Thomas Telford's Holyhead Road

The A5 in north Wales

by Jamie Quartermaine, Barrie Trinder and Rick Turner

This highly readable and well-illustrated volume will provide the first comprehensive survey of the spectacular Welsh section of Thomas Telford’s London to Holyhead Road.

The road was perhaps Telford’s most significant achievement – crossing the mountainous terrain of North Wales and containing the famous Menai and Conwy suspension bridges. The book presents the findings of a systematic archaeological survey of the 83 miles of road from Holyhead to Chirk, and its 14 mile spur road to Conwy. This section of the road not only contains the sole surviving archaeological remains of the original engineering schemes, but also includes a fascinating range of associated structures such as toll houses and inns.

The survey integrates archaeological and historical evidence to provide vital new information on one of the most ambitious and influential road building schemes of the 19th century. The results also promote better understanding of the surviving structures, thus informing more sympathetic conservation and future protection. The book will be of interest to both specialist and general readers. Winner of ‘Transport Book of the Year 2005’.

Info: 180pp, illustrated throughout
Last copies available - please contact CBA