Swansea and Port Talbot Docks History

The Swansea Canal

The following photos, from the Gareth Mills collection, trace the route of the Swansea canal up the Swansea valley to Abercrave

Bridge over canal to the entrance of the Vivian's Copper Works. The stack in the background is the Morfa Copper Works

The bridge over the canal is the entrance to the Morfa Copper Works. Taken over by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd and later by Yorkshire Imperial Metals Ltd. On the right is the works main office.

Canal at Landore showing the bridge crossing over the canal and the railway

The canal at Landore going under the viaduct towards Swansea

The canal in the foreground with the River Tawe in the background

The bridge over the canal is the entrance to the Morfa Copper Works. Taken over by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd and later by Yorkshire Imperial Metals Ltd. On the right is the works main office

Canal at Landore looking towards Plasmarl

Looking from Plasmarl to Landore

Bridge carrying railway to the Morriston Smelter Works

Railway line to the Morriston Smelter Works

Canal at lower Morriston

Bridge at Morriston Cross

The bridge at Morriston showing the Railway Station

Stables at Ynystawe Hill

Front view of the Ynystawe stables

Bridge at Ynystawe

Canal at Ynysforgan looking towards Clydach

Canal approaching Clydach from Ynystawe

The locks at Clydach

Close up of the lock gate

The aqueduct at Clydach

Lock at Players Iron Works, Clydach

Pumping station at Clydach

Looking towards Pontardawe from Clydach Lock

Sluice mechanism at Clydach Lock

Old lock at Clydach

Canal looking down towards Clydach

Old House at Pontardawe lock

Lock at Trebanos

Canal looking towards Pontardawe with St Peters Church on the right

Stables at Pontardawe

Road bridge over old lock at Pontardawe

Canal bridge at Pontardawe

Sluice mechanism at the lock at Godre'r graig

Canal redirected after road widening at Godre'r'graig

Aquaduct carrying the Swansea Canal over the River Twrch at Ystalyfera

The weir at Abercrave

Click here for some more current photos of the canal route, taken in 2008