Exeter Canal
The Exeter Canal is probably the oldest canal in England having been completed by early 1567. The canal had three locks with vertical gates – the first pound locks to be built in Britain. It ran one and three and a quarter miles (5.2 km) from just below the Countess Weir to the centre of Exeter. In 1677 the canal was extended and the entrance was moved downstream to Topsham. In 1701 the canal was deepened and widened to allow the passage of ocean-going ships. At the same time the number of locks on the canal was reduced to one. The canal is owned by Exeter City Council.
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