Jesus Lock
The only lock within the city, built in 1836, with a Victorian footbridge alongside.
Jesus Lock sits on the northern edge of Jesus Green, on the River Cam. Built in 1836, it is the first lock on the navigable river and the only one inside the city. The name comes from its position beside the green, which lies north of Jesus College. The structure is Grade II listed.
The lock and its footbridge
A pedestrian bridge with metal trellis railings and a timber deck crosses the Cam beside the lock. It was put up around 1892, shortly after the nearby Victoria Avenue Bridge, and links Chesterton Road with the green. Cyclists are asked to dismount while crossing. Downstream the river runs past Victoria Avenue Bridge towards Midsummer Common, and the next bridge upstream is Magdalene Bridge.
On the river
The reach between this lock and Baits Bite Lock is heavily used by rowers, and many people live on boats along it; they call themselves the Camboaters. The part of the river above the lock is sometimes called the middle river, and the part below it the lower river.
Practical notes
The lock-keeper's cottage beside the lock was the subject of a refused 2016 application to convert it into a cafe, and it was sold to private buyers in 2021. The lido on Jesus Green is close by, just downstream.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
