Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Western Portal of Penmaen Rhos Railway Tunnel
Old Colwyn, Conwy, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Domestic
- Date of designation
- 9 September 1994
- Locality
- Old Colwyn
- Community
- Old Colwyn
- Unitary authority
- Conwy
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.29291, -3.68297
- Cadw reference
- 14862
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
At the western mouth of the railway tunnel.
History
The Chester to Holyhed Railway was proposed to improve links between London and Dublin, with George Stephenson as engineer, Francis Thompson as architect. Work began in 1845 and the line was opened as far as Bangor in 1848. The 486 yard Penmaen Rhos Tunnel was bored through limestone.
Exterior
White limestone, ashlar over arch, rusticated to terminal piers, and coursed and squared to parapet. Shallow segmental arch with stepped moulded cornice over, between terminal turretted piers, which are rectangular in section, and have machicoated embattled heads.
Reason for designation
A distinctive example of railway architecture, dating from the original period of
construction of the line and probably designed by Stephenson or Thompson.
Nearby in the register
- 432 Abergele RoadDomesticunder 1 mi
- PeulwysDomesticunder 1 mi
- St John's Church HouseDomesticunder 1 mi
- Church of Saint JohnReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.