Formerly the only means of getting the minerals of the district away, was
a horse tramway from Buckley to Queensferry. In 1862 however was opened
the Wrexham and Connah's Quay Railway,--Mrs. Gladstone cutting the first
sod, and an address from the Corporation of Wrexham being at the same
time presented to Mr. Gladstone, then Chancellor of the Exchequer. This
line is now carried through Hawarden, and, when connected with Birkenhead
and Liverpool by the Mersey Tunnel, now happily completed, is destined in
all probability to become one of importance beyond the limits of the
immediate district.
Clay has been extensively worked in Buckley, where the Messrs. Hancock's
famous fire-brick is made. Mention may also be made of the white bricks
made by the Aston Hall Coal and Brick Company, which are in great favour
with builders on account of their powers of resisting the weather and of
retaining their colour. A clay, resembling _terra cotta_ when burnt, has
also been found on Saltney.
At Sandycroft, on the river bank, are the Ironworks belonging to Messrs.
Taylor, where mining and other machinery is made.
The present course of the River below Chester, is called the New Cut, and
was completed under Act of Parliament, in 1737, by the River Dee Company,
who have lately handed over their interest in the River to a newly formed
Conservancy Board.
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