Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
DE026
Name
Llangollen Bridge
Date of Designation
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Denbighshire
Community
Llangollen
Easting
321511
Northing
342165
Broad Class
Transport
Site Type
Bridge
Period
Medieval
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the scheduled ancient monument.
The monument consists of the remains of a bridge, dating to the medieval or post-medieval period. Llangollen Bridge is thought to have been built by Henry I, and was probably reconstructed in 1346 by Dr. John Trevor (Bishop of St Asaph 1346-1357), and then replaced in the 16th century. The bridge was extended at the north end to span the railway line in May 1863, and the parapets were rebuilt. The width of the bridge was greatly widened on the upstream side in 1873 and in 1968 it was again nearly doubled in width to the same side. The river is spanned by 4 arches, unequally pointed and with voussoirs, of coursed rubble to the older part, precast concrete to the upstream side. There are deep pointed cutwaters to both sides (taller to downstream side) and a square-headed railway opening.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval or post-medieval construction techniques and transportation systems. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.