Pair of Inscribed Stones in Union Bridge Parapet

The pair of inscribed stones in the parapet of Union Bridge dates back to 1817. The stones record the history of the bridge, stating: "Union Bridge Built 1817 on the happy Union of the Powis and Wynnstay Families at the expense of the Fund for the Employment of the Poor Under the direction of the acting Committee of Welshpool." The second stone notes that it was originally placed in the opposite parapet and was refixed in its current position by the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway Company in January 1902. The bridge once carried a road over the Lledan Brook, which was culverted by the railway company in 1902, leaving only the parapet as a memorial. The railway, established in 1898, opened in 1903 and was closed in 1956. Since 1981, the parapet has been partially rebuilt, with both stone panels now positioned alongside each other rather than one above the other. The parapet is made of red engineering brick with rounded stone copings. The structure remains listed for its historical significance as reflected in the two stone panels.