Paddle and Rymer Weirs on the Thames

Oxford Archaeology (OA) was asked by Atkins Ltd, acting on behalf of The Environment Agency, to carry out a programme of heritage asset recording on five paddle and rymer weirs on the River Thames (and Kennet), which are to be replaced. The weirs recorded are Radcot, Northmoor, Mapledurham, Blakes and Molesey. The structure of each of the weirs is substantially, and in some cases entirely, modern but the general mode of operation of the weirs forms part of long tradition which stretches back to the medieval period. The aim of the project was to investigate and record the structures prior to their replacement or alteration. The work concentrated on the structures' construction, history, use, phasing and how they fitted into the overall operations of the River Thames.