in north-west ]. The lock adjoins the southern bank about half a mile downstream of the Weir Hotel. '''Sunbury Lock''' is a ] complex of the ] in England near ] in north-west ], the third lowest of forty four on the non-tidal reaches. The complex adjoins the ], southern bank about {{convert|1/2|mi}} downstream of the Weir Hotel.


There are in fact two locks, which are some distance downstream of the original lock built in 1812. The older hand-operated one was originally built in 1856, but is now seldom used. The newer one was opened in 1927 by ]. There is also a slide for the portage of small boats. The lock adjoins ]. The complex is two locks, old and new, and a narrow concrete divide, which are downstream of the original lock built in 1812. The older, hand-operated, was originally built in 1856, seldom used. The newer was opened in 1927 by ]. Rollers and a slope adjoins for the portage (hauling) of small boats. The lock adjoins ].


There is more than one weir at Sunbury lock and these are some distance from the lock. The main weir is between Sunbury Lock Ait and ], which causes a strong stream in the backwater behind. There is a further weir at the upstream end of Wheatley's Ait. There is a footbridge linking the islands, but this is not open to the public. The lock has three associated weirs, upstream. The main weir is between ] and ]; the latter has two other weirs, one is a small part-time weir used in high flows.


==History== ==History==
The earliest weir was built in 1789 specifically to divert water to create a deeper channel for navigation. There were several other such weirs locally because of many shoals and flats in the Sunbury area while the river was still tidal here. The first plan for a lock was in 1805 with an ambitious lock cut. A modified scheme in 1809 resulted in the first lock, which was built several hundred yards upstream of the present locks close to the bridge and the original lock house of the same year. The lock cut was created out of an existing channel beside the island and the lock was opened in 1812 The lock had become dilapidated by 1852 and the arrival of water companies planning major water extraction from the section of the river below the lock added an incentive for rebuilding it. It was relocated to its present position with a new lock house and opened in 1856.<ref>Fred. S. Thacker ''The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs'' 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles</ref> In 1927 a second lock was added at Sunbury, which was opened by Lord Desborough, then president of the ]. The earliest major weir locally was built in 1789 specifically to divert water to create a deeper channel for navigation.<ref name=thacker/> Other such weirs locally were in place since medieval times because of many shoals and flats in the Sunbury, in the period of ] which caused much ] downstream the river locally had minor tidal effects.<ref name=thacker/> The first plan for a lock was in 1805 with an ambitious lock cut.<ref name=thacker/> A modified scheme in 1809 resulted in the first lock, later removed, built close to the footbridge to Sunbury Lock Ait, where its lock house of the same year survives.<ref name=thacker/> The associated long ] above the lock expanded a natural channel beside the island known as Church Island and the lock was opened in 1812.<ref name=thacker/> The lock had become dilapidated by 1852 and the arrival of water companies planning major water extraction from the section of the river below the lock added an incentive for rebuilding it.<ref name=thacker/> The lock was moved downstream and opened in 1856; a new lock house was built.<ref name=thacker>Fred. S. Thacker ''The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs'' 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles</ref> In 1927 a second lock was added at Sunbury, which was opened by Lord Desborough, then president of the ].


==Access to the lock== ==Access to the lock==


The lock is inaccessible from the road and can be reached along the towpath from The Weir Hotel or ] Leisure Centre on the Walton on Thames side. The weir for Kayaking purposes can be reached by water from the northern bank, between ] and ]. The lock is inaccessible by road and can be reached along the towpath from The Weir Hotel, Walton-on-Thames. The weir stream and Wheatley's Ait backwater, the Creek, is used for kayaking from the northern bank, between ] and ].


==Reach above the lock== ==Reach above the lock==


] ]
There is a long lock cut beside Sunbury Lock Ait to the Weir Hotel and the weir itself which is followed by Wheatley's Ait with an Environment agency working area and riverside housing on it. There is more riverside housing and a marina entrance on the way to ]. On the Surrey side there is some open space at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, the river frontage of ] with a few pubs, and a marina. After ] the river divides between the old course which meanders through ], and the direct ] alongside ]. Before Shepperton lock the waters rejoin to create further confusion with the ], the ] and the ] joining, interspersed with ] and ]. There the ] operates just below the lock. A 300&nbsp;m ] upstream of Sunbury Lock Ait links to the Weir Hotel facing the Sunbury Weir which is followed by Wheatley's Ait hosting an Environment agency working area and riverside housing. More riverside housing, small parks and a marina feature on the Walton Mile and Cowey Sale reach below and above ], two ], and a marina. After ] the river divides between the old course which meanders through ] and the direct ] alongside ]. Before Shepperton lock the waters rejoin where the ] the ] and two mouths of the ] join surrounding ]. Immediately these, including the lock, the ].


There are ] on the Desborough Cut, to allow river users to check their speed. ] are beside ] to allow river users to check their speed.


The reach is home to several ] clubs, a ] club, ] and ] clubs. Walton Regatta, Walton Reach Regatta and Weybridge Ladies Regatta take place on this part of the river. The reach is home to six ] clubs, a ] club, ] and ] clubs. Walton and Weybridge Regatta, Walton Small Boats Head, Weybridge Silver Sculls, Weybridge Ladies Regatta and Walton Skiff Regatta are annual events.


===Thames Path=== ===Thames Path===
Line 55: Line 58:


*Elmbridge Canoe Club *Elmbridge Canoe Club
*] ] *] ]
*] ]
*St George's School Boat Club
*] *Weybridge Ladies Rowing Club ]
*Weybridge Ladies Rowing Club *Weyfarers (recreational and ]) Rowing Club
*] ] *] ]
*] ]
*Desborough Sailing Club *Desborough Sailing Club


Line 66: Line 70:


===Access=== ===Access===
Public car park on Fordbridge Road, between Shepperton and Sunbury, parallel to north side of River Thames. Once parked, walk across the field, and paddle downstream to the main weir. Public car park on Fordbridge Road above on the ]. From here across an informal football pitch with playground is a backwater, the Creek, which joins below the main weir.


===Gates=== ===Gates and weir pool level===
The weir consists of several gates which are opened according to the river levels. The weir's gates are variously opened or closed as with the storm weir along the Creek.


Sunbury appears to work best at a certain pool level, rather than gate configuration. So it is entirely dependent on how many gates are open at the downstream weir (at ]). This information is not normally available, so word-of-mouth reports are essential. See links before for up-to-date websites. Sunbury provides its optimal water at a certain ] level &mdash; dependent on how many gates are open at the downstream weir (at ]), kayaking websites provide details.


===Water levels=== ===Water levels===


* Sunbury Weir will need to be on at least 1 and a 1/2 gates for usable feature, pool level depending. * Sunbury Weir will need to be on at least {{frac|1|1|2}} gates for usable features, pool level depending.
* ] needs to be on at least 3 gates for sufficient water. * ] needs to be on at least 3 gates for sufficient water.


Line 87: Line 91:
*] *]
*] *]

⚫ ==References==
⚫ {{Reflist}}


== External links == == External links ==
Line 97: Line 98:
{{S-start}} {{S-start}}
{{River lock start|River=]}} {{River lock start|River=]}}
{{River lock line|upstream=]<br/>2.95 miles|downstream=]<br/>2.98 miles|location=?}} {{River lock line|upstream=]<br/>{{convert|4.75|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=22 November 2012}} Distances given in km.</ref>|downstream=]<br/>{{convert|4.79|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="EnvAgency2" />|location=TQ109685}}
{{S-end}} {{S-end}}

⚫ ==References==
⚫ {{Reflist}}

{{Elmbridge}}


] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 20:01, 13 October 2024

Lock on the River Thames in Surrey, England

Sunbury Lock
Sunbury lock with boats in the older hand-operated lock. The new lock is on the right
51°24′18.5″N 0°24′22″W / 51.405139°N 0.40611°W / 51.405139; -0.40611 (Sunbury Lock)
WaterwayRiver Thames
CountySurrey
Maintained byEnvironment Agency
OperationOld Manual
New Hydraulic
First built1812 (removed)
1856 (middle)
1927 (bankside)
LengthOld 47.15 m (154 ft 8 in)
New 62.78 m (206 ft 0 in)
WidthOld 5.86 m (19 ft 3 in)
New 7.41 m (24 ft 4 in)
FallBoth locks 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Above sea level27 feet (8 m)
Distance to
Teddington Lock		8 miles
Power is available out of hours
Sunbury Lock
the Walton, Weybridge
and Shepperton reach of the Thames
Legend
River Thames above Shepperton Lock
Pharaoh's Island
Hamhaugh & Shepperton Lock Islands
weirs & Shepperton Lock
Bourne or the Chertsey Bourne
Thames Lock
weir of River Wey
weir of River Wey
Wey and Godalming Navigations
D'Oyly Carte Island
Historic Church and Manor House, Shepperton
Desborough Island
A244 Walton Bridge
marinas
The "Walton Mile"
Tumbling bay weir
River Ash (distributary of Colne)
Storm weir
Wheatleys Ait north
Sunbury main weir
Sunbury Lock Ait
moorings
boat rollers
Sunbury Lock
manual Lock
River Thames above Molesey Lock
Looking towards Sunbury weir and lock from a skiff

Sunbury Lock is a lock complex of the River Thames in England near Walton-on-Thames in north-west Surrey, the third lowest of forty four on the non-tidal reaches. The complex adjoins the right, southern bank about 1⁄2 mile (0.80 km) downstream of the Weir Hotel.

The complex is two locks, old and new, and a narrow concrete divide, which are downstream of the original lock built in 1812. The older, hand-operated, was originally built in 1856, seldom used. The newer was opened in 1927 by Lord Desborough. Rollers and a slope adjoins for the portage (hauling) of small boats. The lock adjoins Sunbury Lock Ait.

The lock has three associated weirs, upstream. The main weir is between Sunbury Lock Ait and Wheatley's Ait (north); the latter has two other weirs, one is a small part-time weir used in high flows.

History

The earliest major weir locally was built in 1789 specifically to divert water to create a deeper channel for navigation. Other such weirs locally were in place since medieval times because of many shoals and flats in the Sunbury, in the period of Old London Bridge (1209-1831) which caused much silting downstream the river locally had minor tidal effects. The first plan for a lock was in 1805 with an ambitious lock cut. A modified scheme in 1809 resulted in the first lock, later removed, built close to the footbridge to Sunbury Lock Ait, where its lock house of the same year survives. The associated long cut above the lock expanded a natural channel beside the island known as Church Island and the lock was opened in 1812. The lock had become dilapidated by 1852 and the arrival of water companies planning major water extraction from the section of the river below the lock added an incentive for rebuilding it. The lock was moved downstream and opened in 1856; a new lock house was built. In 1927 a second lock was added at Sunbury, which was opened by Lord Desborough, then president of the Thames Conservancy.

Access to the lock

The lock is inaccessible by road and can be reached along the towpath from The Weir Hotel, Walton-on-Thames. The weir stream and Wheatley's Ait backwater, the Creek, is used for kayaking from the northern bank, between Shepperton and Sunbury-on-Thames.

Reach above the lock

Walton riverside from the river

A 300 m cut upstream of Sunbury Lock Ait links to the Weir Hotel facing the Sunbury Weir which is followed by Wheatley's Ait hosting an Environment agency working area and riverside housing. More riverside housing, small parks and a marina feature on the Walton Mile and Cowey Sale reach below and above Walton Bridge, two pubs, and a marina. After Walton Bridge the river divides between the old course which meanders through Lower Halliford and Old Shepperton and the direct Desborough Cut alongside Desborough Island. Before Shepperton lock the waters rejoin where the Wey navigation the River Bourne and two mouths of the Wey join surrounding Hamhaugh Island. Immediately these, including the lock, the Shepperton to Weybridge Ferry.

Navigation transit markers are beside Desborough Cut to allow river users to check their speed.

The reach is home to six rowing clubs, a skiffing club, sailing and canoeing clubs. Walton and Weybridge Regatta, Walton Small Boats Head, Weybridge Silver Sculls, Weybridge Ladies Regatta and Walton Skiff Regatta are annual events.

Thames Path

The Thames Path continues along the Surrey bank until just before Shepperton Lock where the ferry goes across to the other side. To avoid the ferry calls for a long detour over Walton Bridge and via Shepperton.

Sports clubs on the reach

Kayaking

Sunbury Weir has the highest volume and fastest freestyle kayaking playspot on the River Thames. It is wide, surging and unfriendly to new or inexperienced paddlers. The eddyline is also very unstable and requires considerable effort to cross.

Access

Public car park on Fordbridge Road above on the left bank. From here across an informal football pitch with playground is a backwater, the Creek, which joins below the main weir.

Gates and weir pool level

The weir's gates are variously opened or closed as with the storm weir along the Creek.

Sunbury provides its optimal water at a certain pool level — dependent on how many gates are open at the downstream weir (at Molesey), kayaking websites provide details.

Water levels

  • Sunbury Weir will need to be on at least 1+1⁄2 gates for usable features, pool level depending.
  • Hurley Weir needs to be on at least 3 gates for sufficient water.

Literature and the Media

The lock is mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome's book Three Men in a Boat

"The river is sweetly pretty there just before you come to the gates, and the backwater is charming: but don't attempt to row up it"

See also

External links

Next lock upstream River Thames Next lock downstream
Shepperton Lock
4.75 km (2.95 mi) 		Sunbury Lock
Grid reference: TQ109685 		Molesey Lock
4.79 km (2.98 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. ^ Fred. S. Thacker The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles
  3. ^ "Environment Agency Distances between locks on the River Thames". web page. Environmental Agency. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012. Distances given in km.
Borough of Elmbridge
Towns, villages and
neighbourhoods
Cobham
Esher
Surbiton
Thames Ditton
MoleseyMolesey (in traditional parish, East Molesey and West Molesey)
LeatherheadLeatherhead, Oxshott
Walton on Thames
Weybridge
Borough of Elmbridge, Surrey, England
Notable parks
Places of worship
Education
Transport
Railway stations
Roads
Notable other
Buildings and structures
Sport
Places listed are articles notable as settlements, arranged by post town
The M25 motorway follows approximately a boundary and is included for its regional importance.
Categories: