Lower Lock Bridge (Canal Bridge No 132), including Lock No 64

Cadw's description

Location

Situated on the S side of Coed-yr-Ynys road in Cwm Crawnon.

History

The Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal was promoted in 1792 to connect the upper Usk valley with the Monmouthshire Canal at Pontymoile and from there to the sea at Newport. The first section, between Gilwern and Talybont and including Llangynidr, was cut between 1797 and 1799, with the upper section between Talybont and Brecon opened in 1800, both sections engineered by Thomas Dadford. The lower section between Gilwern and Pontymoile was completed in 1812 and was engineered by William Crosley. In 1865 the Brecknock and Abergavenny and the Monmouthshire Canals merged to become the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, which was later incorporated into the Great Western Railway. The canal was an important artery for trade in iron from the works in the north-east corner of the coalfield and for lime and coal to supply the Usk Valley. The last toll was taken on the canal at Llangynidr in 1933. Restoration of the canal began in 1964.

Exterior

Bridge No 132 is hump-backed and built of rubble sandstone, with segmental arch and low parapet. The arch has thin voussoirs and keystones. The abutments curve outwards on both sides and the parapet has square end piers to S. On the E side is a cast iron plaque with the bridge number cast in relief.

On the east side the canal banks retain the masonry channels of a surviving stop-lock. By-pass overflow to south.

Lock No 64 is the first of a flight of five locks that end a 37km pound and raise the canal 17m towards Brecon. The lock chamber is faced in brick and the lock gates were replaced in 1996.

Reason for designation

Listed for its special interest as an original Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal bridge and adjacent lock chamber.