The need for a pound lock here arose from the opening of the Thames and Severn Canal upstream in November 1789. It was built by J. Nock in 1790, and in its early days complaints were made of tolls being evaded by bullying bargemen. The first lock house was built in 1830, the lock-keeper being required to give up residence at the Trout Inn in accordance with Commission's rule that lock-keepers should not be publicans. The lock was reported to be in a poor state by 1857 and in 1867 was repaired. In 1905 the lock was rebuilt and a new lock-keeper's bungalow built on the other side of the lock.Fred. S. Thacker The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs 1920 - republished 1920 David & Charles
