Pontypridd Bridge, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.605 / 51°36'17"N

Longitude: -3.3382 / 3°20'17"W

OS Eastings: 307418

OS Northings: 190421

OS Grid: ST074904

Mapcode National: GBR HQ.B31N

Mapcode Global: VH6DK.3X2H

Plus Code: 9C3RJM36+XP

Entry Name: Pontypridd Bridge

Listing Date: 25 May 1962

Last Amended: 26 February 2001

Grade: I

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 13497

Building Class: Transport

Also known as: Old Bridge, Pontypridd
Hen Bont Pontypridd

ID on this website: 300013497

Location: Spanning the River Taff on the N side of the town centre.

County: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Town: Pontypridd

Community: Pontypridd

Built-Up Area: Pontypridd

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Tagged with: Bridge Arch bridge Footbridge

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History

Pontypridd Bridge was completed in 1756 and was the last of 4 bridges designed and built in the same place by William Edwards. The first bridge, of 3 arched bays, was begun in 1746 but was swept away two years later. The second bridge, of a single span, collapsed in 1751. Edwards solved the problem of the pressure on an unusually wide arch by piercing the spandrels. This has proved successful and together with its high arch has formed the distinct character of the bridge. For 40 years the bridge was the widest span bridge in Britain (until Sunderland Bridge of 1796) and the widest in stone until London Bridge of 1831.

William Edwards (1719-89) was an Independent minister and a self-taught civil engineer. The Pontypridd bridge is his chief work, although he also built bridges at Usk, Pontardawe, Betws (Glamorgan), Aberavon and Glasbury.

Exterior

A graceful high-arched bridge with a single span of 42.7m. Of rubble stone, it has stone parapets with plain copings, at the apex of which is a renewed tablet commemorating the efforts of William Edwards and the repair of bridge in 1798 by Edward David and Thomas Evan. The distinct character of the bridge is derived from the 3 circular holes pierced in the spandrels of 2.7m, 1.8m and 0.9m diameter respectively, in ascending order. The deck now has renewed concrete steps. The parapet on the S side is attached to the parapet of the adjacent Victoria Bridge.

Reasons for Listing

Listed grade I as an C18 civil engineering achievement of national British importance.

Scheduled Ancient Monument Gm 015.

External Links

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

Other nearby listed buildings

II Telephone Call-box
On the pavement immediately to the R of the Historical & Cultural Centre.
II The Pontypridd Museum (formerly Tabernacle Baptist Chapel)
On the W Bank of the River Taff immediately beside Pontypridd Bridge. Set back from the street behind a railed forecourt.
II Eglwysbach Surgery (formerly Capel Goffa)
On the W bank of the River Taff, approximately 200m N of Pontypridd Bridge.
II* Municipal Buildings
To the NW of the town centre. The main entrance front faces S to Chapel Street, which turns back along rear elevation.
II Muni Arts Centre
At the N end of Gelliwastad Road and on the S side of its junction with Chapel Street.
II Drinking Fountain
In the centre of the junction of Taff Street and Penuel Lane.
II Coed y Lan Comprehensive Lower School, including rear science block and gymnasium
In a prominent location on the hillside to the NW of the town centre, set back from the road and reached up steps to the S side and through gates on the E side.
II St David's Presbyterian Church and Hall
Approximately 100m N of St Catherine's Church, set slightly back from the road behind a forecourt wall with railings.

British Listed Buildings

History in Structure

Pontypridd Bridge

A Grade I Listed Building in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff