Richmond Lock

The Richmond Lock and Footbridge is a remarkable Grade II* listed structure on southwest London’s River Thames. Serving as both a lock and a low-tide barrage, it integrates controlled sluices and pedestrian bridges. Managed by the Port of London Authority, it’s the most downstream of the Thames locks.

Constructed in 1894, this unique facility was designed to maintain water levels for navigation. It has a lock, ornate metal arches, and mechanically rising sluice gates. At high tide, the gates are raised, creating twin footbridges. Its purpose is to ensure a navigable depth of water upstream of Richmond.

The lock and barrages were added to preserve a consistent 1.72m water level, with an annual sluice gate lifting for dredging. Ownership shifted to the Port of London Authority in 1908. The structure was crucial due to changes caused by the removal of the London Bridge in 1831, which affected tidal surges and increased water extraction upstream.

Built in three sections, it houses a barge lock, immense brick piers with stone dressing and metal arches, and a footbridge structure incorporating sluice gates. The footbridge is opened to allow foot traffic during high tide, while sluice gates are lowered for most of

the tidal cycle, and vessels must use the lock.

Originally operated manually by lock keepers, the structure was subject to pedestrian tolls. Its historical significance and engineering make it essential to London’s river infrastructure.