The Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal (now known as the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal) was constructed between 1797 and 1812. Gradually the railway took traffic off the canal and eventually it was bought out by the Great Western Railway. Restoration work began in 1964.

The winding hole, next to Govilon Wharf, lies at the end of the section completed in 1805 under Thomas Cartwright. It is a curved V-shaped widening of the main channel and is on the towpath side.
R Hayman, Hayman & Horton, 18/12/2003