23-11-2023, 11:43 PM
Pontcysyllte is constructed from both wrought iron and cast iron. The previous aqueduct on the Llangollen at Chirk is a stone structure, but with an iron trough, meaning lighter construction and better water tightness than the tradition means of seal by using puddling clay. Telford has already built an iron aqueduct at Longton, near Shrewsbury, the canal long since closed and so for many years having stood like an odd sculpture in a field. Enthusiasts for Benjamin Outram would credit him with designing the very first iron aqueduct, Holmes on the Derby Canal. However this always gave trouble, whereas the Telford structures remain magnificent and in use. Down here in South Wales we hardly speak Welsh at all, so please do not hesitate to offer corrections. I had thought that Pony Dwr Cario meant, the bridge that carries water, and could be a generic term for any aqueduct.