 The need for a pound lock here arose as a result of 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.