Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Cascade
Ruabon, Wrexham, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II*
- Broad class
- Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
- Date of designation
- 22 February 1995
- Locality
- Wynnstay
- Community
- Ruabon
- Unitary authority
- Wrexham
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.98095, -3.03861
- Cadw reference
- 15749
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 LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales
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
Remotely sited within Wynnstay Park; in Bathground Wood 230m east of Wynnstay Column.
History
Part of the major programme of works undertaken by Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, 4th bt., to the park and garden between 1768 and 1789. Designed by Lancelot `Capability' Brown as part of a scheme for a large artificial lake in landscaped setting. Brown designed a similar cascade at Bowood, Wilts. Following his death in 1782 the scheme was carried out by John Evans, possibly in an altered form. The lake, known as Belan Water, burst its dam c1900 and the area became completely overgrown. It is probable that orginally it was a double cascade with two separate waterfalls, however it seems likely that one was destroyed when the lake burst its banks.
Exterior
The cascade consists of a wall of massive sandstone blocks shaped into jagged rocks and positioned for picturesque effect. The height of the cascade is c8m and at the top it was chanelled and shaped to provide a course for water to be diverted from Belan Water.
Reason for designation
Graded II* as an important and ambitious design which was Capability Brown's last commission before his death.
Group value with the other garden structures relating to this important period of improvement to the park and garden at Wynnstay.
Nearby in the register
- Sluice OutletGardens, Parks and Urban Spacesunder 1 mi
- Ice HouseDomesticunder 1 mi
- Wynnstay ColumnCommemorativeunder 1 mi
- Plunge PoolWater Supply and Drainageunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.