Martin L wrote... > Not what you'd call 'definite evidence', and it depends on > what you mean by 'relatively modern', but I think I've heard > that the term 'Arm end' was in use by working boatmen to mean > Gayton Junction, implying that they referred to the branch to > Northampton as an arm.
Indeed - to be strictly accurate it's Blisworth Arm End - quite why when it's Gayton Junction is a mystery! With the exception of the Leicester Section all the other localish GU bits (Northampton, Old Stratford, Buckingham, Aylesbury & Wendover) seem to be called Arms now. My recollection is that Newport Pagnell was a Branch. However, this account suggests Branch was common terminology, at least in Buckingham... The Opening of the Canal to Buckingham >From 'The Gentleman's Magazine', May 1st 1801 "The branch of the Canal from Buckingham to the Grand Junction Canal was opened this day with great rejoicings. A barge with the Marquis of Buckingham, Mr. Praed, and Mr. Selby (Gentlemen of the Committee) and Mr. Box, the Treasurer, accompanied by a large party of Ladies and Gentlemen, and a band of music, led the way to the procession of 12 barges, laden with coal, slate, and a variety of merchandise. Upon their entrance to the basin at Buckingham they were saluted by the firing of several cannon. A numerous party were handsomely entertained by the Marquis of Bath at the 'Cobham Arms Inn' on this occasion, and a liberal supply of beer was given to the populace. This branch of the Canal, 91/4 miles in length, has been completed in about eight months, and will secure to an extensive distance of country most substantial benefit." (Courtesy of the Buckingham Canal Society http://www.mkheritage.co.uk/bcs ) I also note from Google that the Buckingham Branch is a railroad in Virginia! Glen
