The most successful and prolific clay works associated with Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal was J C Edwards' works at Pen-y-bont and Tref-y-nant. Tref-y-nant Fire Clay Works were built before 1858 and acquired by J C Edwards in the 1860s. The works produced high quality bricks, tiles and decorative terracotta items in the distinctive bright red colour for which his company became famous. By 1896, the clayworks employed 270 men who operated 29 kilns.

The works are clearly shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1877. They appear clearly on subsequent maps until the closure of the works in the mid-1950s. Little now survives of the industrial buildings. Four brick gate piers that once led to the J C Edwards offices at Tref-y-nant are visible by the roadside near Trevor.

RCAHMW, May 2011.