The Foxton Boat Lift
The Foxton Boat Lift, built in 1810, used a steam-powered lift system to move boats up and down a 75 ft hill, saving water and time. Closed in 1911, dismantled in 1928.
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The Foxton Boat Lift, also known as The Thomas Lift or The Foxton Inclined Plane, was a unique solution built in 1810 to widen the canal and save water. It was designed to transport boats up and down a 75 ft hill using a steam-powered lift system. The lift, constructed by J & H Gwynne, consisted of two tanks linked by wire rope, capable of carrying two boats or one barge each. The operation took 12 minutes, moving 2 boats up and 2 down, saving time compared to using the locks. The lift was closed in 1911 due to economic reasons and maintenance issues, with traffic returning to the traditional locks. Despite its efficiency and water-saving benefits, the lift was eventually dismantled in 1928. The Foxton Inclined Plane Trust operates the Foxton Canal Museum, preserving the history of this innovative transportation system.
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