Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Old Telegraph House
Llysfaen, Conwy, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Domestic
- Date of designation
- 30 November 1964
- Locality
- Llysfaen
- Community
- Llysfaen
- Unitary authority
- Conwy
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.28110, -3.66471
- Cadw reference
- 148
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Location
Located in a commanding position on the highest point of the Mynydd Marian, with spectacular views of the bay to the N and the uplands to the rear accessed via a long unmetalled track running W from Bronyllan Road.
History
Former semaphore station, subsequently converted to use as a telegraph house; one of a series built in 1841 by the trustees of the Liverpool Docks, and, like that surviving at Prestatyn, ascribable to Jesse Hartley, Chief Engineer to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. Originally a 2-bay rectangular structure with central stack, it was extended to the S and N later in the C19; further, modern alterations and additions.
Exterior
Single-storey building, consisting of a primary rectangular block with later extension to S and with modern, flat-roofed, bow-windowed addition to north. Of whitened brick construction, the (early) additions of whitened rubble. The original section retains its contemporary slate roof with graduated courses, and has sandstone copings up to half hips (the S. extension, also slated, repeats this treatment). Central rendered chimney with clustered octagonal flues; small, plain chimney to extension. 2 recessed windows to W side (and formerly also to E), with cambered heads and modern small-pane glazing. Modern windows and openings elsewhere, including a canted bay to E. A large C19 stone tablet in the N gable bears the inscription: " Llysfaen Telegraph, built in 1841 by the trustees of the Liverpool Docks". Below, a single-storey later C19 lean-to addition of slated rubble extends the full length of the gable. To the R a modern porch has been incorporated with, projecting northwards immediately beyond, a bowed modern addition. A small, single-storey rubble addition adjoins the gable lean-to to the E; pitched, slated roof and late C19/early C20 4-pane casement to front. Beyond, a modern glazed extension.
Interior
The interior was not inspected at the time of survey (3/97).
Reason for designation
Included, notwithstanding alterations, for its special historic interest as a scarce surviving example of a mid C19 semaphore/telegraph station.
Nearby in the register
- Parish Church of St. CynfranReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Church HouseReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Ty MawrDomesticunder 1 mi
- Pen-y-DaredDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.