Aylesbury Arm

[Extracted from "District Link" magazine - published by Aylesbury Vale District Council - Autumn 2000]

Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal - a wonderful asset for the Vale.

In 1811, work on the canal started from both ends, Aylesbury and Marsworth, the two lengths meeting around 1814-1815. The nearby reservoirs of Marsworth, Tringford and Startops End were built from 1806-1815 and Wilstone Reservoir between 1802-1839.

Trade centred on the Aylesbury Canal Basin, and included the transport of timber, building materials, coal, food, hay, livestock and emigrants destined for the Americas via Liverpool. Of the original wharf and canal buildings, only the Ship Inn and a small warehouse now remain.

The 1870 development by Aylesbury Condensed Milk Company between High Street and Park Street had a base on the canal and, further east, the busy wharf that served Hill and Partridges flour mill still exists. Beyond this to Marsworth there were probably never more than four agricultural wharves, plus a large wharf at the Red House and a coal wharf at Wilstone, neither of which are evident today.

Trade on the Aylesbury Arm soon started to decline with the arrival of the Great Central and Metropolitan railway lines, and by the Second World War there was very limited traffic using the canal.

The Aylesbury Boat Company brought some life back through boat hire, repairs and sales, but it ceased trading in the late 1960’s.

Today the Aylesbury Arm is used solely for leisure boating, angling and informal recreation. There are visitor, long term and private moorings in a number of locations, and the Aylesbury Cana1 Society and Aston Clinton Boat Club are based on the canal.

What does the future hold in store for Aylesbury canal?

A recent study has concluded that this historic canal is a major asset for our residents, visitors and wildlife too.

The study, which was carried out on behalf of the Council, British Waterways and the Stocklake Consortium, took nearly a year to complete and saw dozens of local organisations consulted about what they wanted for the future of the canal.

The conclusion is that the Canal and its surroundings present great opportunities to improve and develop wildlife conservation, public access and recreation and tourist facilities.

The study recognised that the six-mile canal arm passes through areas that should be preserved for their peace and beauty but also presents opportunities for development, which could enhance the unique and local character of the Vale.

Too often in the past, developments have wasted opportunities by turning their backs on the canal and preventing public access. The study gives advice on how future developments at the Aylesbury Canal Basin, at Walton Mill and at Stocklake might he carried out in a way which would complement the Canal’s character and improve access and make the best use of the land.