Foxton Flight

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s also 3s+4s dance RH across, 2M and 4M and 3L finish facing out; 2s+3s also 4s+5s dance LH across
9-16 1s and 3s set, cast 1 place (2s and 4s step up bars 11-12); 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 round 2s while 3s dance ½ Fig of 8 round 4s. 1s and 3s finish back to back with their partner, facing opposite sides ready for Double Triangles
17-24 1s and 3s dance Double Triangles. Bars 23-24: 1s and 3s set turning on the spot ready for a Poussette while 4s and 5s set advancing for a Poussette
25-32 1s+4s also 3s+5s dance 2 couple Poussettes to change places. 24153

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

These locks manage a steep gradient on the canal system, raising boats by 75 feet (23 m) over a distance of less than a mile. Foxton Locks is the largest flight of such staircase locks on the English canal system.

The locks were completed in 1814 and are a notable example of 19th-century engineering, designed to accommodate the increased traffic on the Midlands canals. They are now a popular tourist attraction, also famous for the remains of the Foxton Inclined Plane, an innovative but short-lived boat lift that operated from 1900 to 1911. This boat lift was built to increase capacity and speed up travel through the locks by directly lifting boats the height of the locks in one movement. However, it was not a commercial success and was eventually dismantled.

Today, the locks are maintained by the Canal And River Trust and remain in full operation, serving both commercial and recreational vessels. The site around the locks includes a visitor center, museum, and several pubs, making it a well-visited leisure destination.

Staircase Locks At Foxton In Leicestershire, 2013

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Foxton Flight' page