Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
The Forge
Chirk, Wrexham, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Domestic
- Date of designation
- 29 July 1998
- Locality
- Pont-y-blew
- Town
- Wrexham
- Community
- Chirk
- Unitary authority
- Wrexham
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.93897, -3.02639
- Cadw reference
- 20252
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
The house stands above the river crossing at Pont-y-blew, and above the remains of the forge.
History
The house was possibly built for the operator of the adjacent forge, which was established in 1634 by a consortium of local gentry, including Sir Thomas Myddleton. It is believed to be the earliest water-powered forge in N Wales. The house has C17 origins, but was subsequently altered, and now has the character of the mid C19.
Exterior
A long range of single storey building with attics, timber framed, the front colourwashed brick, with a slate roof. Timber framing exposed on the gable towards the road. Timber 2-light windows of the C19 within openings with segmental heads, and an open timber framed porch over a glazed door. A second C20 glazed door towards the E end. Four small gabled dormers with cut bargeboards. Central brick stack, and added stacks at both ends on the lower slopes of the roof. Lean-to at the W end.
Reason for designation
Included as a building of vernacular character which is of special interest due to its association with the early iron processing industry in Wales.
Nearby in the register
- Remains of Forge at Pont-y-blewIndustrialunder 1 mi
- Pont-y-blewTransportunder 1 mi
- Lady's Bridge, Brynkinallt Park (continued into England)Gardens, Parks and Urban Spacesunder 1 mi
- Screen Wall to the service yard at Brynkinallt HallDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.