 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
Description:
This 77 mile canal runs from Hawksbury Junction (near Coventry) to Oxford, where it joins the Thames. It is now considered as two sections, the Northern and Southern, with the connecting 3 miles now part of the Grand Union, London to Birmingham route.History:
Promoted by Acts of 1769, 1775, 1786, 1794, 1799, 1807, 1808 and 1829. Open, except for Isis Lock, in 1790.Subordinate Waterways:
Navigation Authority:
Head Office: British Waterways, MD's Office: Southern Waterways, General Manager: Central Shires Waterways, Peel's Wharf, Lichfield Street, Fazeley, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3QZ : Telephone 01827 252000 : Fax 01827 288071 : (Covers the waterway north of bridge 9 (Ansty).).Navigation Authority:
Head Office: British Waterways, MD's Office: Southern Waterways, General Manager: South East Waterways, Grounfd Floor, Witan Gate House, 500-600 Witan Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 iBW: Telephone 01908 302500 : Fax 01908 302510 : (Covers the waterway south of bridge 9 (Ansty).).Related Articles
Related Books
The Canals of the East Midlands by Charles Hadfield , Edition: 3rd impression ISBN 0-7153-4871-X :294 pages, Published by David & Charles 1 1981 (including part of London) Order now from The Oxford Canal by Hugh J Compton , Edition: 1st edition ISBN 0 7153 7238 6 :171 pages, Published by David & Charles 1976 Illustrated. Order now from The Locks of the Oxford Canal, A Journey from Oxford to Coventry by J Craig , Edition: 1st edition 49 pages, Published by Whittington Press 1984 Each lock on the canal is illustrated by wood engravings and accompanying text. Issued as a limited edition of 350 copies.
Canals, Cruises, and Contentment by A Neal , Edition: 1st edition 189 pages, Published by Heath Cranton 1921 Illustrated book describing two round trips, one to Llangollen and one to Oxford, from the authors home next to the Derby Canal.
At the Heart of the Waterways...Braunston...a Canal History by David Blagrove , 100 pages, Published by Bridgewater Canal Company 1995 A history of the waterways and the local communities part in their story. Illustrated with prints, maps and photographs.
Nicholson/Ordnance Survey Guide to the waterways - 3 by Not known , ISBN 0007136668 :170 pages, Published by Nicholson 2003 Birmingham and the Heart of England. Includes the Ashby, BCN, Birmingham & Fazeley, Coventry, Erewash, GU Leicester Section, GU main line (part), Oxford, Staffordshire & Worcstershire, Worcester & Birmingham Canals and part of the Trent & Mersey. Order now from Pearson's Canal and River Companion: Oxford, Grand Union and Nene by Michael Pearson , ISBN 0 9078 6473 2 :80 pages, Published by J M Pearson & Son 1997 Order now from Working Boat: Warwickshire & Worcestershire Trades by Ray Shill & Tom Foxon , ISBN 0 9517755 2 9 :64 pages, Published by Heartlands Press 2002 The waterways of these counties and the history of the trade carried by their working boats. Order now from 
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Related Videos
The Oxford Canal 1 hour approx., Produced by Waterways World Ltd A video tour along the Oxford Canal Available on tape.
Other Related Pages
Description:
This canal runs 22¾ miles from Hawkesbury Junction, where it joins the Coventry Canal, to Braunston Junction, where it joins the Grand Union Main Line.Waterway Group:
This waterway is part of the Oxford Canal
Working boats near Hillmorton - 1968
Related Books
The Canals of the East Midlands by Charles Hadfield , Edition: 3rd impression ISBN 0-7153-4871-X :294 pages, Published by David & Charles 1 1981 (including part of London) Order now from A Canal People: The Photographs of Robert Longden by Sonia Rolt , ISBN 0 7509 1048 8 :154 pages, Published by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd 1997 Order now from A Canal People: The Photographs of Robert Longden by Sonia Rolt , ISBN 0 7509 1776 8 :159 pages, Published by Sutton Publishing May 1998 Softback edition of the 1997 book. Order now from Pearson's Canal and River Companion: South Midlands/Warwickshire Ring by Michael Pearson , ISBN 0 9078 6475 9 :80 pages, Published by J M Pearson & Son 1997 Order now from Pearson's Canal Companion: East Midlands, Leicester Ring, Erewash & Nottingham by Michael Pearson , ISBN 0907864740 :Published by J M Pearson & Son 1997 Order now from At the Heart of the Waterways by David Blagrove , Edition: Updated vesion. ISBN 1 871918 05 7 :96 pages, Published by Buchebroc Press 2003 Sub-titled "The story of the canals in the village of Braunston, Northamptonshire". Order now from .
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Related Photographs
Related External Web Sites
Related Cruising Logs
Other Related Pages
Lock Sizes and maximum craft dimensions:
Length 70 foot, beam 7 foot. NOTE: For more details of maximum lock and craft sizes and the basis of these figures see Craft and Lock Sizes Page
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Oxford Canal (Northern Section): Table of distances |
Miles |
Locks |
Navigable (N) |
||||
|
Junction with Coventry Canal |
0.0 |
1 |
N |
SP362845 |
140 |
||
|
Tusses Bridge No 4 |
B4109 road bridge |
1.0 |
1 |
N |
SP363839 |
140 |
|
|
Wyken Arm |
Old Colliery Branch |
1.5 |
1 |
N |
SP370833 |
140 |
|
|
Ansty Bridge No 14 |
Ansty Village. A46 road bridge |
3.8 |
1 |
N |
SP397833 |
140 |
|
|
Hopsford Valley Aqueduct |
Over minor road |
5.0 |
1 |
N |
SP413832 |
140 |
|
|
Nettlehill Bridge No 24 |
5.6 |
1 |
N |
SP418826 |
140 |
||
|
Grimes Bridge No 26 |
6.5 |
1 |
N |
SP428812 |
140 |
||
|
Stretton Arm |
Brinklow Marina Boatyard. A4114 road bridge. |
7.3 |
1 |
N |
SP439806 |
140 |
|
|
Brinklow Arm (disused) |
7.8 |
1 |
N |
SP442799 |
140 |
||
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Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 |
Brinklow three-quarters of a mile west. |
8.0 |
1 |
N |
SP443793 |
140 |
|
|
All Oaks Corner |
Canal turn at the boundary of All Oaks Wood. |
8.3 |
1 |
N |
SP444788 |
140 |
|
|
Hungerfield Bridge No 35 |
9.0 |
1 |
N |
SP453788 |
140 |
||
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Fennis Field Arm (un-navigable) |
Cathiron Bridge No 41 |
9.5 |
1 |
N |
SP462785 |
140 |
|
|
Tuckey's Bridge No 43 |
Cathiron Lane road bridge |
10.3 |
1 |
N |
SP471782 |
140 |
|
|
Falls Bridge No 48 |
B4112 road bridge. Newbold Arm (disused) |
11.0 |
1 |
N |
SP481779 |
140 |
|
|
Newbold Tunnel (South-east end) |
11.5 |
1 |
N |
SP486774 |
140 |
||
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Rugby Wharf Arm |
12.5 |
1 |
N |
SP502770 |
140 |
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Brownsover Arm (disused) |
A426 road bridge |
12.9 |
1 |
N |
SP507771 |
140 |
|
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Clifton Wharf |
Clifton Arm (disused) |
14.0 |
1 |
N |
SP520761 |
140 |
|
|
Hillmorton Bottom Locks Nos 2 and 3 |
Side by side pair of locks |
15.3 |
2 |
N |
SP537745 |
140 |
|
|
Hillmorton Middle Locks Nos 4 and 5 |
Side by side pair of locks |
15.5 |
3 |
N |
SP537743 |
140 |
|
|
Hillmorton Top Locks Nos 6 and 7 |
Side by side pair of locks |
15.8 |
4 |
N |
SP540742 |
140 |
|
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Kilsby Road Bridge No 74 |
Tarrys Bridge, B4038 road |
16.8 |
4 |
N |
SP544729 |
140 |
|
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Normans Bridge No 76 |
Barby one and a quarter miles south |
17.5 |
4 |
N |
SP538720 |
140 |
|
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Barby Wood Bridge No 78 |
South of M45 motorway bridge |
18.5 |
4 |
N |
SP526712 |
140 |
|
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Navigation Bridge No 85 |
Willoughby Wharf |
21.0 |
4 |
N |
SP523681 |
151 |
|
|
Junction with Grand Union Main Line |
22.8 |
4 |
N |
SP532660 |
152 |
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NOTE: N and U in the Navigable column above indicates that the node is navigable or unnavigable. If a D appears here it means that navigation is difficult or restricted to smaller craft.
Description:
Runs 49¼ miles from Napton Junction, where it joins the Grand Union Main Line, to Oxford where it joins the Thames.History:
Fenny Compton Tunnel was opened out in 1870. The name remains and its site can be recognised by the straight stretch of narrow canal in a cutting crossed by several bridges. In 1939 L. T. C. Rolt, on board Cressy, made his historic trip from Banbury, later recorded in his seminal classic canal book Narrow Boat.Waterway Group:
This waterway is part of the Oxford CanalRelated Articles
Related Books
The Canals of the East Midlands by Charles Hadfield , Edition: 3rd impression ISBN 0-7153-4871-X :294 pages, Published by David & Charles 1 1981 (including part of London) Order now from The Flower of Gloster by Ernest Temple Thurston , Edition: 1st edition 244 pages, Published by Williams & Norgate 1911 Classic story of an early canal boat trip, illustrated by W R Dakin.
Southern Inland Waterways by Derek Pratt , ISBN 0 7110 1225 3 :128 pages, Published by Ian Allan 1982 Has 202 b/w photos with a colour cover. It covers the River Thames and its attendant waterways including the southern G.U. and Oxford, and all the Kennet & Avon. Size 9 ½" x 7 ¼. Order now from A Towpath Walk in Oxford by Mark Davies & Catherine Robinson , ISBN 0 9535593 1 9 :112 pages, Published by Oxford Towpath Press 2001 An illustrated guide to the Oxford Canal and the River Thames within the Oxford area. Order now from In the Wake of the 'Flower of Gloster' by John Kemplay , ISBN 0 9518964 2 3 :74 pages, Published by Ronald Crowhurst 2004 A reconstruction of Temple Thurston's voyage of 1911 as described in his book 'The Flower of Gloster'. Order now from .
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Related Videos
The South Oxford Canal Released in : 1991 Produced by VideoActive Available on tape and DVD. Order on video tape from World's Most Beautiful Waterways 1 hour 10 minutes approx., Produced by Contender Ltd A waterway journey from Worcester to Oxford via the River Avon, Hatton and Banbury. Available on tape. Order on video tape from Heart of England Route Produced by VideoActive Available on tape and DVD. Order on video tape from Order on DVD from
Related Photographs
Related External Web Sites
Related Cruising Logs
Other Related Pages
Lock Sizes and maximum craft dimensions:
Length 72 foot, beam 6 foot 10 inches. NOTE: For more details of maximum lock and craft sizes and the basis of these figures see Craft and Lock Sizes Page
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Oxford Canal (Southern Section): Table of distances |
Miles |
Locks |
Navigable (N) |
||||
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Junction with Grand Union Main Line |
0.0 |
0 |
N |
SP467624 |
151 |
||
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Coventry Road Bridge No 109 |
.5 |
0 |
N |
SP463622 |
151 |
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Napton Bridge No 111 |
A425 road and Napton Wharf |
1.0 |
0 |
N |
SP456619 |
151 |
|
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Napton Brickyard Bridge No 112 |
1.3 |
0 |
N |
SP452614 |
151 |
||
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Napton Bottom Lock No 8 |
The Folly Bridge No 113 |
2.3 |
1 |
N |
SP457606 |
151 |
|
|
Napton Lock No 9 |
2.4 |
2 |
N |
SP457604 |
151 |
||
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Napton Locks Nos 10 and 11 |
Gilkes Bridge No 114 |
2.5 |
4 |
N |
SP457602 |
151 |
|
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Napton Locks Nos 12 and 13 |
Shut Bridge No 115 |
2.8 |
6 |
N |
SP457597 |
151 |
|
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Greens Lock No 14 |
Part of the Napton Flight |
3.1 |
7 |
N |
SP458592 |
151 |
|
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Napton Lock No 15 |
3.9 |
8 |
N |
SP465585 |
151 |
||
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Napton Top Lock No 16 |
Marston Doles Bridge No 119 |
4.0 |
9 |
N |
SP464582 |
151 |
|
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Priors Hardwick Bridge No 123 |
Priors Hardwick 1 mile south-east |
5.3 |
9 |
N |
SP461568 |
151 |
|
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Griffins Bridge No 131 |
9.3 |
9 |
N |
SP430550 |
151 |
||
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Sherne Hill Bridge No 135 |
Wormleighton three-quarters of a mile east. |
11.3 |
9 |
N |
SP435534 |
151 |
|
|
Fenny Compton Wharf |
A423 road bridge No 136 |
11.5 |
9 |
N |
SP431532 |
151 |
|
|
Claydon Top Lock No 17 |
Claydon Top Bridge No 144 |
15.0 |
10 |
N |
SP465504 |
151 |
|
|
Claydon Bottom Lock No 21 |
Claydon Bottom Bridge No 146 |
15.5 |
14 |
N |
SP465496 |
151 |
|
|
Elkington's Lock No 22 |
Elkington's Bridge No 148 |
16.5 |
15 |
N |
SP468485 |
151 |
|
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Varney's Lock No 23 |
16.8 |
16 |
N |
SP470481 |
151 |
||
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Broadmoor Lock No 24 |
Broadmoor Bridge No 150 |
17.0 |
17 |
N |
SP471478 |
151 |
|
|
Cropredy Lock No 25 |
Cropredy Bridge No 152 and Village |
17.8 |
18 |
N |
SP470467 |
151 |
|
|
Slat Mill Lock No 26 |
Slat Mill Bridge No 156 |
19.1 |
19 |
N |
SP470449 |
151 |
|
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Little Borton Lock No 27 |
Jobson's Lock |
20.0 |
20 |
N |
SP464438 |
151 |
|
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Hardwick Lock No 28 |
Salmon's Lock |
20.9 |
21 |
N |
SP464426 |
151 |
|
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Grimsbury Wharf |
Lift bridge No 162 |
21.5 |
21 |
N |
SP455417 |
151 |
|
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Banbury Lock No 29 |
Banbury Town Centre |
22.3 |
22 |
N |
SP458407 |
151 |
|
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Grant's Lock No 30 |
Grant's Bridge No 174 |
24.4 |
23 |
N |
SP480382 |
151 |
|
|
Twyford Bridge No 177 |
Twyford Wharf |
25.0 |
23 |
N |
SP482372 |
151 |
|
|
King's Sutton Lock No 31 |
Tarver's Bridge No 179 |
25.9 |
24 |
N |
SP490365 |
151 |
|
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Nell Bridge Lock No 32 |
Nell Bridge No 187. A41 road bridge. |
27.8 |
25 |
N |
SP494343 |
151 |
|
|
Aynho Weir Lock No 33 |
28.5 |
26 |
N |
SP494336 |
151 |
||
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Aynho Bridge No 190 |
Ayhno Village 1.25 miles north-east up B4031. |
29.1 |
26 |
N |
SP487322 |
151 |
|
|
Somerton Deep Lock No 34 |
Bridge No 194 |
31.0 |
27 |
N |
SP494298 |
164 |
|
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Heyford Common Lock No 35 |
Heyford Comon Bridge No 200 |
33.3 |
28 |
N |
SP486269 |
164 |
|
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Allen's Lock No 36 |
Allen's Bridge No 204 leading to Upper Heyford Village |
33.9 |
29 |
N |
SP492261 |
164 |
|
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Heyford Wharf Bridge No 206 |
B4030 road bridge leading to Lower Heyford village |
35.1 |
29 |
N |
SP482246 |
164 |
|
|
Dashwood's Lock No 37 |
Dashwood's Bridge No 209 |
36.6 |
30 |
N |
SP486226 |
164 |
|
|
North Brook Lock No 38 |
37.1 |
31 |
N |
SP488217 |
164 |
||
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Pigeon's Lock No 39 |
Enser's Mill Lock. Pigeon's Bridge No 213 |
39.1 |
32 |
N |
SP487194 |
164 |
|
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Enslow Bridge No 216 |
A4095 road bridge |
40.4 |
32 |
N |
SP479182 |
164 |
|
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Baker's Lock No 40 |
Gibraltar Lock. North end of River Cherwell section |
40.8 |
33 |
N |
SP479178 |
164 |
|
|
Shipton Weir Lock No 41 |
South end of River Cherwell Section |
41.8 |
34 |
N |
SP487170 |
164 |
|
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Thrupp Bend |
42.9 |
34 |
N |
SP482159 |
164 |
||
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Langford Lane Bridge No 224 |
A423 road bridge |
43.4 |
34 |
N |
SP482150 |
164 |
|
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Roundham Lock No 42 |
Roundham Bridge No 226 |
44.1 |
35 |
N |
SP483140 |
164 |
|
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Yarton Lane Bridge No 228 |
Kidlington half a mile north |
44.6 |
35 |
N |
SP488133 |
164 |
|
|
Kidlington Green Lock No 43 |
45.0 |
36 |
N |
SP491128 |
164 |
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King's Bridge No 230 |
A34 road bridge |
45.9 |
36 |
N |
SP489115 |
164 |
|
|
Junction with Duke's Cut |
46.4 |
37 |
N |
SP487106 |
164 |
||
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Wolvercote Lock No 45 |
Wolvercote Bridge No 235 |
47.1 |
38 |
N |
SP493098 |
164 |
|
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Aristotle Bridge No 240 |
48.6 |
38 |
N |
SP504078 |
164 |
||
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Junction with River Thames |
49.4 |
39 |
N |
SP505066 |
164 |
||
|
End of Hythe Bridge Arm |
End of navigation |
49.5 |
39 |
N |
SP507063 |
164 |
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NOTE: N and U in the Navigable column above indicates that the node is navigable or unnavigable. If a D appears here it means that navigation is difficult or restricted to smaller craft.
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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