Pont Minllyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pont Minllyn |
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Pont Minllyn in the foreground
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| Coordinates | 52°42′38″N 3°41′21″W / 52.7106°N 3.6891°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Afon Dyfi |
| Locale | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed, Scheduled monument |
| History | |
| Opened | 17th century |
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Pont Minllyn is an old stone bridge in Gwynedd, Wales. It is also known as Pont-y-Ffinant or Pontrusk Bridge. This special bridge crosses the Afon Dyfi, just north of the village of Mallwyd. It was built a long time ago, in the 17th century, to help people move goods across the river. Today, Pont Minllyn is protected as a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled monument because of its history and importance.
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What is Pont Minllyn?
Pont Minllyn is a type of bridge called a packhorse bridge. These bridges were designed for packhorses, which are horses used to carry goods on their backs. They were very important for trade and travel before cars and trucks existed.
This bridge is made of stone and has two arches. A central stone support stands in the middle of the river, holding up the two arches. The top of the bridge, where people walk, is now covered with grass. It looks very natural and blends in with the landscape.
Who Built Pont Minllyn?
The bridge was built by a famous Welsh scholar named John Davies. He was the rector, or head priest, of Mallwyd from 1603 to 1644. Dr. Davies was a very smart person who worked on early Welsh translations of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. He also wrote a grammar book for the Welsh language.
Dr. John Davies was born around 1567 in Llanferres, Denbighshire. He studied at Jesus College, Oxford, and became the rector of Mallwyd in 1604. He is known for paying for the construction of three bridges in the Mallwyd area, including Pont Minllyn.
How Old is the Bridge?
Experts believe Pont Minllyn was built around the 1630s. However, some records suggest there might have been an even older wooden bridge in this spot. An old map from 1578, found in an atlas by Christopher Saxton, seems to show a bridge here before John Davies's time. It's possible that John Davies replaced an older wooden bridge with the stone one we see today.
Why is Pont Minllyn Important?
Pont Minllyn is important for a few reasons:
- History: It shows us how people traveled and traded hundreds of years ago.
- Design: It's a great example of a packhorse bridge, built to last.
- Heritage: Because it's a Grade II listed structure and a Scheduled monument, it means the bridge is protected by law. This helps make sure it stays safe for future generations to see and learn from.
