2013

SP6989 : Grand Union Canal at Foxton Junction in Leicestershire

taken 11 years ago, near to Foxton, Leicestershire, England

Grand Union Canal at Foxton Junction in Leicestershire
Grand Union Canal at Foxton Junction in Leicestershire
This image shows the Grand Union Canal (Leicester Section) at Foxton Junction, seen from Bridge No 61. In the foreground is the bottom chamber of the Foxton staircase lock flight. The canal continues left towards Leicester and the River Soar, and right towards Market Harborough.

The ten locks (two staircases) of the Foxton flight alter the water level by 75 feet (almost 23 metres).
Staircase locks at Foxton, Leicestershire

At the northern end of the summit level of the Grand Union Canal (Leicester Section), Foxton Locks is a flight of canal locks consisting of two "staircases" each of five lock chambers, separated by a short connecting pound. The ten locks are numbered 8 to 17 from the top. The flight alters the water level by 75 feet (almost 23 metres).
Water management is by way of large sideponds, so the correct sequence of paddles must be used when negotiating the flight. The locks are usually supervised by an experienced lock keeper, often assisted by recently recruited "Canal and Rivers Trust" volunteers. The locks have strictly applied passageway times, and are secured outside these hours. See LinkExternal link

Staircase locks are used where a canal needs to climb a steep hill, so two or more locks open directly into the next. The bottom gates of one lock form the top gates of the next. This is the largest flight of such staircase locks on the English canal system. Construction started in 1810, and they were completed by 1812. Restoration took place in 1909, shortly before the unsuccessful nearby Foxton inclined plane was taken out of regular service.

Grand Union Canal (Leicester Section)/Soar Navigation

The Leicester section branches off the main line at Braunston and it is 66 miles long with 59 locks (including two five chamber staircase locks at Foxton) and two tunnels. Near Leicester it continues into the River Soar, and briefly along the River Wreake. The navigation then proceeds along the river, with some canalised diversions, to Loughborough and the River Trent south of Long Eaton.


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Roger D Kidd and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Canals other tags: Canal Junction Flight of Locks Staircase Locks Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
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SP6989, 417 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Roger D Kidd   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Friday, 23 August, 2013   (more nearby)
Submitted
Tuesday, 4 September, 2018
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SP 6917 8977 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:30.0872N 0:58.9472W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SP 6915 8972
View Direction
North-northeast (about 22 degrees)
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Image Type (about): geograph 
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