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25. Grove Junction SU 396891
Visited:- 31.5.60
Access:- from (24), not TP trace, rough scramble
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- Traceable as a large open triangular area, and densely overgrown by nettles. Wantage Branch line well defined by double hedgerow.
No trace of Roving bridge, but towpath vestiges appear to fork just above (24) [Grove Top Lock] one going over line to east side of Branch.
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25. Grove Junction SU 396891
Visited:- 31.5.60
Access:- from (24), not TP trace, rough scramble
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- Traceable as a large open triangular area, and densely overgrown by nettles. Wantage Branch line well defined by double hedgerow.
No trace of Roving bridge, but towpath vestiges appear to fork just above (24) [Grove Top Lock] one going over line to east side of Branch.
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Special notes etc. on Section 1
(May 1961: based on 1960 observations)
1. TRACEABILITY: Good generally: obliteration at Abingdon and Drayton Field, filling at Grove: some portions can now be regarded as virtually inaccessible due to years of vegetation growth, but line can be found at all crossings, and exploration (sometimes rough) can be made from many of them.
2. CONDITION: In parts clear and open to Grove Bottom Lock; in general fairly densely hedged both sides. Much of line contains or receives enough moisture to grow rushes etc..
3. CHARACTERISTICS: Section not heavily locked, total fall Grove Junction - Abingdon 102 feet in about 7¾ miles. Country is open and rather flat. There are variations of contour involving embanking in some places to 12 feet high. This accounts for undisturbed nature of section generally (farmers cannot plough infill as where the line is at field level), and perhaps
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Special notes etc. on Section 1
(May 1961: based on 1960 observations)
1. TRACEABILITY: Good generally: obliteration at Abingdon and Drayton Field, filling at Grove: some portions can now be regarded as virtually inaccessible due to years of vegetation growth, but line can be found at all crossings, and exploration (sometimes rough) can be made from many of them.
2. CONDITION: In parts clear and open to Grove Bottom Lock; in general fairly densely hedged both sides. Much of line contains or receives enough moisture to grow rushes etc..
3. CHARACTERISTICS: Section not heavily locked, total fall Grove Junction - Abingdon 102 feet in about 7¾ miles. Country is open and rather flat. There are variations of contour involving embanking in some places to 12 feet high. This accounts for undisturbed nature of section generally (farmers cannot plough infill as where the line is at field level), and perhaps
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also for time taken to construct this part. No cuttings, except for about a quarter of a mile near Marcham.
4. LOCKS: All accessible, can be seen except (a) Abingdon (b) Caldecott. Ruined gates remain at Ardington Top, Spirit and Grove Common.
No paddle gear left anywhere.
Grove Bottom,
Smallmarsh and Grove Top filled in more or less. Masonry and brickwork generally fair (Ardington Marsh best).
5. BRIDGES: Mostly timber swing or draw type, all gone, //tings filled and some culverted. Fixed Bridges probably at Caldecott (A34), New Cut Mill, 'Cow Common' and Grove (A338). Only Cow Common intact, probably because too much trouble to demolish, there are long approach embankments both sides. (see page 55)
6. BUILDINGS: Best period original is erstwhile canalside inn at Grove (A338) west // of // cottage, less characteristic.
Ruined cottage at Ardington Top, and later small building on towpath nearby. Wharf House' Abingdon likely mid-19" century rebuild, similar Longcot new (wharf?). Same builder? But as good // as Wantage's.
7. REMARKS: No milestones found, they may be there but search impossible because of dense Growth.
* But see Sec.I.5.
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also for time taken to construct this part. No cuttings, except for about a quarter of a mile near Marcham.
4. LOCKS: All accessible, can be seen except (a) Abingdon (b) Caldecott. Ruined gates remain at Ardington Top, Spirit and Grove Common.
No paddle gear left anywhere.
Grove Bottom,
Smallmarsh and Grove Top filled in more or less. Masonry and brickwork generally fair (Ardington Marsh best).
5. BRIDGES: Mostly timber swing or draw type, all gone, //tings filled and some culverted. Fixed Bridges probably at Caldecott (A34), New Cut Mill, 'Cow Common' and Grove (A338). Only Cow Common intact, probably because too much trouble to demolish, there are long approach embankments both sides. (see page 55)
6. BUILDINGS: Best period original is erstwhile canalside inn at Grove (A338) west // of // cottage, less characteristic.
Ruined cottage at Ardington Top, and later small building on towpath nearby. Wharf House' Abingdon likely mid-19" century rebuild, similar Longcot new (wharf?). Same builder? But as good // as Wantage's.
7. REMARKS: No milestones found, they may be there but search impossible because of dense Growth.
* But see Sec.I.5.
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Section II- Wantage Branch.
1. Wantage Wharf SU 397881
Visited:- 11.9.59: 18.6.60: 13.5.61.
Access:- Mill Street Wantage
Photograph Nos:- 204, 205, 354, 366
Observations:- Basin completely filled. area contains various sheds, some sort of motor business, as many derelict vehicles about: part of original inclosing wall remains together with small building (ruinous condition) with 1830 date carved on (P204): fairly plain wharf house (P205): small weighbridge (?) [sack house Doug Small] building just within entrance gate - dilapidated as regards roof, but walls partly original brick, part renewed: one side built into wharf enclosing wall. Two small rooms ground floor (one with early 19th century cast iron fireplace)
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Section II- Wantage Branch.
1. Wantage Wharf SU 397881
Visited:- 11.9.59: 18.6.60: 13.5.61.
Access:- Mill Street Wantage
Photograph Nos:- 204, 205, 354, 366
Observations:- Basin completely filled. area contains various sheds, some sort of motor business, as many derelict vehicles about: part of original inclosing wall remains together with small building (ruinous condition) with 1830 date carved on (P204): fairly plain wharf house (P205): small weighbridge (?) [sack house Doug Small] building just within entrance gate - dilapidated as regards roof, but walls partly original brick, part renewed: one side built into wharf enclosing wall. Two small rooms ground floor (one with early 19th century cast iron fireplace)
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and ladder leading to small loft. Weighing platform embedded in ground outside door, approximately 6 feet by 4 feet, embossed old-style lettering at one end "
...AGLE FOUNDRY BIRM..."
[Almost certainly Eagle Foundry Birmingham. Doug Small]
Wharf gate pillars original, but sadly ruinous.
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and ladder leading to small loft. Weighing platform embedded in ground outside door, approximately 6 feet by 4 feet, embossed old-style lettering at one end "
...AGLE FOUNDRY BIRM..."
[Almost certainly Eagle Foundry Birmingham. Doug Small]
Wharf gate pillars original, but sadly ruinous.
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2. Belmont Bridge SU 398883
Visited:- 13.5.61
Access:- Old TP, from Wantage Wharf
Photograph Nos:- 351
Observations:- Bridge was of very solid construction: stone block ashlar, with rubble core material. South parapet demolished; track east from bridge goes down large embankment and is lost in field; ditto west shut of by housing estate. Line infilled up to arch springs. Lots of old iron and rubbish about.
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2. Belmont Bridge SU 398883
Visited:- 13.5.61
Access:- Old TP, from Wantage Wharf
Photograph Nos:- 351
Observations:- Bridge was of very solid construction: stone block ashlar, with rubble core material. South parapet demolished; track east from bridge goes down large embankment and is lost in field; ditto west shut of by housing estate. Line infilled up to arch springs. Lots of old iron and rubbish about.
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3. Branch Line
Visited:- 13.5.61
Access:- Old TP & from Wantage Wharf
Photograph Nos:- 352, 353
Observations:- Line ran in embankment of average height three feet: all filled: about 100 yards northwards from bridge is covered by gardens of Belmont Estate, then reappears as clearly defined line for about 700 yards, becoming overgrown and impassable towards Grove junction. Very solid old infill well grassed area.
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3. Branch Line
Visited:- 13.5.61
Access:- Old TP & from Wantage Wharf
Photograph Nos:- 352, 353
Observations:- Line ran in embankment of average height three feet: all filled: about 100 yards northwards from bridge is covered by gardens of Belmont Estate, then reappears as clearly defined line for about 700 yards, becoming overgrown and impassable towards Grove junction. Very solid old infill well grassed area.
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Section III - Grove Junction to S.Marston (E Summit lock)
1. Barwell Bridge SU 394891
Visited:- 6.8.60: 10.9.60: 13.5.61.
Access:- Wantage Denceworth road. (not shown on 1:25000 sht SU38, airfield)
Photograph Nos:- 33, 355
Observations:- Line practically obliterated here, recognisable to the east by double line of hedge (continuing from SI.25). About 70 yards east of road filling in progress. To west of road fill-in is old and complete; i.e. graded over making it difficult to distinguish line from adjacent field. Double hedge reappears about 200 yards west of road. No bridge remains, or road 'hump'.
(13.5.61) found 20 yard section (at end of fill) containing a little water.
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Section III - Grove Junction to S.Marston (E Summit lock)
1. Barwell Bridge SU 394891
Visited:- 6.8.60: 10.9.60: 13.5.61.
Access:- Wantage Denceworth road. (not shown on 1:25000 sht SU38, airfield)
Photograph Nos:- 33, 355
Observations:- Line practically obliterated here, recognisable to the east by double line of hedge (continuing from SI.25). About 70 yards east of road filling in progress. To west of road fill-in is old and complete; i.e. graded over making it difficult to distinguish line from adjacent field. Double hedge reappears about 200 yards west of road. No bridge remains, or road 'hump'.
(13.5.61) found 20 yard section (at end of fill) containing a little water.
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2. Stockham Bridge SU 391888
Visited:- 13.5.61: 28.8.62.
Access:- Lin walk from Barwell Br
Photograph Nos:- 355, 454, 485
Observations:- Line filled, from water (see III. 1.) to farm track crossing, where much large masonry pieces strewn about, probably not canal work. Then good but overgrown line with water to Stockham Bridge (?). Rising ground to north called for deep cutting for about 500 yards, approximately 10 feet average, but about 20 feet most. West of bridge (which is filled) much overgrown and impassable.
(26.8.62) revisit cutting section - able to get down to line which has about 12 inches of water for 200 to 300 yards: cutting compares with Sapperton east end.
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2. Stockham Bridge SU 391888
Visited:- 13.5.61: 28.8.62.
Access:- Lin walk from Barwell Br
Photograph Nos:- 355, 454, 485
Observations:- Line filled, from water (see III. 1.) to farm track crossing, where much large masonry pieces strewn about, probably not canal work. Then good but overgrown line with water to Stockham Bridge (?). Rising ground to north called for deep cutting for about 500 yards, approximately 10 feet average, but about 20 feet most. West of bridge (which is filled) much overgrown and impassable.
(26.8.62) revisit cutting section - able to get down to line which has about 12 inches of water for 200 to 300 yards: cutting compares with Sapperton east end.
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3. East Challow Bridge and Wharf SU 381884
Visited:- 6.8.60: 28.8.60: 3.6.61: 26.8.62.
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:- 368,486
Observations:- No remains of bridge, but pronounced hump in road (A417). Crossing is railed either side against a drop of about 6 feet, probably indicating one-time brick or masonry structure.
(3.6.61) East of bridge is open grassed space, possibly wharf, and on west side is period house (awaits confirmation).
(26.8.62) Line becomes fairly distinct about 300 yards east of bridge: rubbish dump: infill east of bridge is very old.
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3. East Challow Bridge and Wharf SU 381884
Visited:- 6.8.60: 28.8.60: 3.6.61: 26.8.62.
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:- 368,486
Observations:- No remains of bridge, but pronounced hump in road (A417). Crossing is railed either side against a drop of about 6 feet, probably indicating one-time brick or masonry structure.
(3.6.61) East of bridge is open grassed space, possibly wharf, and on west side is period house (awaits confirmation).
(26.8.62) Line becomes fairly distinct about 300 yards east of bridge: rubbish dump: infill east of bridge is very old.
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4. Occupation Bridge SU 375884 [Kings draw bridge. Doug S. Cornhill Labe bridge Gary K]
Visited:- 6.8.60
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:-
(6.8.60 Line visible, e can be stotal overgrowth. Very narrow.
Remains of simple plank bridge can be seen. Point? as a whole is hardly, recognisable for what it is.
(NB. Two new and rather ugly bungalows recently erected hard by).
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4. Occupation Bridge SU 375884 [Kings draw bridge. Doug S. Cornhill Labe bridge Gary K]
Visited:- 6.8.60
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:-
(6.8.60 Line visible, e can be stotal overgrowth. Very narrow.
Remains of simple plank bridge can be seen. Point? as a whole is hardly, recognisable for what it is.
(NB. Two new and rather ugly bungalows recently erected hard by).
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West Challow Bridge SU 368883
Visited:- 6.8.60: 26.8.62.
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:- 487
Observations:- See no 4. No trace of bridge, except for railings. Heavy willow growth, especially in bed of canal to west of crossing.
(26.8.62) No appreciable change, but p.
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West Challow Bridge SU 368883
Visited:- 6.8.60: 26.8.62.
Access:- A 417
Photograph Nos:- 487
Observations:- See no 4. No trace of bridge, except for railings. Heavy willow growth, especially in bed of canal to west of crossing.
(26.8.62) No appreciable change, but p.
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New Road Bridge SU 357887
Visited:- 7.8.60
Access:- From B 4507 in Sparsholt
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- No bridge, but crossing is railed: road not humped. Very overgrown, but dry channel discernable each side by penetrating growth.
Easier on east side, where a considerable quantity of rubbish has been tipped.
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New Road Bridge SU 357887
Visited:- 7.8.60
Access:- From B 4507 in Sparsholt
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- No bridge, but crossing is railed: road not humped. Very overgrown, but dry channel discernable each side by penetrating growth.
Easier on east side, where a considerable quantity of rubbish has been tipped.
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Broadleaze Farm SU 341889
Visited:- 7.8.60
Access:- B 4507 via Westcot Lane
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- Dense vegetation to the east of crossing: but on west side fairly open for several hundred yards. Channel full of reeds and somewhat indistinct passing by Broadleaze farm house.
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Broadleaze Farm SU 341889
Visited:- 7.8.60
Access:- B 4507 via Westcot Lane
Photograph Nos:-
Observations:- Dense vegetation to the east of crossing: but on west side fairly open for several hundred yards. Channel full of reeds and somewhat indistinct passing by Broadleaze farm house.
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Kingston Common Farm SU 330889
Visited:- 7.8.60: 10.9.60: 22.9.60: 16:8:64
Access:- B 4507 via Kingston Lisle
Photograph Nos:- 331, 332
Observations:- Channel to east very confused and overgrown: fairly open to west, but rather shapeless.
(10.9.60) Milestone found, about 140 yards west of crossing, on south bank. Apparently limestone block, inscription side leaning towards canal, and much weathered. Figure '39' can be discerned (see 1880 map).
West of milestone line narrows again and becomes more definite.
(16.8.64) No change.
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Kingston Common Farm SU 330889
Visited:- 7.8.60: 10.9.60: 22.9.60: 16:8:64
Access:- B 4507 via Kingston Lisle
Photograph Nos:- 331, 332
Observations:- Channel to east very confused and overgrown: fairly open to west, but rather shapeless.
(10.9.60) Milestone found, about 140 yards west of crossing, on south bank. Apparently limestone block, inscription side leaning towards canal, and much weathered. Figure '39' can be discerned (see 1880 map).
West of milestone line narrows again and becomes more definite.
(16.8.64) No change.
C.E. Faulkner Field Excursions 1958-66