Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

27.07.05

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct aims to join ranks of World Listed Monuments.

The next steps toward Pontcysyllte Aqueduct being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Status have been taken with the appointment of consultants to evaluate the structure’s historical significance. This is the start of a long process for the aqueduct which ultimately could lead it to joining the internationally recognised list of World Heritage Sites. The list includes world famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Tower of London and the Great Wall of China.

The consultants will produce what is known as a Statement of Significance by the end of September and their findings will be critical in determining whether the bid for World Heritage status can proceed. If their findings are favourable lobbying will commence for the Aqueduct to gain the UK nomination for inclusion on the list. There are 26 UK sites already on the list but only 2 in Wales: the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd and the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape in South Wales.

The bid is being jointly co-ordinated by Wrexham County Borough Council, British Waterways, Cadw and the Royal Commission for Ancient Historic Monuments (Wales). Dr Dawn Roberts, Economic Development Manager at Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) said:

"We are delighted to secure the services of such an accomplished team of experts for what is a task of major importance. The Aqueduct represents a great historical resource for Wrexham and gaining World Heritage Status would be of great value to the local community as well as a real coup for the tourism profile of the County Borough."

The expert team of consultants is actually an association between two separate partnerships that bring relevant expertise in two distinct areas. Chris Pound and Jane McDermott are both qualified architects and bring with them an expert knowledge of the UNESCO World Heritage process, having worked on sites from Bath to Montenegro and being members of a committee that advises the UK Government on World Heritage issues. The other expert grouping is led by Dr David Gwyn, a published archaeologist who specialises in transport systems, and consists of Dr Barrie Trinder and Dr Ron Fitzgerald. Dr Trinder is an authority on Industrial History and wrote the statement for the successful nomination of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, while Dr Fitzgerald has considerable expertise in the field of historic engineering sites.

Chris Pound said:

"I am thrilled to be part of the team working on such a fascinating structure. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a spectacular achievement of waterways civil engineering and a testament to the brilliance of Thomas Telford." Dr David Gwyn added: "Pontcysyllte is already protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and we are excited by the prospect of investigating its wider historical significance. The span construction of the aqueduct used an innovative technique for the time and, as a Welshman, I am doubly delighted to be involved on this project."

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct celebrates its bicentenary in November this year and a programme of events and festivals have been running all year to mark the occasion. Recent events included the Froncysyllte fete which attracted over 800 people and touring theatre performances at Trevor Community Centre. Celebrations continue for the rest of the year culminating in the spectacular bicentenary event on November 26 where a host of activities will take place at the Aqueduct. By then we will know the outcome of the consultants’ work and hopefully be celebrating a positive outcome.

For more information please contact Colin Hyde 01978 292449.

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