Grand Union Canal Flight Of 7 Locks And Side Ponds

The Grand Union Canal flight of seven locks, located in Watford, dates from the early 19th century and was refurbished in 1902, as indicated by datestones. The retaining walls are constructed of blue brick with stone coping, and the wing walls at the top of the flight are also made of blue brick. The locks feature wooden gates, and some have steel balance beams. There are 20th-century footbridges present. The paddle gear, likely from 1902, may include some earlier components and is notable for being connected to the paddle by wooden rods, which have mostly been replaced by metal rods in other locations, according to A.T. Conder, Curator of the Waterways Museum in Stoke Bruerne. To the west of the locks, there is a group of side ponds used for water conservation. The Grand Union Canal was authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1810, and the Watford section was opened in 1814.