There were a few movements before that we we were ready to leave. However we only went a couple of boats lengths as we needed to fill up with water. I had lost track of how much we had left so was pleased to see were right to fill up.
We then moved up and moored up opposite the Bridge 61 pub whilst Helen went up to log us in. It seemed that we had about half an hour to wait as a couple of boats were on the way day. 'Katie' was waiting to go up too.
We were soon on our way leaving a clear lock between us and 'Katie', heading up at 1045, just in time for the visitors to start coming en masse.
As we rose up through the first five lock staircase the side pounds reminded me of rice paddy terraces.
The view from the top is always good and makes you realise what a hill you have passed up, 75 ft in ten looks. The side pound paddles stand out, painted red. It took us 45 minutes to get to the top, I seem to remember that the best we have done is 35 minutes. I shall have to check that!
The canal from the top of Foxton has occasional long views across the rich Welland valley that flows to the Wash. The dates on the lock walls etc seem to date from the 1920's and 30's and the occasional concrete edge seems to be of the same era.
It is good to see the occasional part mile marker as well as boundary posts. I'm not really sure what use a 1/4 mile post was to boat men though as I'm sure that in this rural part of the system, with no junction or lock nearby they would not need to now where they were to that accuracy.
We didn't go too far and moored up in the sun before Bridge 46. This gave us a bit of a walk into Husbands Bosworth to stretch our legs and post a letter. There are some nice houses in the village. This one on, the main road, stood out as an ex pub. It used to the the Graziers Arms, one of seven in the village. Phipps started brewing in Northampton in 1801. It merged with Northampton Brewery in 1957 and was bought by Watney Mann and the old brewers beers ceased in 1968.
The place is found in the Domesday Book as Bareswarde, or the farm of Bar. This obviously became Bosworth. The Husbands part didn't get added until the 17th century and denotes husbandmen or farmers, possibly to avoid confusion with Market Bosworth not too far away in Leicestershire. Above is Wheatsheaf House and is a 16th Century close studded timber framed house. It was once an inn and a farm. The building immediately to the right has a typical cruck beam structure that could date from 14th century.
Bosworth House was due to be demolished but it seems it has had a reprieve and seems to be a single family home. It looks to be massive judging by the number of chimney pots.
Honeypot Lane is where you will find The Old House. By the way the honey pot referred to may be talking about 'night soil'! Old House has small hand made bricks to infill the timber framing at the front to replace the original wattle and daub. They will have been made locally. You may be able to make a T B D in dark brick between the frames. This refers to Thomas Blakesley and Diana who modernised the house in 1712! You can also see where the house has had the roof raised above the upper horizontal beam.
The day has been a bit breezy but warming up and the walk back down the tow path was pleasant. I lovely tea and then making jam from blackberries brought from home as Helen was fed up of having no room in the freezer. They were all from our garden too. Ten jars made. I am looking to make some elder flower and blackberry jelly when I find enough elder flowers.
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