Aylesbury Arm

About trip

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.