Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Caeau Weir
Esclusham, Wrexham, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Industrial
- Date of designation
- 8 December 1995
- Locality
- Bersham
- Community
- Esclusham
- Unitary authority
- Wrexham
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.03706, -3.03915
- Cadw reference
- 16555
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
On the River Clywedog, close to Caeau Bridge, 400m approx. W of Plas Power Chapel
History
The origins of the weir may date back to the medieval period; the Clywedog had long been exploited as a power source prior to the establishment of an ironworks at Bersham at the end of the C17. The weir almost certainly formed part of the water power system for the ironworks during the C18, and then for Bersham Corn Mill from 1828. Its stepped profile was created some time between 1900 and 1911, perhaps to enhance its appearance as a feature within the park at Plas Power.
Exterior
Stepped stonework, slightly curved in plan, with abutment walls of coursed and squared stone to either side, and a blue brick retaining wall linking the weir with Caeau Bridge to the S. A sluice gate at the top of the weir fed a leat which served the ironworks and later cornmill.
Reason for designation
Forms a group with Caeau Bridge.
An important element in the early water-power system developed to serve the ironworks (though probably with earlier origins) and subsequently the corn mill at Bersham. The weir also forms a striking feature within Plas Power Park.
Nearby in the register
- Caeau BridgeTransportunder 1 mi
- Church of Saint MaryReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Bersham LodgeDomesticunder 1 mi
- Bridge, Gates and Railings at Bersham LodgeTransportunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.