Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18 kilometre
long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a feat of civil engineering of
the Industrial Revolution, completed in the early years of the 19th
century. Covering a difficult geographical setting, the building of the
canal required substantial, bold civil engineering solutions, especially
as it was built without using locks. The aqueduct is a pioneering
masterpiece of engineering and monumental metal architecture, conceived
by the celebrated civil engineer Thomas Telford. The use of both cast
and wrought iron in the aqueduct enabled the construction of arches that
were light and d strong, producing an overall effect that is both
monumental and elegant. The property is inscribed as a masterpiece of
creative genius, and as a remarkable synthesis of expertise already
acquired in Europe. It is also recognized as an innovative ensemble that
inspired many projects all over the world.