At each of the 17 locks, there are two mosaic panels that were added to commemorate 200 years of the canal.
There are clues on each one to animals or canal life nearby.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductLeaving the Grand Union Canal main-line at Gayton Junction, the Northampton Arm joins the River Nene in Northampton centre.
Opened 1st May 1815. Coal, timber and later grain were amongst the main cargoes transported.
Not very long but fairly intensive with locks which elevate or lower 107 feet. The locks are for narrow beam boats only.
Old lift bridges below Locks 5, 10 and 13 have now been refurbished and re-instated since falling into decline.
Locks 1 to 13 are confined to a mile with the remaining 4 spread fairly evenly heading towards the River Nene.
History of the Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm.
This branch of the Grand Union Canal is 4.5-mile long canal that branches off at Gayton Junction near the town of Blisworth in Northamptonshire, England. It was built in the early 19th century to connect the town of Northampton with the national canal network.
The canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1794, but construction did not begin until 1814 due to financial difficulties. The canal was designed by the engineer Benjamin Bevan and it was built by a team of local labourers using picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows. The work was completed in 1815, and the canal was officially opened for traffic in the following year.
The Northampton Arm was originally used to transport coal, timber, and other goods to Northampton, which was then a growing industrial town. The canal was also used to transport agricultural produce, including grain, vegetables, and livestock, to the markets of London and other cities.
During the 19th century, the Northampton Arm faced competition from the railway, which began to take over much of the canal's freight traffic. However, the canal remained an important transportation route for goods such as coal, cement & gravel and it was also used for passenger transport.
In the early 20th century, the canal underwent a period of neglect and deterioration, as the decline of the coal and iron industries led to a decrease in demand for transportation. However, in the 1960's and 1970's the canal was restored and improved by the British Waterways Board. The board dredged the canal, repaired the locks and bridges, and built new facilities for boaters and visitors.
Today, the Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm is a popular destination for boaters, walkers, and cyclists, and it is an important part of the cultural and economic landscape of Northamptonshire. Its rich history and varied landscapes make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of the canals and waterways of England.
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We have added 103 Waterways and there are 2685 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
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Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
