{"id":1548,"date":"2023-02-10T15:47:15","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T15:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/?page_id=1548"},"modified":"2026-04-06T20:10:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T20:10:38","slug":"the-canal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/the-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"The Canal"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"brz-root__container brz-reset-all\">\n<section data-uid=\"vnsskvdrtyvbzoitewpoejlfqdgibzaoqsxd\" id=\"vnsskvdrtyvbzoitewpoejlfqdgibzaoqsxd\" class=\"brz-section brz-css-mqtfx\">\n<div class=\"brz-section__content brz-section--boxed brz-css-ncrcx\" data-custom-id=\"tyejymllvgyeuphzoyntjpyhplxahkwvvhhg\">\n<div class=\"brz-container brz-css-zexnq\">\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-image brz-css-eyxlz\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"brz-img\" src=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/brizy\/imgs\/Simplistic-All-Blue-562x188x0x3x562x183x1671384319.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-uid=\"sisvmodjutullcqzrhzzmjmusbvrwwcqeyem\" id=\"sisvmodjutullcqzrhzzmjmusbvrwwcqeyem\" class=\"brz-section brz-css-mqtfx\">\n<div class=\"brz-section__content brz-section--boxed brz-css-ncrcx brz-css-cskyp\" data-custom-id=\"gidralzluvmzwhafmnpcxxdztgmnbvyyynzu\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg-color\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-bg-shape brz-bg-shape__bottom\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-container brz-css-zexnq\">\n<div data-iteration-count=\"1\" class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-eqrsg brz-wrapper brz-animated brz-css-idqfr brz-css-czgfs\">\n<div class=\"brz-menu-simple brz-css-vukfy brz-css-ujynz\">\n<div class=\"brz-menu-simple__toggle brz-menu-simple__toggle--mobile\"><label class=\"brz-menu-simple__icon\" for=\"brz-menu-simple__btn-mwztc\"><span class=\"brz-menu-simple__icon--bars\"><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"menu-live-menu-container\">\n<ul id=\"menu-live-menu\" class=\"menu\">\n<li id=\"menu-item-1605\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home current-page-ancestor current-page-parent menu-item-1605\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1610\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-menu-ancestor current-menu-parent current_page_parent current_page_ancestor menu-item-has-children menu-item-1610\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/history\/\">History<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li id=\"menu-item-1614\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1614\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/the-weir\/\">The Weir<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1613\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-menu-item page_item page-item-1548 current_page_item menu-item-1613\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/the-canal\/\">The Canal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1612\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1612\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/our-position\/\">Our Position<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1607\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1607\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/canal-life\/\">Canal Life<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li id=\"menu-item-1606\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1606\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/biodiversity\/\">Biodiversity<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1608\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1608\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/community\/\">Community<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2404\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2404\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/life-quake\/\">Life Quake<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2165\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2165\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/gallery\/\">Gallery<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1609\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1609\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/contact\/\">Contact<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1611\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1611\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/join-us\/\">Join Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1616\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1616\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=5X6L3CU87DLLA#\">Donate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"ayyjerejrgeznbapomytqnzzklryaljgnoyd\">\n<div>\n<h1 class=\"brz-css-ydfxd\" data-uniq-id=\"ctlwf\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-blodk\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\"><u>History of the Tennant Canal<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-image brz-image__lightbox brz-css-zspgi\"><a class=\"brz-a\" href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/High-Res-Timeline.jpg\" data-brz-link-type=\"lightBox\" id data-custom-id=\"nmypdngeczlksrdzlxeqmjgzajskolwdxgow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"brz-img\" src=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/High-Res-Timeline.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"wesddhvwhrimlairoczrbpndndjzkrhmnflp\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"brz-css-azpix\" data-uniq-id=\"lanzl\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-liqmd\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\">George Tennant,<\/strong><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\"> a Solicitor from Lancashire, while in the South Wales area on business for others, could see opportunities to make money from the Coal trade, and while of no specific engineering background \u2013 he was certainly keen on canals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-yrjvk\" data-uniq-id=\"tvala\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-idmoi\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">To understand the history of the Tennant Canal it\u2019s necessary to consider its predecessors:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-ukqbr\" data-uniq-id=\"vrygt\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-fflhb\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-advnw\" data-uniq-id=\"lyzyn\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-lfjzo\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\">GLAN-Y-WERN CANAL:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"brz-css-vvucx\" data-uniq-id=\"yzgyf\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-mmacd\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Richard Jenkins operated a colliery at Glan-y-Wern, which is at the North West corner of Crymlyn Bog, about 1km due East of Cefn Hengoed School.\u00a0(see Map 1)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-ompkm\" data-uniq-id=\"vzlku\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-bwarb\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">The colliery was registered as the Glanywern &amp; Tyrisaf collieries Ltd. (sic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-kpkgl\" data-uniq-id=\"kkclq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-hauyd\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">To get his produce &#8211; Culm (Anthracite coal) to market he had envisaged a Cutting from his colliery, down the side of the Crymlyn bog and then due East to \u2018Trownman\u2019s hole\u2019 . The land was owned by Lord Vernon and Jenkins applied to him for a lease to undertake this work \u2026.. the lease was granted on August 14, 1788 \u2026 unfortunately Jenkins died the same day. His partner Edward Elton took over the colliery and his plan, with a Canal being created by 1790,<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-akjap\" data-uniq-id=\"cljbz\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-fhqdh\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">It is worth understanding that at this time there were no docks at Swansea, just a tidal estuary, and most coal was exported from the coal wharves at Giants Grave, Briton Ferry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"brz-css-ppvrt\" data-uniq-id=\"qvenx\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-khyey\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">The Canal terminated at Trowman\u2019s Hole \u2026. which was to be later known as Red Jacket Pill, there was no direct connection to the river, and barges were unloaded and then ships would come across the river Neath on flood tide to be loaded up at Red Jacket Pill.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"brz-css-mdgqm\" data-uniq-id=\"ldjqv\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-mubeo\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">This business continued until 1810 at which time the colliery went bankrupt, and Edward Elton died, the landowner then placing a distraint order on the coal wharf at Red Jacket Pill and on the barges thus preventing any business and the canal fell into disuse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"brz-css-aufqd\" data-uniq-id=\"bxsyu\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-metqy\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">The East-West section of the Canal became incorporated into the Tennant canal, in later years it was extended with branches to Tir Jon and to a large holding basin, the Canal still exists today up through the bog, but has had little maintenance since 1910 when Canal business ceased.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"brz-css-mscbw\" data-uniq-id=\"tgbgi\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-wepya\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">It does provide a useful source of fresh clean water into the canal, helping to drain the Crymlyn bog which is now an important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the largest lowland wetlands in the UK, and the home to many rare species of Flora &amp; Fauna.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-uuvly\" data-uniq-id=\"skgie\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-pwftm\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Later another cut was created, with a branch running parallel to the Glan-y-Wern running to the Tir-isaf Colliery (Port Tennant).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-zffko\" data-uniq-id=\"xxcoa\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-zourm\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\"> <\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-bnxer\" data-uniq-id=\"oqidq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-bztdd\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Red Jacket Pill<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"brz-css-umnxp\" data-uniq-id=\"qbgvi\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-cnktx\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Red Jacket Pill is a natural stream emanating from Crymlyn bog and entering the River Neath. The Red Jacket Pill in 1818 was turned into a short 2km long canal built by William Kirkhouse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-sbilv\" data-uniq-id=\"hwwjx\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ecdgy\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Its primary purpose was conveying copper ore from across the River Neath at Briton Ferry to the &#8216;Briton Ferry Copper Works&#8217; and on the opposite bank of the river to &#8216;Red Jacket Copper Works&#8217;.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-qtyzr\" data-uniq-id=\"tqdlk\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ogona\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Jacket PIll Lock is a barge lock connecting a basin at the end of the canal and allowing locking to the Neath River and reaching Swansea by means of the Glan-y-Wern canal constructed in the 1780s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-kglxf\" data-uniq-id=\"dqqld\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-gjjjj\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Constructed by William Kirkhouse, it could handle barges up to 61 Ton, the remains of this canal basin &amp; lock are still evident.\u00a0Nearby the main canal in 1824 was rerouted to go East on to Aberdulais, and this terminus dropped into disuse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-rvmdd\" data-uniq-id=\"duhmv\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-wovdc\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\"> <\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-yehpw\" data-uniq-id=\"hxeaq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jkxra\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Rhyddings Canal<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"brz-css-fxfhc\" data-uniq-id=\"pxcxg\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ibqhk\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">The Rhyddings Estate was an area of land around Bryncoch, owned as was much of the area by the Earl of Jersey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-ahfag\" data-uniq-id=\"rqczr\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-khbwm\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">In 1814 the Estate was purchased by George Tennant, who reopened the closed colliery \u2013 which was situated not far from where the Dyffryn Arms pub now stands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-koukj\" data-uniq-id=\"svifl\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-fsupr\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">It had been previously operated as a colliery from 1767, and there was a stream from pumping at the workings down to the Redding Farm (now Rhyddings Farm Yard)<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-vrpke\" data-uniq-id=\"rzult\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-imgyy\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">This canal was constructed by the widening of the stream, and was originally known as the Redding Canal, he used rudimentary wooden containers to transport the coal to Redding Farm, where it was then moved by an Inclined tramway to the River Neath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-kdyoj\" data-uniq-id=\"qsfnq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-xuzyr\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">On its path it crossed the Ynysygerwn Estate without permission, a decision that would create a lot of issues in later years for George Tennant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-cqicr\" data-uniq-id=\"htsxf\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jxhhj\"><span class=\"brz-cp-color6\">This initial foray into canal construction was the start of his future endeavours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-okrgz\" data-uniq-id=\"gjvck\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jxmkh\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-video brz-youtube-video brz-video-on-controls-hidden brz-css-xmayt\" data-custom-id=\"jbmgyharounxwzjvodnxahwvrcyydgghvswu\">\n<div class=\"brz-video-content\" data-loop=\"false\" data-muted=\"false\" data-autoplay=\"off\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper brz-image-fix-16-9 brz-css-cnozt\">\n<div class=\"brz-video-data brz-hidden\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UJgCLH0yOq0?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;start=0&amp;end=0&amp;modestbranding=0&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;loop=0&amp;rel=0&amp;mute=0\" data-population data-controls=\"true\" data-branding=\"true\" data-intro=\"true\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"0\" data-loop=\"false\" data-autoplay=\"off\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-uid=\"gfbmatnotqphgsytrwinwarsudgwpffzolsb\" id=\"Features\" class=\"brz-section brz-css-mqtfx\">\n<div class=\"brz-section__content brz-section--boxed brz-css-ncrcx brz-css-uunml\" data-custom-id=\"pzxelqhbdkglhbtilfdeswttsloggftszmyo\">\n<div class=\"brz-container brz-css-zexnq\">\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-tijbp brz-css-pqwfg brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-spacer brz-css-ijpno brz-css-oanpg\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-tijbp brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-spacer brz-css-ijpno brz-css-ycgmu\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"vtumdvqzfyffkspxmbfifrhmjtthtponakaa\">\n<div>\n<h1 class=\"brz-css-jdwvy\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-toqmr\" data-uniq-id=\"rgust\"><strong>Tennant Canal <\/strong><\/h1>\n<p class=\"brz-css-dadeb\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-rrsjv\" data-uniq-id=\"ebxfz\">George Tennant\u2019s plan was to take out a lease on the disused Glan-y-Wern canal, widen, deepen and extend it, to take barges of around 50\u2019-60\u2019 in length and with a capacity 30-35 tons<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-sccrg\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-tevqh\" data-uniq-id=\"xhhsu\">His plan was to build a river lock at Red Jacket Pill, so that boats could be floated in on a flood tide to allow loading with less reliance on tide times.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-yjfiw\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-axfgl\" data-uniq-id=\"nptef\">He also planned to extend the Glan-y-Wern Canal Westwards to join the River Tawe via a river-lock providing access to the tidal estuary of Swansea harbour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-zjnch\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-evibh\" data-uniq-id=\"dceuk\">This grand plan required backers, and while the landowners were positive about the proposition, none provided financial input, so he decided to go it alone. Creating a new \u2018Tennant\u2019 canal from Swansea harbour through to Red Jacket Pill, locked at either end .. he engaged an engineer \u2013 William Kirkhouse, and this \u2018new\u2019 4 mile canal was completed in 1818. This allowed full barges to enter the lock at Red Jacket and proceed through to Swansea, Tennant assumed business would be good providing mine owners with access to Swansea harbour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-fzkqi\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-esjhg\" data-uniq-id=\"wrdvd\">This was not to be, the business was low \u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-jnllp\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-houco\" data-uniq-id=\"xyimv\"><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"brz-css-butvd\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ryiyi\" data-uniq-id=\"zzfzw\">Under the Act of Parliament &#8211; \u2018Neath Canal Act of 1798\u2019 that allowed the Neath canal to be built, there was an obligation to build a sea-lock, without this \u2026 all coal had to be unloaded at Giants Grave,\u00a0from the canal barges, and reloaded to ships to cross the River Neath.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"brz-css-hqstz\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-qaezn\" data-uniq-id=\"gfhuw\">This made the cost too high. Repeated efforts to get the lock built were unsuccessful, it is apparent that the owners of the Neath Coal Wharves were not sympathetic to an endeavor that would lose them export business.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-wqghd\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-zhmyp\" data-uniq-id=\"sowoz\">During the multiple discussions &amp; delay tactics, George Tennant came up with a solution that was to change things completely, plus no doubt give him the satisfaction of taking business from those that were obstructive.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-hpkof\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-qouwt\" data-uniq-id=\"temmo\">His plan was instead of terminating at Red Jacket Pill, to turn left and route via Neath Abbey right through to Aberdulais, construct an aqueduct and lock to allow barges to connect directly to the Neath canal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-vyvyx\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-pkqjj\" data-uniq-id=\"kyinq\"><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"brz-css-zznkq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-lzrrp\" data-uniq-id=\"zwcyz\">\u200bThis would allow the mines at Glyn Neath and Aberpergwm direct access to Swansea for export, providing faster and cheaper routes to market.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"brz-css-evzws\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-wwvhw\" data-uniq-id=\"dteze\">Tennant commenced this work in 1821 again using his engineer William Kirkhouse.\u00a0To maintain full control over the business and the significant proceeds he decides not to do this with an Act of Parliament (which allows for compulsory land purchase etc) but to undertake this as a purely private concern.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-bexve\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-psnsq\" data-uniq-id=\"multj\">\u200bThe first part of construction proceeded at pace, until they came to the land around Neath Abbey, geotechnical problems arose due to the existence of quick-sand, which meant the soil had no strength, and any banks would be unstable, and liable to collapse into the canal. Tennant took to the engineering solution of constructing an inverted arch of brickwork \u2026. Encasing the canal for a length of 500m.\u00a0The next problem arose at Cadoxton \u2026. Here Tennant did not\u00a0own the land and the route crossed land owned by Dillwyn family .. who were very intimately tied to the Coal business in Neath (and Giants Grave)<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-lbhxg\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-hrlaf\" data-uniq-id=\"pggxh\">For over 2 years intense negotiation, positioning and arguments took place, with many caveats agreed on not providing cheaper transport, or cheaper tonnage levies, etc. compared to the Neath canal Company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-fkqbl\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-uewrz\" data-uniq-id=\"pkaye\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-gbqjo\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-qdwvw\" data-uniq-id=\"fcksr\">Finally, in 1824 the canal was finally complete with the opening of the Aberdulais Aqueduct, with access to the Aberdulais basin and thence the Neath Canal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-vcofv\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-oybsm\" data-uniq-id=\"ooioa\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-mamlq\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-pewok\" data-uniq-id=\"mxrbd\">It\u2019s important to realise that the canal from Swansea Harbour through to Aberdulais was 8.5 miles of lock-free waterway, it was immediately apparent that the Mine owners much preferred this faster route to Swansea and access to far better shipping services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-fking\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-qnhdd\" data-uniq-id=\"yknlc\">The canal grew several short branches to local industry:<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-cxuzm\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-yareh\" data-uniq-id=\"kpgvu\">\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"brz-css-kmitu\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-hhdts\" data-uniq-id=\"vmzta\">Neath Abbey Iron Works branch<\/li>\n<li class=\"brz-css-qdhpy\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-msmzy\" data-uniq-id=\"kqyfr\">Dulais branch to the forge on the River Dulais\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"brz-css-cnrgn\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-bgigh\" data-uniq-id=\"znpyr\">Aberdulais Falls<\/li>\n<li class=\"brz-css-jktsl\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-iwpco\" data-uniq-id=\"mpuve\">Neath River branch with a river lock to Crown Works<\/li>\n<li class=\"brz-css-hpxfd\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-rxkof\" data-uniq-id=\"cqpgl\">Branch to Vale of Neath Brewery (Cadoxton),<\/li>\n<li class=\"brz-css-wbwcv\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ymwgf\" data-uniq-id=\"rghfe\">Neath branch with a river lock, opposite town quay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"brz-css-kbgna\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-axbsj\" data-uniq-id=\"otkfu\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-mumny\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-dqgad\" data-uniq-id=\"iruts\"><strong>AQUEDUCT<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"brz-css-hwjlr\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-zgvzw\" data-uniq-id=\"oeupb\">This itself is an impressive engineering feat, a stone-built 10 arched aqueduct just over 100m long, lined with a cast-iron trough. In addition to the Aqueduct was a lock gate to allow barges to be lifted up from the Tennant Canal level to the Neath canal \u2026 some 14\u2019 higher.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-pyzow\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jmovx\" data-uniq-id=\"kxxnw\">Just upstream of the Aqueduct is a low weir, that creates a pond upstream, this is used to provide a water supply into the Tennant canal from the end of the river Dulais. The operation of the locks provided significant quantities of water with each transit<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-sgygv\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-njxsw\" data-uniq-id=\"qpvbk\">This conglomeration of canals, lock, feeder channel &amp; Aqueduct was originally named the Neath and Swansea Junction Canal, before being renamed The Tennant Canal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-cdntr\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-gkvzf\" data-uniq-id=\"ydelr\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-qqrlt\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jaybw\" data-uniq-id=\"knhio\"><strong>DEMISE OF THE WORKING CANAL<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 class=\"brz-css-sxdfn\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-fysce\" data-uniq-id=\"nkvga\">The move to Kings dock coincided with the significant expansion of the railways and the transport of coal by train rather than barge. The switch happened quickly such that almost zero coal went by barge by 1910. There was other cargo \u2026. Blue clay dug out from the marshes which would be conveyed to Cape Copper Works, or to the docks for any number of foundries &amp; brick yards. Silica came down the Neath canal to be used by Brickworks to make fire bricks \u2026 much in demand\u00a0locally due to its very high quality and the number of furnaces lining the river Tawe. Close to the Glan-y-Wern junction was \u2018Pritchard Chemical Works\u2019, and many barge loads of raw materials went to the works, and it was said the surface of the canal nearby was so polluted it looked like a sheet of brown linoleum. The last horse-drawn barge ran in 1936 and was a load of Blue Clay.<\/h4>\n<p class=\"brz-css-qrcsh\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ridka\" data-uniq-id=\"qjhbv\">In 1956 from near the Vale of Neath Inn, Port Tennant the canal was drained, and in 1965 was culverted and a road laid over it, eventually becoming Fabian Way.\u00a0The culvert still exists connected to the Eastern end of PoW dock. That meant there was no longer a navigable way from Swansea via the canal, and the end of an era.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-babjp\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-fgjhc\" data-uniq-id=\"dkwfp\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"brz-css-dofgn\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-hxgzx\" data-uniq-id=\"dizmk\"><strong>LATER YEARS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"brz-css-trcqe\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-pdudd\" data-uniq-id=\"gofda\">With no cargo business, the canal looked destined to become silted up and lost to history \u2026 and in fact, at the Western end there is approximately 500m closed due to such silting, close to where the Carbon Black works was, now fully blocked. The ownership of the canal remains with the Coombe Tennant family, and for a number of years, they had revenue income by supplying water to Llandarcy Refinery until its closure in 1998. They also supplied water by pipe under the River Neath to Baglan Bay Chemical works, and in more recent times to Calon Energy Power Station.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-gwxed\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-cljnk\" data-uniq-id=\"bskju\">With the very premature closure of the Power Station there is no longer any significant water supply business, and the owners have cancelled their Abstraction License, which puts the canal\u2019s water supply at risk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-qnyyk\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jgukj\" data-uniq-id=\"dpzov\">The Coombe Tennant family does wish the canal to remain in place as a natural environmental asset, for the benefit of the public and fully wishes to secure its future. This group is committed to working with Coombe Tennant, its agents, and all involved organisations to make this happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"brz-css-obdmt\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-ixdlw\" data-uniq-id=\"rvrzg\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-uid=\"ladhuioalofdkglecrvasjxcbvtlcljclirw\" id=\"pricing\" class=\"brz-section brz-css-mqtfx\">\n<div class=\"brz-section__content brz-section--boxed brz-css-ncrcx brz-css-pohig\" data-custom-id=\"vzylbngcnywbpxpxqnuyifefluxmdyinydyh\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg-color\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-bg-shape brz-bg-shape__top\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-container brz-css-zexnq\">\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-tijbp brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-spacer brz-css-ijpno brz-css-qwwuc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-hynvx brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-line brz-line-default brz-css-rwqfa brz-css-rjiyq\" data-custom-id=\"rqguinawjvuuskplzifusoujbgqchlmufuzk\">\n<hr class=\"brz-hr\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-tijbp brz-css-kgaxt brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-spacer brz-css-ijpno brz-css-zvday\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-row__container brz-css-krywp\" data-custom-id=\"plehwpvdaicixftcnyhkgyoqjcbimdnckjyb\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-row brz-css-wrvmu brz-css-fthkx\">\n<div class=\"brz-columns brz-css-qxuxj brz-css-lgyco\" data-custom-id=\"kvwadkxssjiklpufckbbsfhghoucexuokvoo\">\n<div class=\"brz-column__items brz-css-itngd brz-css-onvpe\">\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-occkt brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"pfwhhihguzdpwjyhvfamceglbhzaezsedngm\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"brz-css-vdpst\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-kblui\" data-uniq-id=\"quvns\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/\" class=\"link--external brz-cp-color6\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\">Save The Tennant Canal<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-columns brz-css-qxuxj brz-css-xagjr\" data-custom-id=\"spxenjqzenkjqujwrewcnvwcojjkylqhhtda\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-column__items brz-css-itngd brz-css-hylfg\">\n<div class=\"brz-wrapper-clone brz-css-jtaey\">\n<div class=\"brz-d-xs-flex brz-flex-xs-wrap brz-css-uebmi brz-css-vuynt\">\n<div class=\"brz-wrapper-clone__item brz-css-hoput brz-css-lkztm\" id=\"gssvtvvnpjopgtatwuswbkwcautqfxdvphkz\"><a class=\"brz-a brz-btn brz-css-htcfi brz-css-waiae\" href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=5X6L3CU87DLLA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"gssvtvvnpjopgtatwuswbkwcautqfxdvphkz\"><span class=\"brz-span brz-text__editor\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Donate<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-wrapper-clone__item brz-css-hoput brz-css-lkztm\" id=\"xljfarhlnarunjfgbztnodbgogozbxzkoftw\"><a class=\"brz-a brz-btn brz-css-htcfi brz-css-nnofc\" href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/join-us\/\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"xljfarhlnarunjfgbztnodbgogozbxzkoftw\"><span class=\"brz-span brz-text__editor\">Join Us<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-wrapper-clone__item brz-css-hoput brz-css-lkztm\" id=\"ttrqytnrycyapgslrhturycudhsppftpjrhi\"><a class=\"brz-a brz-btn brz-css-htcfi brz-css-lxuer\" href=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/brizy-15\/contact\/\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"ttrqytnrycyapgslrhturycudhsppftpjrhi\"><span class=\"brz-span brz-text__editor\">Contact<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-wrapper-clone__item brz-css-hoput brz-css-lkztm\" id=\"vfwqnmtszjpigtnobadohrrwjmbpaekyijcp\"><a class=\"brz-a brz-anchor brz-btn brz-css-htcfi brz-css-sphnf\" href=\"#vadjufwcmbgllrmkgfoqrhhswkxrarybrhoc\" data-brz-link-type=\"anchor\" id data-custom-id=\"vfwqnmtszjpigtnobadohrrwjmbpaekyijcp\"><span class=\"brz-span brz-text__editor\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-columns brz-css-qxuxj brz-css-sbein\" data-custom-id=\"sokybpekpevnwdddkzncomyxwytbvyglvigt\">\n<div class=\"brz-bg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-column__items brz-css-itngd brz-css-jwvhi\">\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-image brz-css-lhnfn brz-css-gcgsz\"><a class=\"brz-a\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipN_T56lx0CEy6Yhp4w-aOluBm3z-otmEzKHuVwKYy64LkYQ6xtXuL_nablfhi8Z6A?key=X1RzVVV0bnU4NjRGZ2N6NzJYdEJjdW11MlNneTlR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"caozfwbzxkpxsdihmubyjlbqzyzockmyioui\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"brz-img\" src=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/google-photos-icon-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-image brz-css-yqndl\"><a class=\"brz-a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/1556592598051313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"ftgqrmciqjzhbxrzjjoaohutuvftfyfdvaor\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"brz-img\" src=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/brizy\/imgs\/icons8-facebook-48-30x30x0x4x30x23x1676230493.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-image brz-css-envqe\"><a class=\"brz-a\" href=\"https:\/\/m.youtube.com\/channel\/UCb_qJKDJrzukgN_rbRpYquw\/videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-brz-link-type=\"external\" id data-custom-id=\"dtprimnzqpcuorjvvksegjinhsdmdshylcmv\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"brz-img\" src=\"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/brizy\/imgs\/youtube-logo-png-2072-33x33x0x0x33x33x1676230638.png\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-line brz-line-default brz-css-rwqfa brz-css-qxylw\" data-custom-id=\"fypsuzquylhetkasevmxkwhfadbtkgyoxsrj\">\n<hr class=\"brz-hr\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-tijbp brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-spacer brz-css-ijpno brz-css-mgttq\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-css-iifgu brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"enlneabiimlmprzqidktviicdjneeybqxxtj\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"brz-css-fqxww\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-qlcgw\" data-uniq-id=\"sxngn\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color6\">Save The Tennant Canal\u00a0|\u00a0Made for The Community*<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"brz-css-ofoox brz-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"brz-rich-text brz-rich-text__custom brz-css-tgfty\" data-custom-id=\"fjthzuzscmodejlvqhwtjddlangkspvcabgv\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"brz-css-zgpot\" data-uniq-id=\"yvzqn\" data-generated-css=\"brz-css-jaziy\"><strong class=\"brz-cp-color7\">*By local tech Steve Thomas who gave his time and skills for free to help save the canal.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- version:1688068603 --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home History The Weir The Canal Our Position Canal Life Biodiversity Community Life Quake Gallery Contact Join Us Donate History of the Tennant Canal George Tennant, a Solicitor from Lancashire, while in the South Wales area on business for others, could see opportunities to make money from the Coal trade, and while of no specific [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"brizy-blank-template.php","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1548","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"brizy_media":[{"id":181,"url":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/History-of-the-canal-2.png","name":"History-of-the-canal-2.png","meta":{"brizy_attachment_uid":"wp-34d0147b4c01d70a7832e7eecc21e3de.png","brizy_post_uid":["f7b1a3f7823eb597d2d8f7dfda3f419b","02e43286d4e0249caae3e36c2a285525"]}},{"id":1551,"url":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Tennant-canal-Timeline-version-jpeg.jpg","name":"Tennant-canal-Timeline-version-jpeg.jpg","meta":{"brizy_attachment_uid":"wp-8ce614dc5c63391342f427ac26f2c8a8.jpg","brizy_post_uid":["02e43286d4e0249caae3e36c2a285525"]}},{"id":1771,"url":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Tennant-canal-Timeline-UPDATED-12-02.jpg","name":"Tennant-canal-Timeline-UPDATED-12-02.jpg","meta":{"brizy_attachment_uid":"wp-cb35eb0500f9c5dd4c6b10cf744822ed.jpg","brizy_post_uid":["02e43286d4e0249caae3e36c2a285525"]}},{"id":1779,"url":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Tennant-canal-Timeline-MAXRES.jpg","name":"Tennant-canal-Timeline-MAXRES.jpg","meta":{"brizy_attachment_uid":"wp-125e0833db2012369535482cda8bb199.jpg","brizy_post_uid":["02e43286d4e0249caae3e36c2a285525"]}},{"id":1788,"url":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/High-Res-Timeline.jpg","name":"High-Res-Timeline.jpg","meta":{"brizy_attachment_uid":"wp-d5c5951064441e5ab90afe5be864690d.jpg","brizy_post_uid":["f61a27b6acfb9d30b01082596f2fd90c","02e43286d4e0249caae3e36c2a285525"]}}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1548"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2684,"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1548\/revisions\/2684"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tennantcanal.wales\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}