The canal here runs behind the Sainsbury Supermarket, which was built on the site of the Brown Lenox factory which was famous for chain making. The factory was established in 1816 and was located here because of its easy access to the high quantities of pig iron and coal needed in production.
The anchor chain for the Titanic was reputedly made here.
The anchor chain for the Titanic was reputedly made here.
Two canal basins were constructed, one for the receipt of raw materials the other for dispatching finished goods.
As you can see there is some restoration work going on and things are looking up as there is only one supermarket trolley in the canal.
The chains would have been shipped down the canal to Cardiff docks and from there to whichever shipyard needed them.
This famous picture of Isombard Kingdom Brunel shows him standing in front of the anchor chains, a product of the Pontypridd factory, of the SS Great Britain.
Those are some huge chains!
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ReplyDeleteWow, Dave that is so interesting. Glad we could see how big those chains were with the gentleman in front.
Wow Whee those are big chains I agree with Barbara on that one for sure!
ReplyDeleteThat supermarket trolley would make a good garden for herbs!
ReplyDeleteIt's a virtual museum here! Years from now, people can come and visit, and check out some history.