Malcolm B Loc: Leicester (UK)

Foxton Locks in Leicestershire stand at the junction of what was orginally the Leicestershire and Northants Union and the Grand Junction canals. It is now all part of the Grand Union Canal. It takes 45 minutes to go up or down the flight and the vertical distance travelled is 75 feet.

There are 10 locks in total in two groups of 5. Each group is termed a "Staircase" as one lock opens directly into the next. There is a passing pool between locks 5 and 6. This is the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system.

Work was started in 1810 and the flight was opened in 1814. In 1900 an inclined plane was built that could move 4 barges at a time, (2 up and 2 down) but this was dismantled in 1926. Plans are afoot to rebuild the incline.

Unfortunately I don't think it is possible to get a picture of all the locks together.

Horse and Boy sculpture


Looking down the top staircase


Leaking lock gates


Frozen in - bottom basin of inclined plane


Model showing inclined plane and locks


Remains of inclined plane


Looking up the flight of locks

john blue Loc: Lowndesboro, Al

nice set, thanks for sharing.

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Very nice set! What a narrow lock.

Malcolm B Loc: Leicester (UK)

Thank you both. Yes the locks are narrow, the "narrow boats" that use these locks are only 6 feet wide.

sloonie Loc: West Brom England

Nice series of shots malcolm, we have a similar set of locks near our area - they are Hatton Locks. I love the canals they make for some good photos.

PIPDYOUNGER Loc: SUNDERLAND NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Great set of photo's Malcolm, I love narrow boats and the engineering that went to build the locks, Ive cycled along a few. This is Bingley five rise locks near Shipley

5 rise locks


near East Riddlesdon Hall


Saltaire Mill