Foxton Locks
When the Grand Union Canal was facing competition from the railways, the company’s engineer Gordon Cale Thomas came up with a patented design for an inclined plane and boat lift to move boats and barges up the canal’s steepest hill. But the operating system is difficult to explain and, while the locks are still there, nothing much remains of the boat lift.
A tactile bronze topographical model enables visitors to understand the engineer’s ingenious invention. Other elements interpreting Foxton’s social and industrial history included life-size sculptures, a self-guided trail with carved plaques and downloadable MP3 audio clips and interactives.
“The new interpretation at Foxton Locks has been well received by our visitors and partners. It has contributed significantly to the increased numbers of visitors to the locks and incline plane, adding vibrancy and encouraging understanding of the human endeavour which has formed this complex place.” Annette Simpson, Education & Interpretation Manager, British Waterways.
“The new interpretation at Foxton Locks… has contributed significantly to the increased numbers of visitor to the locks and incline plane, adding vibrancy and encouraging understanding”
