Rhondda – the early houses This schedule brings together details of all the known platform houses and long-huts in the valley, from data gathered over a thirty-year period (hence the varying quality of the plans and photos). Most were recorded in the course of fieldwork for my book Rhondda, an archaeological and topographical survey (1989) and some of the surveys were also published in various editions of Archaeology in . Most of these sites have changed little in the intervening years, although a few are no longer visible due to encroaching undergrowth.

Platform houses and long-huts are generally taken to represent the remains of dwellings (and ancillary structures) of the Welsh farmers who toiled in the uplands during the medieval period. Platforms mark the site of houses that were originally built on levelled terraces cut into sloping ground. The buildings themselves were constructed of perishable materials (clay, turf or timber walls, with clod or thatched roofs) and have long disappeared; at some sites (map refs 27, 36, 46 for instance) traces of the vanished buildings can still be seen in the form of stony foundations or upright slabs defining the entrance.

Long-huts tend to have more obvious remains, the vanished buildings being outlined by rectangular earthworks, rubble foundations or low drystone walls. They often appear to have been of more substantial construction than platform houses and have survived the passage of centuries far better; it might therefore be argued that they are of later date. There are also a great number of drystone ruins scattered all over the Rhondda uplands, most of which are merely old sheepfolds, but some have been identified as potential long-huts. Often, it is just the eye of faith that distinguishes a possible medieval dwelling site from a ruined sheepfold of no great age. Nevertheless, it is hoped that this schedule contains all the likely candidates for this class of monument, based on their size, visual appearance, and constructional details.

Note: the dimensions listed in the schedule represent the length and breadth of the level part of the platform (excluding the slope of the hood and terrace), while long-huts have been measured overall externally.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Foel Goch Stony earthworks define the rather shapeless Located just below the A4061 on remains of a possible long-hut, obscured by 1 12.8m x 6.1m SS 9318 9988 (No plan) (No photo) sloping ground falling south-east later dry-stone walls. (approx) to . This site has been destroyed by road (Davis 1989) widening Cwm Saerbren sites Cwm Saerbren I A group of eight platform sites in The most northerly of the sites, located on 2 14.9m x 7.6m SS 9292 9838 the broad glacial corrie of Cwm the edge of a steep fall to the main Rhondda Saerbren, overlooking Valley. A very large and substantial platform, and the Upper now hidden by trees. Rhondda Valley.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Most are concentrated on the Cwm Saerbren II north side of the basin, facing A small and rather worn platform on the 3 5.4m x 4.6m SS 9290 9832 (No plan) (No photo) the sunnier and gentler slopes edge of the forestry plantation, about 100m falling to the south-east. south of the above site. Due to extensive forestry growth some of the sites initially Cwm Saerbren III recorded are now hard to locate. Badly damaged by ploughing at the time of 4 11.9m x 7.6m SS 929? 980? (No plan) (No photo) initial survey (could not be located in 2015). (approx) (NMR 15298?) (Davis 1989) Cwm Saerbren IV A tiny platform, too small to have supported 5 3.0m x 2.8m SS 9292 9830 (No plan) (No photo) a building, but perhaps connected with some agricultural function (NMR 15300?)

Cwm Saerbren V Located in an open area of hillside clear of 6 12.5m x 11.9m SS 9298 9824 tree growth. A marshy, almost square platform cut by a modern drainage ditch. The (NMR 15299?) site is rather unusual and may not be early, although it is clearly older than the modern forestry activity in the area.

Cwm Saerbren VI Located on a gently sloping area free of 7 12.5m x 8.2m SS 9332 9816 trees, but obscured by bracken. A reasonably well-preserved platform with a prominent (NMR 15297) bank around the rim of the terrace extending southwards, apparently to enclose a small adjoining yard.

Cwm Saerbren VII Small, worn-down platform uphill of the 8 7.0m x 4.9m SS 9330 9818 (No plan) above site. (NMR 15296)

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Cwm Saerbren VIII Located on the opposite side of the valley to 9 17.7m x 7.9m SS 9328 9776 (No photo) the other sites. A possible site, but damaged by a road and drainage trench and now heavily overgrown. Only part of the hood and the terrace survives.

Nant Saerbren This rectangular building was very Low-lying site on a shelf above a fragmentary and overgrown when first 10 9.1m x 6.4m SS 9365 9805 (No plan) (No photo) stream at the entrance to the recorded, and could not be located in 2016. Cwm Saerbren basin It is perhaps more likely to have been (NMR 15419) (Davis – unpublished notes) associated with the lost Cwm Saerbren farm than a genuine medieval long-hut. Mynydd Tyle-coch Although damaged by ploughing, this still Located on the brow of an east retained the distinctive profile of a typical 11 12.8m x 6.4m SS 9460 9646 (No plan) (No photo) facing slope overlooking platform site. There may be a second (approx) , on a formerly platform close by, but the whole area has afforested ridge. been too disturbed to be certain. Completely (Davis – unpublished notes) hidden by undergrowth 2016 Mynydd Cwmparc Two platform sites have been noted at this Sloping hillside site within an old location, but the only visible remains are very 12 - SS 940 962 (No plan) (No photo) drystone field system above dubious and could be natural features. (NMR 531627 & Cwmparc 531628) (NMR) Mynydd sites Mynydd Maerdy I Two separate sites located on A rectangular earthwork located just outside 13 11m x 8.5m SS 9606 9740 (No plan) (No photo) the south-west facing slopes of the cemetery wall. It appears to be a genuine the mountain, overlooking medieval long-hut with spread-out walls up and the Fforch valley. to 2m wide, but an estate map of 1770 (Davis 1989) shows a building in this vicinity and so this might be a comparatively recent structure. Completely hidden by undergrowth 2016

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Mynydd Maerdy II Two roughly-built dry-stone structures 14 4m x 3m SS 9645 9768 (No plan) higher up the hill, in the shelter of a natural (approx) knoll. There are also fragments of adjacent (NMR 507636 walls and enclosures. They appear to be & NMR 507637) sheepfolds, but have been identified as possible long-huts.

Tarren y Geifr sites Tarren y Geifr I A group of platforms and stone A roughly rectangular scatter of stones on 15 6m x 4m SS 9470 9500 (No plan) rubble features strung out in a steeply sloping ground. It could be the (approx) line along the north-west facing remains of a very ruined long-hut, terraced in (NMR 531738? slopes of Mynydd Maendy, the platform tradition. Another similar & NMR 531741) overlooking Cwmparc and the scatter further west is perhaps a natural road to Bwlch y Clawdd. feature

Most of the platforms, terraces Tarren y Geifr II and stony scatters are likely to A small, almost square, platform with the 16 6.5m x 5.5m SS 9467 9508 (No plan) be natural or perhaps the result stony foundations of a long-hut visible at the of quarrying; only the more likely upper end. The terrace merges into the steep (NMR 531739) sites are included here. natural slopes.

(NMR)

Tarren y Geifr III A vague platform, possibly genuine, but now 17 15m x 9m SS 9484 9522 (No plan) (No photo) heavily overgrown (approx) (NMR 531742)

Mynydd Maendy sites Mynydd Maendy I A scattered collection of Located about 300m south-east of Maendy 18 7.6m x 5.5m SS 9604 9532 (No plan) (No photo) platforms and long-huts grouped Camp. A very vague, ploughed-down (approx) around the gentle south and east platform, much spread out. There are a few slopes of Maendy mountain, the loose stones visible in the edge of the summit of which is crowned by terrace, but this is not certainly a genuine the earthworks of an Iron Age site.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) settlement. Mynydd Maendy II Another poorly preserved site, located 350m 19 11.6m x 4.3m SS 9622 9558 (No photo) Close to site IV (and presumably east of the Camp. The hood is fairly well (approx) associated with it) is a boundary marked, but the terrace is irregular and bank that encloses the south and spread out. west sides of the long-hut and pre-dates the nearby field walls shown on the 1847 tithe map. Mynydd Maendy III Located in a marshy hollow just south-west 20 10.6m x 8.3m SS 9966 9552 (No photo) (Davis 1989) of the Camp close to an old sheepfold, is a well-preserved earthwork, marking the remains of a rectangular long-hut, aligned downhill.

Mynydd Maendy IV A short distance downhill from the above, 21 12.2m x 8.2m SS 9974 9530 another well-preserved long-hut, also aligned downhill and surviving as stony earthworks. The rubble walls are 0.95m thick.

Cwm Ian sites Cwm Ian I A scattered group of platforms, Although still marked on OS maps, this site 22 13.4m x 10m SS 9620 9463 (No plan) earthworks and old field walls on has been mutilated by a tip reclamation north-facing slopes overlooking drain and only the prominent terrace Ton . survives. The whole area has been affected by old mining works and tip reclamation, and there are Cwm Ian II other platform-like earthworks A broad and well-marked platform about 16m x 11m SS 9634 9474 (No plan) of dubious origin here; some 23 200m NE and lower down the hillside from may be relatively modern and the above. have not been included. The three sites recorded here appear to be genuine.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Cwm Ian III (Davis 1989) About 50 m uphill of the above; a possible 24 10.8m x 7.1m SS 9638 9470 (No plan) (No photo) site, but now faint and poorly preserved, (approx) with a hawthorn tree on the terrace. There are several old field banks in the vicinity.

Cwm Cesig sites Cwm Cesig I A long-hut and platform located A well-preserved long-hut at the base of a 25 15.7m x 7.9m SS 9632 9422 at the foot of steeply sloping small escarpment. The whole site is now very ground on the west flank of the overgrown, but consists of a ruined dry- Bwllfa basin, . stone building with walls up to 1m thick, and having rounded external corners. Perhaps significantly, they lie immediately adjacent to the old medieval road from Cwm Cesig II Ystradyfodwg to Glynogwr. Now heavily overgrown, this small platform 26 9.0m x 8.4m SS 9634 9420 lies about 30m uphill from the above site and (Davis 1989) retains rubble foundations of a building. It carries an old telegraph post, but the platform is evidently not a modern feature.

Tarren y Bwllfa Stony foundations mark the remains of a Situated on a shelf at the top of a two-roomed long-hut with walls about 0.8m 27 8.5m x 5.9m SS 9660 9372 small stream valley. Close by thick. Although it is downhill sited in the there is a spring, a later platform tradition, the ruins are more sheepfold (possibly a hafod) and substantial than usual and this could be the traces of field walls. remains of a later hafod. (Davis 1989)

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Mynydd Bwllfa sites Mynydd Bwllfa I Located on steeply sloping One of the largest and best preserved 28 17.7m x 5.5m SS 9720 9408 ground on the north facing side platforms recorded in the Rhondda. of Bwllfa mountain, Gelli, just The terrace retains the earthworks of a long, (NMR 15405 uphill of an old quarry. narrow building. NMR 24485? Parallel to the western flank of the platform NMR 400440) There are at least two linear is a low bank, about 17m long, with a shallow earthwork banks running uphill ditch on the outer side. The function of this is here, which clearly predate other uncertain. It seems too small to have walls shown on the 1847 tithe enclosed an adjoining yard; it may have been map, and appear to form a series a windbreak to protect the more exposed of rectangular enclosures flank, or was perhaps part of a boundary presumably contemporary with bank. the platforms.

Two small rounded platforms Mynydd Bwllfa II lower down the hillside are A typical and well-preserved platform, just 29 11.3m x 6.4m SS 9722 9398 charcoal burning sites and uphill of the above site. unconnected with the medieval (NMR 15404) remains

(Davis 1989)

Mynydd Bwllfa III Smaller and more rounded than the above 30 7m x 6.7m SS 9730 9404 (No plan) (No photo) sites, but more likely to be medieval than a later charcoal burning platform. (NMR 33359?)

Mynydd y Gelli sites Mynydd y Gelli I Most of the summit of the ridge Situated beside a gulley on the west side of 31 8.7m x 5.2m SS 9738 9400 separating Gelli and the escarpment. There is clear evidence of an has been scarred by mining, earthwork building on the platform, which forestry plantation and, more has been bisected and damaged by a natural recently, a landfill site. The landslip. There are suggestions of a levelled untouched areas retain vestiges yard adjoining the north side. of a prehistoric settlement

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) known as Hen Dre’r Gelli, as well Mynydd y Gelli II as several platforms and long- A rather small, but well-preserved platform 32 5.5m x 4.2m SS 9746 9418 huts. on the edge of the escarpment overlooking Gelli. Apart from the ones listed here, three other earthworks on the mountain have been seen as platforms, but are too doubtful for inclusion. Mynydd y Gelli III Vestiges of a rectangular earthwork long-hut 33 17m? X 7.1m SS 9788 9428 (No plan) (Davis 1989) with spread-out walls up to 2m thick. Only the north lateral wall survives, with an entrance gap 1m wide, flanked by upright slabs. Both end walls are poorly preserved and the south flank has been overlain by a dry-stone wall with added sheep pens.

Mynydd y Gelli IV A well-marked long-hut with associated field 34 17.4m x 7.3m SS 9832 9450 walls, located towards the eastern end of the plateau. The building has distinctive rounded (NMR 15407) corners and dry-stone walls 0.9m thick. Interior modified with a cross-wall and sheepfold at a later date.

Mynydd y Gelli V A rather vague, bracken-grown platform 35 8.5m x 7m SS 985 943 (No plan) (No photo) overlooking at the eastern end of the plateau; not certainly genuine. (NMR 15406)

Mynydd yr Eglwys sites Mynydd yr Eglwys I Located on the south-facing The platform itself is rather poorly preserved 36 8.8m x 5.6m SS 9778 9582 slopes between Pentre and but more survives of the building Ystrad, in an area of hillside foundations, including two slabs defining the disturbed by subsidence and old entrance. mining activity

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) (Davis 1989) Mynydd yr Eglwys II Located in a natural hollow lower down the 37 13.4m x 7m SS 9880 9574 (No photo) hillside from the above, and next to a (approx.) stream. A vague, disturbed platform, but carrying traces of a building with stone and turf walls. One upright slab marks the

position of the entrance. Cwm Bodringallt A long-hut consisting of a rectangular Located on open moorland platform with boulder foundations and stone 38 8.2m x 5.5m SS 9864 9646 (No photo) outside of the enclosed fields revetment at the hood end. The rubble walls (approx.) around the head of a small are about 0.7m thick. The uphill gable is stream valley above Ystrad. covered by a mound of rubble (possibly a collapsed chimney? – if so then the site may (Davis – unpublished notes) be a later hafod).

Craig Rhondda Fach sites Craig Rhondda Fach I Two platform sites at the A rather vague, ill-defined platform crossed 39 9.8m x 5.5m SS 9906 9718 (No plan) (No photo) northern end of Mynydd Tyntyle, by a path; not certainly a genuine site on the crest of ground sloping steeply north and east to Ferndale. Craig Rhondda Fach II

Located about 200m SE of the above site, a 11.6m x 7.2m SS 9920 9710 (No photo) (Davis 1989) 40 better defined platform with some natural boulders outcropping in hood and terrace, (NMR 507647) and many loose stones around. A pit has been dug into the terrace.

Mynydd Tyntyle sites (I-IV) Mynydd Tyntyle I A group of at least three This is the largest of the sites on the west 41 18m x 6.6m SS 9920 9564 (No plan) platforms on the west side of side of the ridge and the best preserved, Mynydd Tyntyle, overlooking although the terrace has been damaged and (NMR 507763) Ystrad and the main Rhondda deformed by a later track that crosses the Valley. site.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) There is also a field system, Mynydd Tyntyle II presumably contemporary with Just uphill of the above, smaller but fairly 42 8.8m x 5.5m SS 9920 9568 (No plan) the platforms. The existing walls well preserved. (pre-1847) overlie the older (NMR 507764) walls, which comprise linear earthwork banks with shallow ditches on the uphill side. One of the banks heads straight down Mynydd Tyntyle III the steep hillside towards Although recorded by RCAHMW as being 43 (NMR 507765) (No plan) (No photo) Tyntyle farm, the oldest surviving close to the above sites and overlain by a house in the Rhondda (c.1600) field wall, this could not be identified during which, significantly, is built on a recent fieldwork. downhill-sited platform. Tyntyle is now abandoned and in a Mynydd Tyntyle IV parlous state of repair. An uncertain site as it is faint and poorly 44 10.6m x 6.8m SS 9947 9548 (No plan)

preserved; but given the proximity to the (approx.) (Davis 1989) others it is perhaps a genuine platform and (NMR 507773) lies within one of the early enclosures.

Mynydd Tyntyle sites (V & VI) Mynydd Tyntyle V Located on the east side of the Also known as Twyn Disgwylfa, this well- 45 10m x 5.7m SS 9977 9619 (No plan) mountain overlooking Ferndale preserved little platform is the most and the Rhondda Fach valley, northerly of the group. (NMR 15465 these are outliers of the main & 15307?) group.

There is also an early field system associated with Sites VI & Mynydd Tyntyle VI VII, which predates the c.1847 Located just uphill of an abandoned quarry 46 10m x 7.9m ST 9945 9548 walls and encloses the platforms overlooking Ferndale, this site apparently (approx.) on the uphill side. Most of the comprises two platforms in a line. The upper (NMR 507799 early walls have been robbed platform is fairly well-preserved (although & 507800) away or reduced to rows of recently damaged by off-road vehicles) and upright foundation slabs. retains the stony foundations of a rectangular building.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Mynydd Tyntyle VII (RCAHMW pg.38 & Davis 1989) The lower platform lies 9m away and is much 47 6.4m x 6.3m ST 9945 9548 (No photo) smaller. It is possible that this may not be two separate sites but rather one long (NMR 507800) platform, with the terrace of the upper site

forming the hood of the lower. Tarren Ty Cneifio Uncertain site on the north flank A small and poorly preserved platform, not 48 4.9m x 3.4m SS 9750 9246 (No plan) (No photo) of Mynydd Pwllyrhebog, above a certainly a genuine site steep fall to Clydach Vale (Davis 1989)

Mynydd Foundations of an irregularly shaped building Site of long-hut on the moors in a spread of loose stones. Clearance No 10.7m x 4.5m SS 9856 9104 above Penygraig. Since survey in revealed walls up to 0.8m thick, with an map (approx.) 1988 the site has become entrance gap in the downhill gable end. A marshy and engulfed by reeds, later sheepfold had been built into a corner. only a few stones are now There are several mounds (clearance cairns?) visible. nearby. (Davis 1989)

Mynydd Brith-weunydd sites Mynydd Brith-weunydd I All three platforms are located This is the best preserved of the three, with 50 14.6m x 5.6m ST 0038 9356 on the north-west edge of the the turf-covered outlines of the building mountain, overlooking a steep visible at the upper end of the platform. fall to . The whole area is now afforested.

(Davis 1989) Mynydd Brith-weunydd II A short distance further north, terrace and 51 8.8m x 4.3m ST 0048 9370 (No photo) hood are well marked. There is a small mound (a clearance cairn?) adjacent to the south-west corner.

Mynydd Brith-weunydd III Same size as the above, but although the 52 8.8m x 4.3m ST 0040 9368 (No plan) (No photo) hood is well marked the terrace is poorly (approx.) preserved.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Carn y Wiwer sites Carn y Wiwer I-II (upper pair) A well-known group of platforms Two well-preserved platforms situated one 53 12.8m x 5.5m ST 0269 9407 (No plan) first recorded in the 1930s. They above the other. The larger lower platform 54 lie on the crest of a steep fall to has the remains of a hood bank around the 15.5m x 5.0m (NMR 15258) , and appear to be upper end, perhaps designed to deflect unconnected with a group of surface water flowing downhill. mounds (either clearance heaps or Prehistoric burial cairns) and a series of ridge and furrow Carn y Wiwer III-IV (lower pair) ploughmarks (presumably the A pair of platforms side by side, located 55 13.7m x 5.5m ST 0275 9398 (No plan) result of exploitation of the about 80m south-east of the above site. 56 uplands in the early 1800s). 10.4m x 5.3m (NMR 15257)

(RCAHMW pg.39-40 & Davis 1989) Carn y Wiwer V A small and solitary platform, located 150m 57 8.5m x 5.5m ST 0282 9385 (No plan) to the south-east of the above sites, beside a track leading down to .

Mynydd y Glyn sites Mynydd y Glyn I An upland settlement comprising Located on a shelf of gently sloping land at 58 10m x 5.8m ST 0270 9000 (No plan) at least one platform, two long- the foot of a steep incline, just uphill of a huts and a later hafod, located path. The site is evidently a small platform, above Rhiw-garn farmstead, on but is currently obscured by undergrowth. sloping ground falling north-west towards .

There are also traces of Mynydd y Glyn II clearance cairns and disused Located about 150m SW of the above and 59 9.8m x 5.5m ST 0260 8990 (No plan) (No photo) field walls, marked by robbed- lower down the hillside. The site is vague and (approx.) out foundations, forming a series heavily overgrown and is crossed by a path. of irregular enclosures, which It could be a natural feature rather than a appear to be early. genuine platform.

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo (& published sources) ref (& NMR no.) Mynydd y Glyn III (RCAHMW pg.60, Davis 1989 & Grass-covered footings of a substantial long- 60 11.8m x 7m ST 0260 8974 unpublished notes) hut, located on the brow of an escarpment. There appear to be entrance gaps in both (NMR 15302) side walls, and a shallow hood around the south gable. A wall leads from the north end to connect with the adjacent field system. Close by are the ruins of a later hafod.

Mynydd y Glyn IV On gently slopes about 250m east of site I is 61 15.2m x 9m ST 0290 9004 a low, vague sub-rectangular earthwork with (approx.) a shallow ditch along the uphill side. It could be a long-hut, or perhaps just a ruined sheepfold. It lies within a right-angled enclosure formed by two robbed field walls.

Cwm Hafod sites Cwm Hafod I Two possible platform sites Located in an enclosed field 350m north of 62 12.2 m x 5.5m ST 0398 9208 (No plan) (No photo) located near the site of Hafod the farmstead, on ground sloping east to Uchaf farmstead, on gentle Cwm Hafod. slopes falling south-east to the Rhondda Valley at . Cwm Hafod II A large and irregular platform, just east of a 63 10.3m x 6.1m ST 0412 9168 (No photo) (Davis 1989) track leading from the farm. It is poorly defined and may be a natural feature, although there appears to be traces of a levelled yard on the north flank. Another platform further south is almost certainly modern.

All the sites described above consist of earthwork structures with some evidence of drystone walling and rubble foundations. They probably represent the dwellings of medieval peasant farmers, and almost certainly predate the introduction of more substantial houses (with enclosed hearths and chimneys) that appeared in the uplands towards the end of the sixteenth century. Presumably these platforms and long-huts were occupied all year round, but it is impossible to be certain from a study of the surface remains, and it is perhaps likely that the more remote sites would have been lived in only during the summer months, when cattle were taken to the upland pastures for grazing.

There are however, a number of buildings in the Rhondda area that can be more directly linked to this seasonal practice. Such buildings are commonly termed a hafod (hafotai (plural), although the variant name of Lluest is often used in . Unlike the sites described above, these buildings have more substantial drystone construction and the majority incorporate the remains of a fireplace. Therefore, they are not likely to be as old as platforms or long-huts and must post-date the introduction of the enclosed hearth in the uplands. After all, it is unlikely that a small, temporarily occupied hafod would have the luxury of a fireplace, while the principal dwelling down in the valley would have to make do with a sputtering hearth. These small, cottage-like structures are all sited in remote locations, often beside a handy source of water for use in washing and dairying, and could date from anytime between 1600 and 1800. The measurements shown below represent the overall dimensions of the buildings

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo ref (& NMR no.) Ffald Lluest-boeth A small fragmentary dry-stone ruin, Remotely located at the junction possibly just a sheepfold despite the A 4.9m x 3m SN 9375 0253 (No plan) (No photo) of two mountain streams, at the suggestive place-name. (approx.) head of the Rhondda Fach valley. (RCAHMW pg.66) Lluest-wen The main site comprises three linked A group of three ruinous drystone square pens, one of which is clearly later B 8m x 4m SN 9480 0150 (No plan) structures on the south side of than the others. Two more roughly built (approx.) the Lluest-wen reservoir near the structures lie nearby. They may be nothing (NMR 507505) head of the Rhondda Fach valley. more than old sheepfolds, but the place- (Davis 1989) name suggests there was a hafod settlement here

Garreg Llwyd I This appears to be a fragment of a larger Fragmentary drystone ruin on a building that has been bisected by the C 4.6m? x 3.9m SN 9230 0160 (No photo) narrow shelf beside an old tramway. The small surviving cell has a tramway leading towards a rectangular recess in the downhill end (one disused colliery. side formed by an upright slab) which (AW 1989 pg.66) appears to be a fireplace.

Garreg Llwyd II Substantial rectangular ruin with a One of many drystone ruins at the fireplace recess in the uphill gable, a wall D 7.2m x 5.4m SN 9260 0158 head of the Rhondda Valley, close cupboard and a rebated doorway with to the old road that once led over threshold slab. One wall shows evidence of (NMR 18707) the mountains to Brecon. having been rebuilt at some stage. Two ruinous pens adjoin the main building (Davis 1989 & AW 1988 pg.37)

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo ref (& NMR no.) Nant yr Ychen A ruinous group of dry-stone structures Situated in a slight hollow on incorporating at least two rectangular E 8.2m x 4.7m SS 9168 9908 steeply sloping afforested land buildings, with walls up to 0.7m thick, lying (main cell) overlooking Ty Draw farm on the inside a larger enclosure. The stonework north side of . looks early and it may be a hafod, but there (RCAHMW pg.67) is no clear evidence of a fireplace and this could be just a sheepfold.

Craig Blaencwm A rectangular dry-stone ruin, almost buried Located on afforested slopes at in scree debris. Only the lower gable end is F 4.1? m x 3m SS 915? 990? (No plan) (No photo) the foot of cliffs, about 200m clear, with walls 0.76m thick and a central west of Nant yr Ychen. This site entrance gap. There is no clear sign of a (NMR 18043) could not be located in 2015 fireplace. It could be a hafod or merely a (Davis 1989) sheepfold.

Cwar yr Offeiriad A downhill-sited rectangular building with Located on a shelf high up on the a doorway in the north wall and a fireplace G 10m x 6.7m SS 9114 9802 west side of Blaencwm, now in the east gable. A later cross-wall (not hidden in dense forestry. shown on plan) divides the interior into (NMR 15439) two unequally sized rooms. The building (RCAHMW pg.54, AW 1988 pg.37 had a stone tiled roof. A short distance & Davis 1989) away is a later sheepfold.

Lluest The main building is a rectangular cottage A remotely located ruin on a with a fireplace and winding stair in the H 7.8m x 6.6m SS 9175 9993 narrow shelf beside a stream, north gable. There are several adjoining high up on the west side of the pens and enclosures. It looks like a small (NMR 15348) Pen-pych headland, Blaencwm farmstead, but the remote location makes (RCAHMW pg.54-55,AW 1988 it unlikely that this was a permanent pg.37 & Davis 1989) dwelling.

Cwm Saerbren Although originally visible as an earthwork Remotely sited ruin on a slight long-hut, partial clearance of the loose I 15.2m x 6m SN 9278 9812 shelf high up on the north-west rubble revealed a substantial drystone side of the basin. The site is now building containing three rooms with (NMR 15295) obscured by trees adjoining pens. The building has rounded (AW 1988 pg.37 & Davis 1989) corners external and the southern room has a fireplace recess in the end wall

Name and location Description Map Dimensions OS grid ref Plan Photo ref (& NMR no.) Tarren Saerbren One building is an L-shaped sheepfold Situated high up on the south (apparently once roofed) of no great age. J 6.1m x 4.6m SS 9304 9706 flank of Cwm Saerbryn are two The other is a small rounded cell with two (cell) drystone buildings with flanking enclosures. The cell is roughly built (NMR 18489?) connecting field walls and looks old, and has a curved recess in (RCAHMW pg.68) one corner that could be a fireplace.

Cwm Fforch A complex ruin consisting of a rectangular Located on a slight shelf house with walls up to 1m thick and a K 7.6m x 6.1m SS 9490 9854 between steep slopes on the fireplace recess in the uphill gable. It had a (house) south side of Cwm Fforch, stone slated roof. Animal pens were added (NMR 19385) Treorchy. A forestry track passes to one side and the whole site was later close by. converted into a sheepfold, one wall of the (AW 1988 pg.38 & Davis 1989) house being removed.

Tarren y Bwllfa Rectangular ruin with walls up to 0.8m Located high up in a small valley thick. It may be just a sheepfold (there are L 12.5m x 5.7m SS 9661 9373 adjacent to a spring. There is a later pens within and adjoining); but it is walled enclosure and long-hut well built and there is a rectangular recess close by. (a fireplace?) in the curved end wall. It (AW 1988 pg.38 & Davis 1989) might therefore be a successor to the adjacent long-hut

Mynydd y Glyn Buried rubble defines the outlines of a Located on a gently sloping rectangular building with walls 0.76m thick M 8.5m x 6.2m ST 0260 8980 escarpment in the midst of a and a fireplace recess in the east gable. The field system and long-huts of interior has been divided unequally by a presumed medieval date. later cross-wall. (Davis 1989 & AW 1989 pg.66)

Sources: AW Archaeology in Wales (annual journal of the Council for British Archaeology Group 2) Davis 1989 Historic Rhondda; an archaeological and topographical survey (Davis 1989, republished by Rhondda Borough Council 1996) NMR National Monuments Record for Wales (RCAHMW) RCAHMW Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments in Wales, Glamorganshire Inventory Volume III, Part II (1981)