Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Pont Helygog
Brithdir and Llanfachreth, Gwynedd, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Transport
- Date of designation
- 26 May 1995
- Locality
- Helygog
- Community
- Brithdir and Llanfachreth
- Unitary authority
- Gwynedd
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.76066, -3.79308
- Cadw reference
- 16043
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid 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
Spanning the Nant Helygog about 3km E of Brithdir on the old course of the Roman road from Dolgellau to Bala (now a trackway).
History
Ancient single-span road bridge of various dates. The boulder-built foundations and piers of a much wider bridge than the present one survive beneath it and imply an early date since the road itself has reduced in width over the centuries. Whilst the earliest structure is impossible to date accurately it seems likely that the Nant Helygog was always bridged rather than forded here and it is not inconceivable that the bridge has a Roman or Medieval core. Called 'the old bridge' in 1830 when repairs to the parapets were carried out.
Exterior
Rubble construction, the earlier irregular battered platform boulder-built on rock. Simple segmental arch and uncoped parapet walls; that to the R (S) is almost S-shaped in its irregularity; unmetalled carriageway.
Reason for designation
A charming vernacular bridge traditionally said to have early origins.
Nearby in the register
- HelygogDomesticunder 1 mi
- Former Farmhouse at Cefn-Creuan-UchafDomesticunder 1 mi
- CarlegDomesticunder 1 mi
- CarlegDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.