Locks: Grand Union Canal - Aylesbury Arm

The Aylesbury arm runs from its junction with the Grand Union Main Line at Marsworth to Aylesbury with no arms or branches or other junctions on the way.

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 Thames at Abingdon, the canal was to be known as the ‘Western Junction’; unfortunately, so strong was the opposition from landowners, the route west of Aylesbury failed.

The canal rises 94 feet 8 inches on the 6 ¼ miles from Aylesbury to Marsworth through 16 locks. Water was particularly precious to the canal company so the Aylesbury arm was built with narrow locks to save water.

Apparently, the canal buildings at the Aylesbury Basin were extensive, but have all gone now. The canal carrying firm Harvey Taylor Ltd operated colourful narrow boats from Aylesbury for almost 100 years.

In its early years, canal traffic was brisk in both directions, timber and building materials arriving in Aylesbury whilst agricultural produce, hay and livestock went out. Industry too was attracted and the Aylesbury Condensed Milk Company, now Nestles, was established in 1870 by bridge No 17. The canal survived as a commercial route through to the 1950s despite severe competition from the now dismantled Cheddington to Aylesbury railway line.

Lock 1 - Marsworth No. 1 lock
This and lock 2 form a double staircase where the chambers are adjoined and the middle gates act as the bottom gates of the upper lock and the top gates of the lower lock.

Lock 2 - Marsworth No. 2 lock
This and lock 1 form a double staircase where the chambers are adjoined and the middle gates act as the bottom gates of the upper lock and the top gates of the lower lock.

Lock 3 - Marsworth No. 3 lock

Lock 4 - Marsworth No. 4 lock (Black Jacks lock)

Lock 5 - Marsworth No. 5 lock

Lock 6 - Dixon's Gap lock

Lock 7 - Aylesbury Arm lock

Lock 8 - Jefferies lock

Lock 9 - Gudgeon Stream lock

Lock 10 - Puttenham Top lock

Lock 11 - Puttenham Bottom lock

Lock 12 - Buckland lock (aka Arla lock)

Lock 13 - Red House lock

Lock 14 - Broughton lock

Lock 15 - Osier Bed lock

Lock 16 - Hills & Partridge lock