Penarth Feeder Weir

Cadw's description

Location

Adjacent to the sewage works at Dolfor Lock, at the end of the minor road from Llanllwchaiarn. Reached by a footpath from Freestone Lock on the west bank of the River Severn.

History

Double weir designed by Josias Jessop in 1813-14 and constructed by John Williams from 1814-1818 as part of the development of the Montgomeryshire Canal and the Western Branch that extended the canal to Newtown. The Western Branch had been supported and partly financed by William Pugh of Newtown to promote the growth of the flannel industry in the town. The Feeder Weir was constructed to supply the canal with water from the River Severn and was equipped with a fish ladder to protect the migrating stocks of salmon in the river.

Exterior

Two gradually curved shallow stone weirs crossing the Severn. Brick-built intake channel with sluices located to the west on the downstream side with a further salmon ladder adjacent to the weir. Overflow channel further to the north.

Reason for designation

Listed for its special architectural interest as a well preserved example of an early 19th century weir carefully designed and constructed to enable a controlled water supply to the Montgomeryshire Canal. Important for its historic interest as an integral part of the development of a much wider system of water management and in the development of Newtown as an industrial centre in the early C19.