Overview
William Jessop and Thomas Telford built Chirk Aqueduct from 1796 to 1801 to take the Ellesmere Canal across the Ceiriog Valley. Ten tall stone arches hide an iron water bed, while later iron side plates stopped leaks and kept the crossing in use as part of the Llangollen Canal.
What this place is
Chirk Aqueduct is a working canal crossing whose ten round stone arches carry a narrow iron-lined channel high over the River Ceiriog and across the border between England and Wales.
People and events
William Jessop and Thomas Telford led the design for the Ellesmere Canal, with M. Davidson supervising work on site. William Hazledine supplied the ironwork, and the foundation stone was laid on 17 June 1796.
How it was used
The aqueduct opened in 1801 so boats and water could continue across the steep valley instead of descending to river level. A towpath runs along its eastern side, and the channel now forms part of the Llangollen Canal.
What survives
The limestone arches, stone channel walls and hidden iron bed remain. Iron plates added to the sides in 1870 reduced leakage, while Chirk Tunnel begins at the northern end and the later railway bridge stands alongside.
Why it mattered
Chirk was briefly the tallest navigable aqueduct yet built. Its mixture of masonry and iron developed ideas tested at Longdon-on-Tern and helped lead towards the still bolder Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
History checked 16 August 2026 against the named sources below.
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