Pontcysyllte aqueduct

aqueduct, Wales, United Kingdom

Also known as: Pont Cysylltau aqueduct

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

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The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a canal aqueduct in the United Kingdom, located in Wales. It was designed by Thomas Telford and built between 1793 and 1805 as part of the Ellesmere Canal. The aqueduct carries the canal over the Dee Valley.12

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is notable for its innovative use of cast-iron plates set within masonry, a design that brought Telford national fame. In 2009, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.1

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Thomas Telford
…in Wales at Chirk and Pontcysyllte (Pont Cysylltau), employed a novel use of troughs of cast-iron plates fixed in the masonry. These brought him national fame. Employed in 1803 by the government to assist in the development of the Scottish Highlands, he was responsible for the Caledonian Canal; harbour works…
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…in Wales at Chirk and Pontcysyllte (Pont Cysylltau), employed a novel use of troughs of cast-iron plates fixed in the masonry. These brought him national fame. Employed in 1803 by the government to assist in the development of the Scottish Highlands, he was responsible for the Caledonian Canal; harbour works…
Read More