Aylesbury Arm
The Aylesbury Arm was opened
in 1814 linking Aylesbury with
the Grand Union Canal at
Startop's End (pronounced
'Starrups') near Marsworth.
Originally planned to carry onto
the Thomas at Abingdon, the new
canal was to be known as the
' W e s t e r n J u n c t i o n ' .
Unfortunately, so strong was the
opposition from landowners
that the route west of Aylesbury
failed.
The canal rises 94 feet 8 inches
from Aylesbury to Marsworth,
using a total of 16 locks.
In the 1750s the Duke of Bridgewater operated a number of
drift mines near Manchester. His first canal went right into
these coal mines, so the boats were built only 7 feet fide, hence
'narrow boats'. Water was particularly precious to the canal
company so the Aylesbury Arm was built with narrow locks to
save water.
The canal buildings at the Aylesbury Basin were extensive, but
have all gone now except the Ship Inn and a small warehouse,
now occupied by the electricity company, the canal carrying
firm Harvey Taylor LTD operated colourful narrow boats from
Aylesbury for almost 100 years.
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