Stoppage at Buckby

Picturing the Past: NarrowBoat, Winter 2020

Christopher M Jones

Chris M. Jones studies a picture-postcard view of a stoppage on the Grand Union Canal 

This image of the Grand Union Canal was taken at Buckby Bottom Lock No 13 and, although it is undated, judging by the various liveries of the boats shown, it probably dates from between 1938 and 1940. There are at least 11 pairs visible, with the nearest three being owned by the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Ltd and the closest two pairs being Large Town Class boats. On the left is all-steel motor Bath, built by Harland & Wolff of Woolwich in September 1936, together with its unidentified wooden Large Ricky butty built by W.H. Walker & Brothers of Rickmansworth. By 1939 butty Knebworth was paired with Bath, captained by John Wilson. On their left is the all-steel Large Northwich motor Whitby, built by W.J. Yarwood & Sons Ltd in April 1937, with its wooden Large Ricky butty Hagley, built in August 1936. Behind Bath is GUCCC butty Phaethon with its unidentified wooden motor, which are both loaded with coal. Its original motor was Orpheus, which had been allocated a dif…