Minerals Newport Docks



the modern docks transporter bridge


the area @ head of newport valleys, tredegar pontypool, rich in minerals: coal , iron, , limestone. development of iron smelting processes in eighteenth century led massive upsurge in industrial output, , products of industry needed transported market. roads , other communication systems in eighteenth century poor, , minerals conveyed watercourse on backs of pack animals, @ considerable expense. watercourse closest @ hand purpose river usk @ newport, , point journey made. onward transport ship there relatively easy.


the difficulty , expense of overland part of journey resulted in promotion of monmouthshire canal navigation. authorised act of parliament in 1792 , opened in stages 1796. extent pontnewynydd, north-west of pontypool, newport, , crumlin newport. both arms of canal eleven miles long. canal did not connect usk @ newport, @ crindau, north of town, , basin near llanarth street (close present-day charles street). canal company or coalowners , ironmasters using authorised make tramroads pit within 7 or 8 miles of canal, bring output canalside.


the monmouthshire canal navigation extremely successful, , obtained amendment act in 1802, allowing make additional wharves on banks of river usk enable cargoes transferred ships export. canal extended mile , quarter down river llanarth street, original termination, pillgwenlly; cost said £100,000. work begun in 1806.








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