Definition
Padworth Lock is a canal lock situated on the Kennet and Avon Canal in the county of Berkshire, England.
Overview
The lock lies near the village of Padworth, between the towns of Reading and Newbury. It forms part of the continuous series of locks that enable navigation along the Kennet and Avon Canal, linking the River Thames at Reading with the River Avon at Bath. Padworth Lock is maintained by the Canal & River Trust and remains in regular use by both leisure craft and narrowboats. The surrounding area is characterised by rural scenery, with the lock surrounded by fields and adjacent to the River Kennet.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Padworth Lock” derives from the nearby settlement of Padworth, a village whose name is recorded in historic documents as “Padeworde” and is thought to originate from Old English elements meaning “Padda’s enclosure” or “farmstead”.
Characteristics
- Function: Enables vessels to ascend or descend the change in water level along this section of the canal.
- Construction period: Built during the original construction of the Kennet and Avon Canal in the late 18th century (the canal’s main works were carried out between 1794 and 1810).
- Design: Typical of the canal’s brick-built locks, featuring masonry chambers, timber gates and a hand‑operated winding gear.
- Rise/Fall: The lock provides a change in water level of approximately 2 metres (about 6–8 ft), comparable to many other locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
- Operational status: Fully operational and staffed by the Canal & River Trust; it is equipped with safety signage and a nearby footbridge for pedestrian crossing.
Related Topics
- Kennet and Avon Canal
- Canal locks and lock engineering
- Canal & River Trust (the organization responsible for UK inland waterways)
- River Kennet
- British inland navigation history
All information presented reflects verified and publicly available sources; where precise measurements are not documented, approximate values are given.