Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: An impressive example of early 19th century engineering in Wales


Landscape view of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, N.E. Wales
Landscape view of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, N.E. Wales.

This evening, I am posting information on the impressive example of early industrial engineering known at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen in N.E. Wales.

This structure dates from 1805 and ranks as the longest and highest navigable aqueduct in Britain. It is a World Heritage Site.

Key facts and information:
  • Carries the Llangollen Canal over the Valley of the River Dee.
  • Built by leading engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop. Telford was a prodigious builder of canals,bridges and churches during the early industrial period.
  • The aqueduct is 1007 feet long, 11 feet wide and water 5.25 feet deep.
  • Comprises a cast iron trough supported by 19 hollow masonry piers at height of 126 feet above the river.
  • Still in operation today. Pleasure trips are available for visitors wishing to cross the aqueduct by boat.
Narrow Boat crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,Wales
Narrow Boat crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,Wales.
View from inside tour boat crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,, Wales.
View from inside tour boat crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,, Wales.
Pillars carrying Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales
Pillars carrying Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales
Narrow boats at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales
Narrow boats at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales
River Dee from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct,, Wales
River Dee from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales.

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