16555

 

II  

Designated  

08/12/1995  

08/12/1995  

Caeau Weir  

 

Wrexham  

Esclusham  

 

Bersham  

330418  

349370  

 

On the River Clywedog, close to Caeau Bridge, 400m approx. W of Plas Power Chapel  

Industrial  

 

The origins of the weir may date back to the medieval period; the Clywedog had long been exploited as a power source prior to the establishment of an ironworks at Bersham at the end of the C17. The weir almost certainly formed part of the water power system for the ironworks during the C18, and then for Bersham Corn Mill from 1828. Its stepped profile was created some time between 1900 and 1911, perhaps to enhance its appearance as a feature within the park at Plas Power.  

Stepped stonework, slightly curved in plan, with abutment walls of coursed and squared stone to either side, and a blue brick retaining wall linking the weir with Caeau Bridge to the S. A sluice gate at the top of the weir fed a leat which served the ironworks and later cornmill.  

 

Forms a group with Caeau Bridge. An important element in the early water-power system developed to serve the ironworks (though probably with earlier origins) and subsequently the corn mill at Bersham. The weir also forms a striking feature within Plas Power Park.