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The history of the Grand Union Canal

Leicester section.

The canal known by this title today was constructed as two separate canals both of which wrere taken over by the Grand Junction canal before they all became part of the Grand Union canal in turn.

The Old Union.

(Grand Union- Norton to Foxton.)

The Leicester & Northampton Union which had planned to connect Leicester to the Grand Union branch at Northampton had ground to a stop at Debdale Wharf in 1797 unable to complete the planed Leicester to Northampton route. So the Grand Junction canal company promoted the Old Grand Union from Foxton near Debdale to Norton on the Grand Junction to provide a connection via their waters.

Authorised in 1810. It was built with narrow locks at Watford and Foxton despite the broad locks to the north and south. Partly due to expense, also dew to all the extra work with two long tunnels as well. Reservoirs were provided with a navigatable feeder arm at Welford. It was opened in 1814. It had cost £300,000 to build.

However it depended entirely on through traffic. It was also a summit canal so as well as Welford it had to build and maintain reservoirs at Naseby and Salby. It never was a financial success. From 1850 onwards it became very hard pressed and by 1884 the canal was in bad condition and the company almost broke.

In 1893 the Grand Junction canal purchased the Old Union for £6,500 and the Leicester & Northampton Union for £10,500..

The Leicester & Northampton Union Canal.

(Grand Union- Market Harborough to Leicester)

In 1793 it was authorised to run from the River Soar at Leicester to the River Neane at Northampton to meet a branch of the Grand Junction Canal which had been authorised on the same day. It was to be broad like the Grand Junction to replace the existing narrow route of the Trent & Mersey, Coventry and Oxford canals. The total route would be 44 miles with 4 long tunnels and a branch from Foxton to Market Harborough.

Work began at the Leicester end It was to make the River Soar navigatable up ro Ayleslabe Bridge and then a canal. After 17 miles, 24 broad locks and Saddington tunnel the project stopped at Debdale Wharf in 1797 when the company ran out of money.

In 1808 the committee agreed to build the planned spur to Market Harborough neatly 7 miles and a basin for £40,000 allowing them to join the Old Grand Union Canal which was being promoted by the Grand Junction canal company at Foxton instead of going to Northampton themselves.

The extension to Market Harborough was built in 1809, the Old Union received its act in 1810 and was open from Foxton in 1814 providing the connection south which the Navigation had failed to make.

In 1812 the first dividends were paid and trade went up when the Old Union canal was opened.

Improvements were made to the river soar under acts of 1868 and 1881 by Leicester Corporation in order to control flooding.

The Navigation was not prospering due to railway competition by the late 19th century. Then in 1893 the Grand Junction canal purchased it for £10,500.

For continuing History see the notes on the Grand Junction Canal and then the Grand Union.

Sources.

Nicholson Guides to the Waterways.

Roots & Routes, Peter Hardcastle's Website
http://www.canals.btinternet.co.uk/index.htm

Some pictures of this canal?

Norton to Foxton / Foxton to Leicester / Foxton to Market Harborough / Welford Arm

General information on the canal.

Find our information about other canals on the canal index page.

If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martinreed@reedboats.co.uk