Fourteen Locks

Fourteen Locks is a flight of canal locks near Rogerstone in Newport that comprises 14 consecutive locks over a short distance. The system allows boats to climb approximately 50 meters (160 feet) through the landscape in a way that was efficient for the period.

The locks were built between 1796 and 1799 as part of the Monmouthshire Canal to carry ships from Newport inland to manufacturing sites. They played a key role in freight movement during the rise of Welsh mining and manufacturing industry.

The canal system demonstrates the engineering methods of the Industrial Revolution through its design of embanked ponds, pounds, sluices, and water management structures.

There is a visitor path and information boards explaining the system, and it is easily accessible from the parking area. You can explore the site freely and view the structure from multiple vantage points.

Each of the 14 locks operates independently without shared gates with adjacent structures, setting this apart from typical lock staircases. This design was necessary to control water flow effectively and allow each lock to function separately.

GPS coordinates: 51.59130,-3.04250

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30