Published: 15 January 2008
New World Heritage Bid
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, among the world's most renowned and spectacular achievements in aquatic engineering, has been put forward by Culture Secretary James Purnell as the UK's latest nomination for World Heritage Site status.
The Aqueduct and Canal in North Wales, built between 1795 and 1808, is a masterpiece of historic transport development and the greatest work of two outstanding figures in the history of civil engineering: Thomas Telford and William Jessop.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct crossed the Dee Valley by nineteen spans at a height of 126 feet (38.4 metres). Its application of the new technology of cast iron to create the tallest and longest navigable aqueduct in the world was a daring and spectacular achievement.
The associated 11-mile (18-kilometre) section of navigable waterway is an outstanding example of advances in canal building in the Industrial Revolution, one of the fundamental turning points of human history.
The Site exhibits important international interchanges of values in inland navigation, civil engineering and the application of iron to structural design.
The Aqueduct, located in Wrexham County Borough, and most of the 11 mile canal site is in the ownership of British Waterways.
If successful, the 200 year old Aqueduct and Canal will join the other 27 UK World Heritage Sites including Stonehenge, the Giant's Causeway, and the old and new towns of Edinburgh.
UNESCO, who are responsible for the scheme, will now examine the proposal and make a final decision next year.
James Purnell said:
"The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is truly a masterpiece from the canal age in the UK.
It is also a magnificent example of our living heritage, remaining one of the busiest stretches of canal in the UK, with some 15,000 boat crossings every year.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Minister for Heritage in the Welsh Assembly Government, added:
"I think that by any standard this great aqueduct is an impressive structure and should enjoy the added renown that World Heritage Site status would confer on it.
I wish this nomination every success and hope that the hard work will be rewarded with a favourable result.
I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government, through its historic environment arm, Cadw, its sponsored body the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and Visit Wales, has been able to help the steering group in progressing the bid."
Further information
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal nomination
Welsh Assembly Government – Cadw
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
Visit Wales
UK World Heritage Sites
Related articles
Heritage Protection for the 21st century
Putting the Nation’s World heritage on the Map
To find a business you can trust, click on the related categories below: