Workhouse Bridge (Canal Bridge No 136)

Cadw's description

Location

On a private road S of B4558 and accessible by footpath.
(See RecNo. 21109 (Talybont on Usk community))

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 last toll was taken on the canal at Llangynidr in 1933. Restoration of the canal began in 1964.

Exterior

Hump-backed bridge of rubble sandstone, with round arch and low parapet. The arch has thin voussoirs and keystone on E side. The abutments curve outwards on both sides and the parapet has square end piers. On the E side is a cast iron plaque with the bridge number cast in relief. On W side stone steps are added to towpath.

Reason for designation

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