Free Talks to Explore The History and Future of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Two free talks which will explore the history of the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct will take place in Wrexham this week.

The talks, which will take place on Friday November 4 will also examine what the future may hold for the World Heritage site.

Peter Wakelin and Fiona Gale are hosting the back-to-back events in the Oriel Sycharth Gallery at Wrexham Glyndwr University from 6pm.

Art historian Dr Peter Wakelin, author of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal – World Heritage Site (2015), will lead on a talk titled ‘Pontcysyllte and the Landscape,’ looking back at its history.

‘Managing the Landscape for the Future’ will be led by Denbighshire’s County Archaeologist Fiona Gale.

Fiona is currently managing a new Heritage Lottery project for the Dee Valley – ‘Our Picturesque Landscape’ and will be looking at future plans for heritage and tourism in the area during the evening.

Both talks are part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project called Curious Travellers.

Haydn Hughes, conference and events manager at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a magnificent, iconic attraction here in North East Wales, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“We’re delighted to be hosting these exciting talks which will celebrate its history and look at its development over the coming years.”

A second event in the Curious Travellers tour is being hosted by Wrexham Glyndwr University on Wednesday November 23 at 6pm.

Internationally renowned storyteller Peter Stevenson will lead an evening of storytelling drawing on the myths and legends of Thomas Pennant’s A Tour in Wales.

All events are free to attend. To make a reservation or for more information email a.elias@cymru.ac.uk

An overview of the Curious Travellers project can be found at curioustravellers.ac.uk