IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
High Street, UXBRIDGE, UB8 2AN

Frays River is a semi-canalised short river that branches off the River Colne at Uxbridge Moor and rejoins it at West Drayton. The river is believed to be an artificial diversion of waters from the River Colne to feed watermills around Uxbridge. The name originated from John Fray who owned Cowley Hall beside the river in the 15th century. This view is from Iver Lane.

These moored boats were empty of cargo when photographed. The butty's name is Ara, but I did not record the name of the motor. According to the signed lettering, they were owned by M. & B. Longman.

Looking north from bridge 188, Cowley Bridge on Iver Lane.

The nearer one is converted from a working narrowboat, specifically from the Fellows Morton Clayton (FMC) steamer (steam-powered narrowboat) of that name, that was built . However there have been a number of changes, as this website http://www.joshers.info/showdetail.php?id=111 tells us. "Converted to motorboat 1924. Shortened by Ernest Thomas and called MERCURY. Relengthened using side plates from the FMC butty BRENTFORD. Now based on the GU at Uxbridge and owned by Peter Thompson of Marine Engine Services. Has a 15Hp Bolinder." My thanks to John Brightley for finding this link. She (he?) was built as a steamer in 1899, of iron composite construction, at Saltley, Birmingham. Originally it would have looked more like her preserved sister "President" seen here Image] Beyond is an unconverted working narrowboat, name unknown.

This section of the Grand Union Canal from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route. To the east of West Drayton the canal follows the Great Western Main Line but then the canal swings away to the north-west as it heads up to Uxbridge. This is just south of Packet Boat Lane

This section of the Grand Union Canal from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route. To the east of West Drayton the canal follows the Great Western Main Line but then the canal swings away to the north-west as it heads up to Uxbridge. This is looking north from the bridge on Iver Lane.