The Exeter Ship Canal, also known as the Exeter Canal is a canal leading from the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon, England. It was first constructed in the 1560s, predating the "canal mania" period, and is one of the oldest artificial waterways in the UK. As built, it contained the first pound locks to be built in Britain. The canal was extended southwards in 1677, and when the contractor employed to enlarge the canal in 1698 absconded with the money, men and women from the city volunteered to carry out the work. It was completed in 1701 and was a financial success.