Llanrwst builders discover 17th century bridge remains

Jun 18 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Llanrwst bridge find

CONTRACTORS working on flood defences in Llanrwst have unearthed the original 17th century footings of the town’s historic bridge.

Contractor May Gurney had to down tools last Thursday when original footings from the approach to the Pont Fawr bridge, dating back to 1636 and designed by Inigo Jones, where uncovered.

Project manager Gareth Evans made the historic discovery.

“As soon as we realised what we had uncovered we called in the Environment Agency’s archaeologist Ed Wilson who confirmed the significance of the find,” said Gareth.

“It was the actual stone protruding away form the wall which caused all the excitement.

“What first raised eyebrows was the old Victorian cobbled road that we came across. It was only after that we unearthed the old foundations.

“The find won’t cause a delay to the actual flood work, we just need to work round it.”

Town councillor Edgar Parry said the historic find was a fantastic opportunity for local people to see some of their heritage.

“Although the footings will be covered over again so that the Environment Agency can get on with the vital flood defence work, this is still a very significant thing to happen for the people of Llanrwst,” he said.

“Part of our heritage has been uncovered and people should feel proud.

“We need to work with the Agency and archaeologists to make sure details of the find are available to the public.”

Archaeologist Ed Wilson added: “Extensive detailed data from the find has been recorded by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.

“The stone footings were then covered over with a protective membrane so flood defence work could continue.

“This isn’t the first time this has happened. Significant finds have also been uncovered on work at Bangor Cathedral.

“We have also discovered a Chinese walkway in Llanrwst and a medieval one in Trefriw, so it’s a very busy and interesting time for us in the Conwy Valley.”

Andrew Davidson, principal archaeologist at Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, said: “The excavations revealed the foundation of a wall and an adjoining stone metalled surface.

“These lay about one metre below the present ground surface and are thought to be the original revetment wall and road surface.

“They were replaced in the 19th century when the present revetment wall along the river was built, and the road surface was raised to lessen the angle of slope leading onto the bridge.

“This is an exciting find. The flood defences have been redesigned to ensure the buried wall is preserved below ground.”