Foxton Inclined Plane
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Hard Oiler
N 52° 29.985 W 000° 58.911
30U E 636991 N 5818538
This spectacular boat lift was the brainchild of Gordon Cale Thomas. It raised and lowered boats on a steep slope using two large water-filled tanks for a total lift of 75 feet.
Waymark Code: WMDAX
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/23/2006
Views: 51
The lift was built by W H Gwynne of Hammersmith London to speed up the time through the Foxton Staircase locks. It had 2 tanks or caissons, each capable of holding 2 narrow boats or a barge. The tanks were full of water, and balanced each other. The lift was powered by a 25 horsepower engine. A journey time of 12 minutes for 2 boats up and 2 down, improved the speed tremendously, and the same water went up and down the hill all day so a very big saving of water was achieved giving better control of this precious resource.
A popular tourist attraction (together with the still working staircase locks) there is a museum, pub, gift shop and excellent parking close-by.
Work is underway to restore the inclined plane - at an estimated cost of over £10 million versus the original cost of £37,500, including the land, in 1900
Waterway Name: Grand Union Canal
Connected Points:
North and South sections of the Grand Union Canal
Type: Plane
Date Opened: 07/10/1900
Date Closed (if applicable): 01/01/1911
Elevation Difference (meters): 23.00
Site Status: Being Restored
Web Site: [Web Link]
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