The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales in partnership with the Swansea Canal Society has just published a brilliantly illustrated book charting the history and importance of the canal. The story of the canal began 230 years ago with the 1794 Act of Parliament authorising the canal, which ran for over 16 miles (26km) from the port of Swansea to Abercraf. The story of the book also has a long history of almost fifty years – its author, Stephen Hughes, says “The book was suggested by the late, great Professor Glanmor Williams of Swansea (then Chair of the Commission) when many of the canal remains were threatened by redevelopment. The many reconstruction drawings and watercolours in the book have been a labour of love taking many years to accomplish but I hope the book and its illustrations will be a lasting contribution to understanding the canal”.

Copies priced at £45 are available from Cover To Cover, The Miller’s Arms and the Pontardawe Heritage Centre.

You may also order by email to SCS.