Llangollen Canal engineered by Willaim Jessop assisted by John Duncombe, Thomas Denson and William Turner, 46 miles long with 21 locks

History and General Knowledge of the Llangollen Canal

Beginning at Hurleston Junction on the Shropshire Union Canal and winding its way through beautiful countryside to a little beyond Llangollen town itself.

Fed principally by a feeder from Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee, much of which is navigable. 

Fully opened in 1805, with the completion of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, to great fanfare, brass bands and even canon fire. A crowd 8000 onlookers gathered, many in the valley below to watch the opening procession across one of Thomas Telford's most notable achievements.

A journey along the Llangollen Canal is filled with Engineering Works that have been marvelled at for over two centuries. Two amazing aqueducts, The Chirk Aqueduct and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Two tunnels, the Chirk and Whitehouses.

Ellesmere Basin and the lovely town of Ellesmere is a perfect place to stop over.

History of the Llangollen Canal

Constructed in the early 19th century to connect the town of Llangollen to the main canal network of England and Wales. The canal stretches for 46 miles and is known for its stunning scenery, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The construction of the Llangollen Canal began in 1793 and was completed in 1808, at a cost of £47,000. The canal was designed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford, who was one of the most prominent civil engineers of the time. Telford's design included several engineering feats, including the construction of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which spans 1,007 feet and stands 126 feet above the River Dee.

The Llangollen Canal was primarily built to transport goods, including coal, lime, and agricultural products. The canal quickly became an important transportation link for the local economy and played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. The canal was also used for passenger transport, with canal boats carrying passengers between Llangollen and the towns and cities of England and Wales.

During the mid-19th century, the Llangollen Canal faced competition from the emerging railway industry. Many canals across the UK were abandoned or fell into disuse during this time, but the Llangollen Canal managed to survive. The canal continued to be used for commercial transportation until the 1930's, when it began to decline due to the growth of road and rail transport.

In the 1950's, the Llangollen Canal was purchased by the British Waterways Board, which began a program of restoration and modernisation. The canal was converted for leisure use, and a number of new marinas and boatyards were built along the route. Today, the Llangollen Canal is a popular destination for leisure boating and tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the scenic beauty of the canal and the surrounding countryside.

In conclusion, the Llangollen Canal is a historic waterway that played an important role in the economic development of Wales and the UK. The canal was designed by Thomas Telford and was completed in the early 19th century. The canal was primarily used for transporting goods, but it also played a role in passenger transport. Today, the Llangollen Canal is a popular destination for leisure boating and tourism, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the canal builders of the 19th century.