Bridge No 40

Cadw's description

Location

Bridge over Llangollen Canal, S of main road and N of River Dee; between the Sun Inn PH and Bryn Howel Hotel.

History

An Act to construct the Ellesmere Canal, linking the Dee, Mersey and Severn Rivers, was passed in 1793. When, however, it was decided in 1801 not to continue the canal beyond Pontcysyllte a 9.656km long feeder canal (taking water from the Dee at the Horseshoe Falls) was proposed in order to supply water to the main canal. The feeder canal was constructed under the direction of William Jessop (engineer) and Thomas Telford (general agent); work was begun in 1804 and completed in 1808. In addition it provided transport to the slate quarries and limestone works. In 1846 it became part of the Shropshire Union Railways and Canal Company, but the following year was taken over by the London & North Western Railway. Transport on the canal diminished in later C19 with arrival of the railways and ceased by World War II. The canal was only kept open because of its importance as a supplier of water and has now became a major tourist asset.

Exterior

Rubble with voussoirs to semicircular arch over canal. String-course above and pitched coping to parapet. The bridge is terminated to the N by an advanced pier with pyramidical cap; wall curves around beyond. On the S (towpath) side thewalls sweep down in wide curves to W and E and end with similar terminating piers.

Reason for designation

Listed as a distinctive feature of canal engineering and for its group value with other listed items on the Llangollen Canal.