Full Report for Listed Buildings
Summary Description of a Listed Buildings
Date of Designation
20/10/1952
Date of Amendment
29/07/1998
Name of Property
Pont-y-blew
Unitary Authority
Wrexham
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.
Cadw : Full Report for Listed Buildings [ Records 1 of 1 ]