Benson Lock

Benson Lock is a special structure on the River Thames in England, near the village of Benson in Oxfordshire. It helps boats move up and down the river by raising or lowering the water level. The first lock at this place was built in 1788, and the current strong stone lock was finished in 1870.

The distance from Benson Lock to the next lock downstream, Cleeve Lock, is about 6.5 miles, which is the longest distance between any two locks on the River Thames. There is a footbridge across the weir, which replaced an old ferry that used to operate there. The famous Thames Path also crosses the river at this spot.

Benson Lock
River Thames Day's Lock Little Wittenham Bridge Dorchester bridge River Thame -- -- (navigable by small boats) Shillingford Bridge Benson Lock weir Old mill River Thames

History

The history of the weir goes back to the late 1300s when there was a mill at "Bensington". The mill island and stream are on the Benson side downstream of the lock, but the mill itself is long gone. The first pound lock was built of oak in 1788. The lock was later rebuilt of masonry in 1870. Originally, the lock may have been looked after by the miller, but there is mention of a lock house from 1865. The current lock keeper's house was built in 1913.

Access to and across the lock

The lock is a short distance from the village of Benson and can be reached across the weir. The weir is currently closed for refurbishment until 2025.

Reach above the lock

The river flows past Shillingford and under Shillingford Bridge, made from limestone and brick. This bridge has three main parts over the water and a long road with nine smaller parts nearby. The two rounded hills called the Wittenham Clumps can often be seen from the river. After Shillingford, the River Thame joins the river, coming from the direction of Dorchester.

The Thames Path walks near the river and crosses it at the lock. The path goes through Benson and then follows the river’s northern bank to Shillingford. After Shillingford, the path goes through the town and then back to the river, continuing along the northern side. It crosses the River Thame just before reaching Little Wittenham Bridge.