The Turf Lock

The Turf Lock is a ship canal lock located between the Exeter Canal and the Exe estuary. It was built in 1825 by James Green, who served as the Surveyor of Bridges and Buildings for Devon from 1818 to 1841. The lock features buttresses and walling made of grey limestone ashlar, along with a pair of timber lock gates. The construction of the lock presented several technical challenges. Notably, engineer Thomas Telford, who observed the work while it was in progress, remarked that he had never encountered such troublesome foundations and praised the methods used to address these difficulties. The Exeter Canal was extended south to Turf Reach at the time of the lock's construction. In the 20th century, repairs were made to the structure.