ME028

Pont Tai-Hirion Old Bridge  

 

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Llanycil  

280345  

339817  

Transport  

Bridge  

Post Medieval/Modern  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument. A bridge over the Afon Tai-Hirion, about 90m WNW of the present Pont Tai-Hirion. It is known as 'the Roman Bridge' or 'Borrow's Bridge', but probably dates to the Elizabethan period (1558–1603). It is 2.9m wide and has a single arch spanning 5m resting on vertical piers built of large boulders. It has a single arch-ring, the keystones of which are visible across the top of the bridge. On the E side three large parapet stones remain on the N side of the river. These probably once ran all along both sides but have been removed for walling or have fallen into the stream. The (disused) track crossing the field from the modern road to the bridge crosses a boggy area, and there is stone edging visible which forms a sort of causeway. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of post-medieval transport. 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.