Pontrobert


Pontrobert is an ecclesiastical parish that was formed in September 1854. It comprises the townships of Teirtref and part of Nantymeichiaid in the parish Meifod, a portion of Cynhinfa which was in the parish of Llangynyw and portions of the townships of Fachwel, Llaethbwlch and Cadwnfa which were in the parish of Llanfihangel. The total area of this parish is 5,000 acres. As a result of this arrangement, Pont Robert is now divided between the present day Community Councils of Meifod, Llangyniew and Mawddwy. Pontrobert was within the historic county of Montgomeryshire, now forming part of Powys. The name Pontrobert is derived from Robert ap Oliver of Cyhinfa, who built the original bridge over the River Vyrnwy around 1700. An alternative Welsh name for Pontrobert is Pont y ddolfeiniog.

The Church of St. John the Evangelist

The church was built in 1853 following the formation of the new parish to designs by Richard Kyrke Penson. The church is in the Deanery of Ceirienion, the Archdeaconery of Montgomery and the Diocese of St Asaph. The church has well proportioned gable ends and slates meet ing the walls without a coping. Simple Early English style with a west bellcote, and interior without structural division. The roof has arched braces resting on low imposts.

Chapels

Dolobran Quaker Meeting House. A tiny isolated chapel with a two-bay cottage under the same roof, but very close to the Glyndŵr's Way long distance footpath. Built 1701 for Charles Lloyd of Dolobran. The building which is an early example of brick building in Montgomeryshire, is listed Grade ii*. Constructed of red-brick with drip courses over the cambered windows. Among the members of the Quaker meeting were the Lloyd family of Dolobran. Meetings ceased in 1828 and the building restored by the Quakers c.1970.

Bridges

The site of this charcoal forge, built in 1719, is beside the Vyrnwy. It was built by Charles Lloyd who closed the forge when he became bankrupt in 1727, but it was re-opened by his son. It was converted into a woollen or flannel factory in 1789. There are the ruins of a house and cottage on the site.

Houses

Pontrobert contains a notable group of early houses including Dolobran, the family home of the Quaker Lloyd family, which included Sampson Lloyd II, the joint founder of Lloyds Bank. The Lloyds of Dolobran became Quakers in the 17th century. They were pioneers in the iron industry with the Mathrafal charcoal forge and built the Dolobran forge, and were also concerned in setting up the coke furnace at Bersham, Wrexham, in 1719. It was because of this that they went bankrupt in 1728.