Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm Drawbridge, Immediately North Of Lock Number 13 At Sp 725 574

The Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm Drawbridge, located immediately north of Lock Number 13, was built between 1812 and 1815 and has undergone restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries. It features brick abutments that support a pivoting wooden deck, which has a handrail on one side. The deck is suspended by chains from two balance beams that pivot on upright posts. These beams serve as counterweights, allowing the deck to be raised or lowered across the narrow section below Lock Number 13. This drawbridge is one of only two remaining on the Northampton Arm, making it a rare example of this type of canal structure in England. It holds significant historical value and is part of the group of structures associated with the Northampton flight of locks.