Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Pont-y-blew
Chirk, Wrexham, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Transport
- Date of designation
- 20 October 1952
- Locality
- Pont-y-blew
- Town
- Wrexham
- Community
- Chirk
- Unitary authority
- Wrexham
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 52.93718, -3.02791
- Cadw reference
- 601
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 bridge carries the road from Chirk to Glynmorlas across the Afon Ceiriog.
History
Probably late C18 in date and built at the expence of the Myddleton-Biddulph estate to replace an earlier bridge of c1640. It was of significance due to the close proximity of Pont-y-Blew furnace, established 1634 and the earliest water powered forge in N Wales, set up by Sir Thomas Myddleton in association with neighbouring gentry. The furnace was, from 1710, owned and managed by Charles Lloyd of Dolobran.
Exterior
Ashlar sandstone, a single segmental arch spanning off square abutments. One ring of regular voussoirs, without keystone, set back below a flush regulating course. The spandrils rise to a slightly arched square string band, carrying orthostatic parapets, formerly cramped at the top. The bridge has been reinforced and widened by the insertion of a concrete slab below the string course, widening the bridge to 4.05m, allowing a carriageway of 3.6m.
Reason for designation
Listed for is intrinsic value and for historical value as it preserves the essential link between the forge and the early furnace across the river at Glynmorlas.
Nearby in the register
- Remains of Forge at Pont-y-blewIndustrialunder 1 mi
- The ForgeDomesticunder 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.