Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a Proposed School

Project code: YNMD16 Client: Bouygues Date: September 2016

Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Port Talbot, Wales.

Report Author: Louise Baker Report Status: Final RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Port Talbot, Wales.

Client Bouygues

Project Code YNMD16

Planning Ref. Pre‐planning

Prepared By Louise Baker

Site Visit By Sam Pamment

Illustrated By Hannah Sims & Louise Baker

Approved By Colm Moloney

Rev Number Description Undertaken Approved Date

1.0 Final LB CM 4 October 2016

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

CONTENTS

1. Non‐technical Summary ...... 1

2. Introduction ...... 2

2.1 Receiving environment ...... 2

3. Aims and objectives ...... 4

3.1 Aims ...... 4

3.2 Objectives ...... 4

4. Methodology ...... 5

4.1 Desk Based Assessment ...... 5

4.2 Field Visit...... 5

4.3 Assessment of Significance ...... 6

4.4 Potential impact of proposed works ...... 6

5. Summary of Archaeological Results ...... 7

5.1 Historic Baseline Data ...... 7

5.2 Previous Archaeological Works (Events) ...... 40

5.3 Cartographic Evidence ...... 40

5.4 Field Visit...... 41

5.5 Significance of Heritage Assets ...... 41

6. Potential Impact of Proposed Development ...... 42

7. Conclusions ...... 43

8. References ...... 44

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

FIGURES

Figure 1 Site location.

Figure 2 Cultural Heritage Assets within inner study area.

Figure 3 Designated Cultural Heritage Assets within outer study area.

Figure 4 Historic mapping.

PLATES

Plate 1 View of existing school buildings with hills in background, facing northeast.

Plate 2 Playing fields to north of school with view to hills to east of proposed re‐

development site, facing east.

Plate 3 Southwest boundary of proposed re‐development site showing housing to west,

facing SSE.

Plate 4 Southwest boundary of proposed re‐development site showing housing to west, facing west.

iii

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

1. NON‐TECHNICAL SUMMARY This report presents the results of a cultural heritage desk based assessment for a proposed

school re‐development at Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Port Talbot, Wales. The site is located in

an urban area in the southeast of Port Talbot centred on NGR 278618 187482 (Figure 1). The

proposed re‐development comprises the demolition of existing disused school buildings of

Groes Primary School and Dyffryn Comprehensive School and the construction of a new school

buildings and associated works. The desk based assessment was carried out by Rubicon

Heritage Services Ltd. during September 2016 on behalf of Bouygues. This report is being

carried out to assess if cultural heritage assets will be affected by the development.

The desk based element of the assessment and field visit identified 69 known cultural heritage

assets in the study areas, of which nine are Scheduled Monuments, four are Listed Buildings,

13 are areas contained on the Register of Historic Landscapes of Wales and one is a Registered

Park and Garden. None of the sites identified are located within the proposed re‐development

site. There is no direct or indirect impact on any known cultural heritage assets and there is no

impact on the setting of any assets.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

2. INTRODUCTION This report details the archaeological cultural heritage issues that need to be considered in

respect of a proposed school re‐development at Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Port Talbot, Wales.

The site is located in an urban area in the southeast of Port Talbot centred on NGR 278618

187482 (Figure 1). The proposed re‐development comprises the demolition of existing disused

school buildings of Groes Primary School and Dyffryn Comprehensive School and the

construction of new school building and associated works. The desk based assessment was

carried out by Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd. during September 2016 on behalf of Bouygues.

The inner study area is defined as a zone 1 km from the centre point of the proposed

development site (2 km diameter) and the outer study area is defined as a zone 3.5 km from the

centre point of the proposed development site (7 km diameter)

This report is being carried out to assess if cultural heritage assets will be affected by the

development.

2.1 Receiving environment

2.1.1 The underlying bedrock in the southwest area of the proposed re‐development site is indicated as South Wales Middle Coal Measures Formation on 1:50,000 BGS mapping (BGS online viewer). These are sedimentary rocks comprising mudstone, siltstone and sandstone which formed 309 to 312 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period. This is overlain by superficial deposits of wind‐blown sands which were deposited in the Quaternary Period. At the northeast of the proposed re‐development site the bedrock is indicated as South Wales Upper Coal Measures Formation on 1:50,000 BGS mapping (BGS online viewer), which comprises mudstone, siltstone and sandstone which formed 307 to 310 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period. Directly to the northeast of the proposed re‐development site there is a small area of sandstone of the South Wales Upper Coal Measures Formation indicated on 1:50,000 BGS mapping (BGS online viewer). To the east of this the rising hills comprise Rhondda Member which comprises sandstone formed approximately 307 to 310 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period.

2.1.2 The superficial geology in the area of the proposed re‐development comprises alluvial deposits of sand and gravel deposited in the Quaternary Period and associated with the watercourse now named the Arnallt Brook.

2.1.3 Borehole information from a borehole dug in 1935 located near the northwest extent of the proposed re‐development site indicated sands and gravel and some clayey sand to a depth of around 30 m which overlay shale and sandstone bedrock.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

2.1.4 The coastline in this area has changed substantially over time with subsidence of the original land at the coastline by around 9.5 m from c. 3000BC to c. 2000BC. This resulted in the previous land surface being covered by deposits of alluvial material where river courses were present and by wind‐blown sand This has resulted in preservation of a peat layer beneath the sand and alluvial deposits in some coastal areas. To the east of the coastal plain the land slopes upwards towards Mynydd Margam.

2.1.5 The area of the proposed re‐development presently comprises Dyffryn Upper School and Groes Primary School and associated landscaping, playground area, playing fields and parking which were both constructed in the 20th century. The M4 is located close to the northeast proposed re‐development site boundary and to the southwest and northwest of the proposed re‐development site the land is utilised for housing which was constructed from the mid to late 20th century. The surrounding land is all of urban character.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 Aims

3.1.1 The aims of the cultural heritage desk based assessment were to assess the potential for cultural heritage assets within the study area and determine their overall significance and where necessary, provide a strategy to mitigate potential impacts from the proposed re‐development on any heritage assets identified, where this is deemed relevant and appropriate.

3.2 Objectives

3.2.1 The primary objective of this work was to identify any cultural heritage assets in the study area through a desk based assessment of relevant sources and records. A field visit was also undertaken to assess ground conditions and identify any upstanding remains of heritage assets within the study area. Appropriate records of any findings were made.

3.2.2 The significance of any cultural heritage assets identified were assessed along with the potential impact of the re‐development proposal on the assets and their setting. A strategy for further evaluation of potential heritage assets has been formulated where required and mitigation strategies to conserve any heritage assets identified have been devised where this is considered relevant.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

4. METHODOLOGY This cultural heritage desk based assessment was carried out in line with the Chartered Institute for

Archaeologists (CIfA) Standard and Guidance (2012). The inner study area for non‐designated cultural heritage assets and Listed Buildings is defined as a zone 1 km from the centre point of the proposed development site (2 km diameter). For Scheduled Monuments, World Heritage Sites and Registered

Historic Landscapes the study area is defined as a zone 3.5 km from the centre point of the proposed re‐development site (7 km diameter).

4.1 Desk Based Assessment

4.1.1 The principal sources of information consulted to provide information about heritage assets within the study area are the Historic Environment Record (HER) for southeast Wales maintained by the Glamorgan and Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) and the National Monuments Record for Wales (NMR) held by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW). The HER was initially accessed through the online database (Archwilio) and GGAT were contacted on 9th September 2016 to check if additional information was available from the HER. Further information was provided through an HER search (HER reference number 5333), an HER visit on 20th September 2016 and a visit to the RCAHMW on 21st September 2016. Further relevant information was researched from a variety of additional sources including

 Glamorgan Record Office, Cardiff

 Cadw

 National Museum of Wales (NMW)

 Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

 Cartographic resources held by the National Library of Scotland

 Archaeological Data Service

 Google maps and satellite images

4.2 Field Visit

4.2.1 A field visit was undertaken on 20th September 2016 to identify any upstanding cultural heritage assets within the study area and to examine the condition of the study area and its present land use. The setting of the study area within the surrounding landscape was also noted with reference to any cultural heritage assets identified in the desk based assessment.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

4.3 Assessment of Significance

4.3.1 In assessing the significance of any cultural heritage assets identified within the study area and its environs the archaeological, historic, architectural and artistic interests pertaining to the cultural heritage assets were taken into account. How these relate to the fabric of the cultural heritage assets was also taken into account. The likelihood of the presence of unknown cultural heritage assets within the area of the proposed development site was considered. This is based on the review of the character and distribution of known cultural heritage assets in the surrounding area and the characteristics of the study area.

4.4 Potential impact of proposed works

4.4.1 The potential impact of the proposed works is considered in relation to the proposed re‐ development with reference to the known cultural heritage assets in the study area. If deemed necessary mitigation of these impacts is suggested along with recommendations for possible further archaeological work if required.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

5. SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESULTS

5.1 Historic Baseline Data

5.1.1 Research from the above resources identified 69 cultural heritage assets and seven cultural heritage events within the study areas, none of which are located within the proposed re‐ development site. The cultural heritage assets include nine Scheduled Monuments, four Listed Buildings, 13 areas included on the list of Registered Historic Landscapes of Wales and one Registered Park and Garden. The known cultural heritage assets are listed in Table 1 and located on Figures 2 and 3. The known events are listed in Table 2 and located on Figure 2. There are no World Heritage Sites within the study areas.

5.1.2 A discussion of the cultural heritage assets by period follows. The descriptions in the table are a synthesis of information from all consulted sources. They provide a concise description of the cultural heritage asset while avoiding duplication of information from different sources. Where part of a record has been reproduced the text remains in its original form with no changes made to spelling or grammar. All sources are referenced. The site type (in capitals) from the HER and/or Coflein, where possible, is noted at the start of the description. Descriptive material from the HER is derived from information held by the GGAT HER Charitable Trust and is copyright to them.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH01 278000/ FINDSPOT – Stone Axehead Roughout National Non‐ Neolithic 187000 Neolithic andesitic ash stone axehead roughout. Museum designated Accession no 51.279 Find Spot 13449 CH02 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Brombil and Graig Fawr Margam Registered Multiperiod, point The following description is from GGAT ‐ Cwm Brombil and Graig Fawr comprises the Mountain Historic prehistoric to approx. steep lower slopes of Mynydd Margam overlooking the coastal zone with deeply HLCA 003 Landscape post medieval 278899/ entrenched side valleys; its character dominated by the landform of the area. Much of the Brombil and 187867 area is characterised by Ancient and other broadleafed woodland, augmented by 20th Graig Fawr century forestry. A more recent, but nonetheless dominant characteristic of the area is the areaʹs post‐medieval agricultural landscape, particularly towards the north of the area, in place by early 19th century; this is typified by large enclosures, developed within formerly unenclosed, and centred on evolved irregular fieldscape of small fields, possibly of medieval or earlier origin, within Cwm y Brombil itself. The area retains distinctive field boundaries. Of the areaʹs post‐medieval agricultural settlement only that within Cwm y Brombil, comprising the vernacular buildings of Brombil Farm (PRN 1731w) remains; this is a regional house with chimney backing on the entry and outside cross passage and fireplace stair and associated four‐bay barn. The northern part of the area was associated with the farms of Groeswen and Groeswen pellaf, which lay to the west of the historic landscape boundary. Important relict elements of the landscape survive from all periods and include prehistoric, medieval and post‐medieval settlement/fields, and prehistoric military/defensive feature(s); such as the Halfmoon Camp (PRN 0745w; SAM Gm 477), the small univallate hillslope enclosure above Taibach (NPRN 54,457) of Iron Age date; medieval pillow mounds (NPRN 54,461) and a group of medieval house platforms (NPRN 54,458 and NPRN 54,459) located on Mynydd Brombil. The area was formerly monastic grange land (part of Groeswen Grange) associated with Margam during the medieval period. Aerial photographs indicate buried archaeology represented by crop/parch marks also characterise the area. Recent additions to the character of the area include defensive features associated with World War II, the Home Chain Low radar station (PRN 02995w; SAM Gm 488). Other characteristics relate to the industrial exploitation of the areaʹs coal

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. resources; post‐medieval industrial archaeological remains: coal levels/shaft and colliery tramway all at Brombil CH03 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Mynydd Brombil and Margam Registered Multiperiod, point Ergyd Isaf Mountain Historic prehistoric to approx. The following description is from GGAT ‐ The historic landscape area of Mynydd Brombil Landscape post medieval HLCA 004 279023/ and Ergyd Isaf comprises an area of enclosed upland part of the Margam Abbey Estate, Mynydd 188839 progressively enclosed from the 18th century and currently dominated by large regular fields. The area has a number of relict features chiefly associated with medieval/post‐ Brombil and medieval agricultural settlement ranging from pillow mounds to house (hut) platforms, Ergyd Isaf but also including round barrows, burial mounds of Bronze Age date. CH04 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Mynydd Margam Forest Margam Registered Multiperiod, point The following description is from GGAT ‐ Extensive 20th century forestry plantation Mountain Historic prehistoric to approx. modern (Ancient and other broadleafed woodland); formerly open mountain and enclosed land; HLCA 010 Landscape 281823/ former monastic land: grange and chapel; relict multi‐period archaeological landscape: Mynydd 189439 prehistoric, medieval, and post‐medieval settlement (loose dispersed settlement pattern) Margam and fields, prehistoric funerary and ritual with a prehistoric defensive element; Forest prehistoric, medieval and post‐medieval communications corridor; accumulation of blanket peat with environmental potential; industrial archaeological features. The historic landscape area of Mynydd Margam Forest comprises an area of former open mountain and enclosed valleys associated with the Cistercian Abbey of Margam, specifically Hafod‐ y‐Porth Grange (SS 80128 8986), and that of Cryke Grange and Margam Abbey itself, the latter outside the character area boundary. The area retains important remains of a grange and associated chapel at Hafod (Hafod‐y‐Porth). Following the dissolution of the monasteries the monastic properties of the area became part of the Margam Estate. CH05 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows – Margam Merthyr Registered Multiperiod, point and Kenfig Sands Mawr, Historic Prehistoric approx. onwards The following description is from GGAT ‐ Present‐day intertidal zone; intertidal features: Kenfig and Landscape 277680/ post‐medieval wrecks; buried archaeology: prehistoric ‐ post‐medieval find scatters; Margam 183229 modern industrial/military structures; historic associations Burrows, HLCA 005

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. Margam and Kenfig Sands is currently characterised by its nature as intertidal zone, ie Margam and the area between high and low water. The overriding landscape characteristic is of sand Kenfig Sands beach to the north and south of the mouth of the Afon Cynffig, River Kenfig, with a minor rock outcrop of Gwelyʹr‐ misgl, defined by coastal edge of extensive sand dunes. At the time when this characterisation was carried out, the main indicators of past land‐use from the area were find scatters, which date from the prehistoric to the post‐medieval periods: these include prehistoric aurochs bones, Bronze Age socketed axes, Roman quern stones and early medieval pins, either indicative of buried sites and landscapes in the vicinity, or finds from wrecks. However, subsequent exposure of peat beds on the foreshore has provided graphic information of human activity in the form of footprints and cattle hoof prints. Structural remains are scant, and exclusively comprise modern industrial/military structures of concrete/brick of unspecified purpose and a number of post‐medieval shipwrecks. The area has well‐established historic associations, the coast being notorious as a haunt of wreckers and cargo looters during the 18th and 19th centuries. The beach here is also known as the traditional venue for the old game of Bandy, or Bando, played between rival parish teams until superseded by Rugby during the 1870s.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH06 280614/ ROUND CAIRN – Ergydd Uchaf Round Barrow GM159 Scheduled Prehistoric, 188872 The following text is from Cadw ‐This monument comprises the remains of a round Monument Bronze Age barrow dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2400 ‐ 800 BC). It lies 300m above sea level on flat ground. The circular grass mound measures approx. 12m in diameter and 1.6m high. A central hollow in which stones are visible is located in the top of the barrow and measures approx. 3m in diameter and 1m deep. This is probably the result of past robbing or antiquarian exploration. No ditch is visible around the mound. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual. The monument is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of both intact burial or ritual deposits and environmental and structural evidence, including a buried prehistoric land surface. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them which related evidence may be expected to survive.

CH07 279443/ ROUND CAIRN – Ergyd Isaf Round Barrows GM160 Scheduled Prehistoric, 188656 The following text is from Cadw ‐The monument comprises the remains 2 burial cairns, Monument Bronze Age probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 ‐ 800 BC). The largest cairn measures 16.8m in diameter by 1.8m high and has a large central hollow measuring 1.2m deep. This hollow (probably the result of robbing) reveals that the mound is made up of stones and earth. To the north‐east of the largest cairn lies a smaller example measuring 7.9m in diameter and 0.9m high. A slight central hollow is surrounded by a stony rim. Both are grass covered and circular in plan. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices. The monument is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of both intact burial or ritual deposits, together with environmental and structural evidence. Cairns may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH08 280616/ HILLFORT – Mynydd y Castell Camp GM162 Scheduled Prehistoric, 186572 The following text is from Cadw ‐ The monument consists of the remains of a prehistoric Monument Iron Age hillfort. Dating to the Iron Age (c. 800BC – AD74), an isolated hill has been fortified by a single rampart. The enclosed area, 2.7ha, is roughly D‐shaped with the east side straight and measures 260m north to south by 135m wide. The defences consist of a massive bank or scarp accompanied by a ditch with a counterscarp bank. There is no indication of a revetment. Outside the rampart the ground falls away steeply. The main bank is best preserved along the east side where it is 8.5‐15m wide, up to 1m high internally and from 4‐5 to 8.5m high externally. Along the north and west sides it forms a scarp 7 to 12m wide and of similar external height. The ditch, 3 to 4.5m wide, is only visible as such along the east side and on the north‐west and south‐west; elsewhere it forms a terrace 5 to 6m wide. The counterscarp bank is only evident as such in those places where the ditch remains visible; its inner side is about 0.7m high. On the north, and again on the west, its outer toe is faintly visible, indicating a width of 6 to 9m, but in most places its outer scarp merges without a break into the steep natural slope. At the southern end of the fort natural crags are incorporated in the defensive lines. One entrance is on the south‐west, where a ramp 4 to 5.5m wide cuts through the outer carp from the south and enters a natural hollow between the slightly in‐turned ends of the inner scarp. At the north‐east corner of the hill‐fort modern quarrying has confused the layout of the defences, but it seems likely that an original entrance existed here also. The modern track on to the hill approaches from the south‐east and bends sharply southward as it enters the interior. The south side of the turn is commanded by a high scarp that appears to be a continuation of the inner rampart of the fort, and there is even a suggestion of a guard‐ chamber in the extreme angle of the defences on the north side of the track; but it is not clear whether these features are preserved from an original layout or are due to modern disturbance. The interior does not seem to have been ploughed, but there are no certain traces of early habitation. A round levelled area at the south end resembles a hut‐ CH09 279965/ ENCLOSURE – Half Moon Camp GM477. Scheduled Prehistoric, 186732 The following information is from Cadw – The monument consists of the remains of an Monument Iron Age earthwork enclosure probable dating to the Iron Age (c. 800BC ‐ AD74). It is situated at 150m above OD on the southern edge of a spur overlooking Margam Abbey. Oval on plan, the single rampart encloses an area approximately 0.2 of a hectare. The rampart is and is enclosed by a single is best preserved on the north‐east, where it is about 9m wide and 1m high. On the south, this has been reduced to a scarp set above a steep natural slope, and the line of defences on this side may have been obscured by slippage. On the west the 12

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. rampart survives on a similar scale to the north‐east section. On the north, the defences are crossed and largely obscured by a modern wall and field bank. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. CH10 Between ROMAN ROAD ‐ From Cardiff to Neath RR60c‐05a Non‐ Roman 284250 The Roman Road is thought to follow the route of the A48 to the north of Kenfig and this designated 180630 is substantiated by the location of milestones found near this route. and 280100 185550, CH11 27834/ ROMAN MILESTONE – Cantusus Stone PRN 00734w Non‐ Roman 18733 The following text is from the HER ‐ Squared sandstone pillar, originally serving as a designated Roman milestone, then as an Early Christian monument and found in 1839 on the outskirts of Port Talbot;now in Margam Stones Museum (CH26, GM011)

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH12 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape –Eglwys Nunydd and Cwrt‐ Margam Registered Multiperiod, point y‐defaid Mountain Historic Roman to post approx. The following description is from GGAT ‐ Agricultural and residential area with important HLCA 006 Landscape medieval 280720/ historic associations; important ecclesiastic landscape with early origins; post‐medieval Eglwys 184700 fieldscape; relict archaeological landscape of early medieval/medieval/post‐medieval Nunydd and settlement; interesting post‐medieval vernacular buildings; buried archaeological remains Cwrt‐y‐ in the form of finds (including medieval inscribed stones) and parch/crop marks; important defaid communication corridor (Roman and later). The historic landscape area of Eglwys Nunydd and Cwrt‐y‐defaid is part of the Margam estate adjacent to the main transport corridor in the area, ie Water Street, a coastal route in use since the Roman period, between Neath (Nidum) and Cardiff and ultimately Caerleon. The area is an ecclesiastic landscape of some importance being the site of an early medieval monastic settlement associated with St Non, Mother of St David in the vicinity of the post‐medieval farmstead of Eglwys Nunydd; many of the inscribed stones relocated to the Museum at Margam originated in the area. The ecclesiastic importance of the area continued under the Cistercian Abbey of Margam, when the area was farmed from the medieval monastic grange of Llanfugeilydd, Cwrt‐y‐defaid or Sheeps Grange with its medieval cemetery. Post‐medieval features are an important element in todayʹs landscape, and comprise agricultural enclosure and settlement. Apart from the remains of Eglwys Nynydd farm, other notable post‐medieval settlements include Old Park, a late 17th century L‐plan two‐ storey house, with a kitchen at the outer end of each range and varied stone doorways, including one with an entablature on brackets. The house contains a late 17th century staircase said to have originated from the demolished Margam Abbey mansion. CH13 Centred HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Margam Abbey and Castle Margam Registered Multiperiod on The following description is from GGAT ‐ This outstanding landscape, sheltered by Mountain Historic approx. wooded slopes to the east and located between the hills and the sea on the course of the HLCA 001 Landscape 280936/ former Roman communication route to West Wales, was an area of substantial religious Margam & Registered 186199 importance during the early medieval period and subsequently during the medieval Abbey and Park and period when the great Cistercian Abbey of Margam was constructed. Significant early Castle Garden medieval/medieval ecclesiastic and monastic centre with church and cemetery; important early medieval ecclesiastic/secular settlement and administrative focus; important and GM52 influential post‐medieval gentry estate and deer park; registered parkland and gardens; post‐medieval vernacular and other notable buildings; important relict multi‐period/multi‐ functional archaeological landscape; buried archaeology includes cropmarks and find

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. scatters; Ancient and other broadleafed woodland and plantation; important historic associations. The area is largely coterminous with the Margam Country Park, and is included on the Register of Parks and Gardens in Wales (Cadw Ref number PGW (Gm) 52 (NEP), where it is evaluated as being of grade I status (Cadw; ICOMOS UK, 2000, Glamorgan: Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Part 1 Parks & Gardens). Of particular importance within the area is the very fine walled deer park, the banqueting house faCade, the outstanding Georgian Orangery and Citrus House and 19th century gardens with their fine collection of trees and shrubs, associated with famous plant hunters of the Victorian age such as Frank Kingdon Ward. The 1950s garden of Twyn‐yr‐hydd is a delightful and well‐preserved period piece within the park (Cadw; ICOMOS UK, 2000). The park can be divided into three main areas, two of which are within the current HLCA: the first is the low‐lying ground to the south, bounded on the west by the main grounds and gardens and on the north by the steep ridge of Craig‐y‐Lodge; secondly, the wooded valley, lake and hillfort at the west end of the park; and finally outside the current HLCA, the northern part of the park (HLCA 015 Upper Park and Ton‐y‐grugos), situated on a high, rolling plateau above the ridge, and bounded by the valley of Cwm Philip to its north‐west. Each part differs slightly in character and use. Hall’s estate map of 1814 shows these three varying areas and gives them Little Park, Great Park and Upper Park (HLCA 015), respectively. The historic landscape area of Margam Abbey and Castle contains a nationally important and impressive collection of architecture and sculpture unparalleled elsewhere in Wales and spanning an entire millennium, from the 9th to the 19th centuries. The long‐standing strategic and administrative importance, based on its prime location at the boundary between the uplands and the sea is demonstrated by the remains of all periods from the late prehistoric to the post‐medieval. The importance of the area as an early medieval ecclesiastic focus is also evident from Early Christian Monuments (inscribed and decorated stones) found in the vicinity of the Cistercian Abbey (including the Conobelin, Pumpeius, Ilqui, Bodvoc and Grutne stones, among others). The earlier existence of a polygonal or circular churchyard enclosure around the Abbey church at Margam is depicted in Hill’s Estate Survey of 1814, an additional indication of the whereabouts of the early medieval church site. A further early medieval ecclesiastic site has also been tentatively identified at Cryke, Capel Mair (PRN 0765w; Hen Eglwys) based on churchyard morphology, with evidence of a circular or polygonal enclosure/church yard 15

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. (Evans 2003). A find of imported Frankish glass indicates the site was open to wider patterns of exchange and trade during the early medieval period (cf Hen Gastell, Wilkinson 1995). The hillfort of Mynydd‐y‐castell (SAM Gm 162), in terms of morphology and location, is at variance with most of the other defended enclosures (see sections 6.4 ‐ 6.5) within the historic landscape, being of a massively defended promontory or summit type (similar to but on a larger scale than the site at Hen Gastell), with a possible internal dwelling platform. While Mynydd‐y‐castell is considered to be of late prehistoric date (RCAHMW), the site may well prove to be a high status secular settlement and administrative focus for the region during the early medieval period (see section 6.4). In 1147 the lands at Margam were granted by Robert of Gloucester, lord of Glamorgan, to St Bernard’s abbey of Clairvaux, for foundation of a new Cistercian house of Margam. The nave of the 12th century church survives, in use as the parish church. At the start of the 13th century the Abbey was re‐constructed by Abbot Gilbert (1203‐13) and the chapter house (standing but lacking its vault, which fell in 1799) and the eastern part of the church, presbytery, choir and transepts date from this time. Following the dissolution in 1536, Sir Rice Mansel of Oxwich and Old Beaupre acquired most of the ex‐monastic estates. By the late 16th century a ’faire and sumptuous house’ had been erected, incorporating some of the monastic buildings, and stables added during the late 17th century.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. Under Thomas Mansel Talbot the mansion at Margam was abandoned in favour of Penrice Castle on Gower and developed as a pleasure garden, finalised by 1814, and dominated by an imposing Orangery in the Palladian style the largest in Britain, built 1787 ‐ 90 to designs by Anthony Keck. The present internal layout of the park is largely the work of C R M Talbot, who transformed it from 1828 onwards, after returning the family seat to Margam. He was also responsible for the construction of the new Tudor‐style house (1830‐5 by Thomas Hopper; site architect ‐ Edward Haycock). The irregular plan and pinnacled, and castellated skyline of the house give it a Romantic appearance. It is built of local Pyle ashlar stone, arranged around three courtyards, one in the centre of the main block and two former service courts to the east. There are two main storeys, with a gabled third storey. The surfaces of the building are ornamented with carvings and sculpted heraldic panels. A dramatic two‐storeyed octagonal tower with attached stair turret and surmounted by a viewing room is located at the centre of the building. The house is aligned east‐west with its main entrance front on the north. Another interesting structure erected during the period is the ‘temple of the four seasons’, which incorporates the faCade of the late 17th century Summer Banqueting House, re‐erected in 1835. The park contains a number of other typical estate buildings of the 1840s in Tudor style, also attributed to Haycock such as the west lodge near the church (gabled, tall chimneystacks). The former village of Margam, a post‐medieval foundation indicated on an estate map of 1813 and depicted on the Delamotte painting of Margam (NMW; early 19th century), was located near the surviving almhouses, a linear development leading from the Abbey gateway. This settlement appears to have been cleared away during the 1830s and 40s, its site incorporated into the kitchen gardens, and the inhabitants rehoused at a new settlement at Groes (RCAHMW Glamorgan, Adams, D J, 1986). CH14 280185/ ABBEY – Margam Abbey GM005 Scheduled Medieval 186252 The following text is from Cadw ‐ The monument comprises the remains of a medieval Monument Cistercian abbey founded in 1147. Only part of the church, the ruined chapter house and a few fragments of neighbouring buildings survive of this once great and wealthy abbey. The great abbey church, cruciform in shape, was begun in the 12th century, at its western end. The remains of this phase – part of the west end and some piers and arches of the nave – are in the parish church, which was heavily restored and altered in the 19th century. On the west front the fine deeply recessed door and three windows above are of this phase, and Romanesque in style. Of the same phase are the rectangular piers and

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. plain semicircular arches of the nave. The rest of the abbey church, which dates from about 1200, lies to the east, and is much ruined. The most complete part is the south transept. In its east wall are two windows with very early decorated quatrefoil tracery at their heads. There is a piscine with an octagonal bowl on the south wall. Part of the north and south walls of the choir remain, with an early decorated window and a fine small doorway with moulded decoration on the south side. The rest of the church has gone with huge pier bases marking the site of the crossings and choir. The layout of the abbey was probably the standard Cistercian one, with the cloisters and ancillary buildings to the south of the nave of the church. These have completely disappeared and the only hint of their existence is the double doorway which would have led to the cloisters, and the remains of the vestibule on what would have been their east side. The chapter house, built in about 1200 is impressive. Until 1799 when it was badly damaged in a storm, it stood intact. Cistercian chapter houses were usually rectangular but this one was made 12‐sided outside and circular within. The smooth ashlar masonry that once covered the outside remains only around the windows and on the external flat buttresses. In the centre is a delicate clustered column of shafts crowned by a foliage capital, from which spring the bases of 24 moulded vaulting ribs. To the south of the chapter house are the ruins of another building which may have been the infirmary. Part of the ground floor is all that remains. It has large arched openings on the north and south sides, and a rib‐ vaulted ceiling. Margam Abbey flourished for about 200 years. Its secular activities were extensive; it had large tracts of land, huge flocks of sheep, mills, fisheries and coal mines. But Welsh uprisings and the encroachment of sand on the coast led to insecurity and decline, and by 1536 there were only nine monks left. After the abbey’s dissolution Sir Rice Mansel of Oxwich Castle bought it and converted the buildings into his principal residence. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail. The

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. CH15 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape CEFN CRUGWYLLT AND Margam Registered Multiperiod, point CWM MAELWG Mountain Historic medieval to approx. post medieval The following description is from GGAT ‐ Cefn Crugwyllt and Cwm Maelwg is an area, HLCA 002 Landscape 279947/ which is characterised as an enclosed agricultural landscape with medieval/post‐ Cefn 187467 medieval settlement/fields and varied enclosures with distinctive boundaries including Crugwyllt drystone wall, stone‐faced banks and stone‐faced banks with hedges. Documentary and Cwm evidence indicates the area, set on an upland spur/ridge location, was formerly part of a Maelwg medieval monastic grange belonging to the adjacent Cistercian Abbey of Margam. A prominent surviving monastic feature is the ʹBath Houseʹ or ʹBathʹ Holy Well (PRNs 00754w and 04796w; SAM Gm 545) of 14th or `15th century date. Most of the post‐medieval vernacular buildings within the area are in an altered condition, though an interesting example of a Renaissance central stair‐passage house remains at Cwm Maelog. Aerial photographic material indicates possible buried archaeology in the area represented by parch marks. The southern and northern edges of the area are characterised by remnant Ancient woodland augmented by later plantation and 20th century forestry. Other characteristics include minor communication features, such as the medieval trackway on Cefn Crugwyllt. CH16 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Cwm Dyffryn: Southern Margam Registered Multiperiod, point Valley Sides Mountain Historic medieval to approx. post medieval The following description is from GGAT ‐ the historic landscape area of cwm dyffryn: HLCA 017 Landscape 278432/ southern valley sides comprises an area of enclosed agricultural land on the northwestern Cwm 189353 flanks of mynydd margam, which has escaped afforestation. The area, part of the Dyffryn: margam abbey estate during the post‐medieval period was farmed during the medieval Southern period from margam abbeyʹs grange at hafod‐y‐porth. Though another monastic grange Valley Sides site has also been suggested at the site of the post‐medieval farmstead of gallt‐y‐cwm (evans 1982, 21). Since the break‐up of the margam estate during the mid‐20th century the areaʹs holdings appear to have become fragmented, some farmsteads have even been

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. abandoned, for example lletty‐piod, a post‐medieval direct entry, end chimney house with thatched roof. CH17 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Cwm Dyffryn and Cwm Margam Registered Multiperiod, point Farteg Railway Corridor Mountain Historic medieval to approx. modern The following description is from GGAT ‐ The historic landscape area of Cwm Dyffryn HLCA 009 Landscape 280090/ and Cwm Farteg Railway Corridor reflects the emerging industrialisation of the area Cwm 191087 from the medieval period. Goytre is known to have been the site of ʹFredulles Millsʹ Dyffryn and (water and fulling) on the Ffrwdwyllt, associated with the monastic grange of Hafod‐y‐ Cwm Farteg Porth (HLCA010), one of which was perhaps the ʹNew Millʹ of 1520. These may have been Railway located near the site of the Dyffryn Mill (corn) depicted on the 1st edition OS map of 1884. Corridor Following the dissolution, the area had formerly been monastic land farmed from the grange of Hafod‐y‐Porth, was transferred along with other monastic property to the Margam estate. Cwm Dyffryn and Cwm Farteg Railway Corridor is characterised chiefly as a communications route, primarily the route of the now disused line of the Port Talbot Railway (PTR) between Port Talbotʹs Dyffryn Junction and Maesteg, via Bryn, built c. 1898. The area also encompasses the route of the earlier Goetre Level Tramroad (1st edition OS 1885) towards Margam Copper Works, west of the area. Other transport features include minor post‐medieval road, lanes and tracks. Another major characteristic of the area are early 20th century industrial railside settlements, namely at Goetre (East Street and Emroch Street) and at Bryn (Station Terrace and Gallt‐y‐cwm Terrace); here the earlier 19th century industrial settlement associated with the Bryn Colliery and Tramway was eventually expanded around the later railway (PTR) estation . Th industrial settlement (early 20th century) is characterised by linear ribbon and grid street patterns; the earliest characteristic building type being the terraced house, those at Goetre (ie East Street and Emroch Street) have chimneys set at an angle to the street frontage. Later 20th century social housing predominates. A significant visual feature at Goetre is its large cemetery (constructed according to plans finalised in

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. 1915). The area also contains industrial remains of the 19th century, such as the disused Goetre Level (coal; 1st edition OS 1885). CH18 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows, Margam Merthyr Registered Multiperiod, point Moors Mawr, Historic medieval and approx. The following description is from GGAT ‐ The historic landscape area of Margam Moors Kenfig and Landscape post‐medieval 278345/ comprises an area of low‐lying reclaimed wetland at heights of between 4.5m and 5m OD, Margam 184799 largely within the Margam Moors SSSI. Part of the holdings of the Cistercian Abbey of Burrows, Margam during the medieval period; the area probably farmed from Morfa Mawr Grange HLCA002 just to the west beyond the boundary of the Historic Landscape, at the site of the later post‐ Margam medieval farm (itself demolished 1976). Two other monastic granges associated with Moors Margam are also known for the area, New Grange (or Middle Burrows Grange) and Theodoricʹs Grange. The strong association with Margam Abbey indicates a likelihood that the reclamation of much of the coastal strip dates to at least the medieval period. CH19 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows – Margam Merthyr Registered Multiperiod, point Burrows Mawr, Historic medieval to approx. The following description is from GGAT ‐ Margam Burrows/Twyni Margam is Kenfig and Landscape modern 278175/ characterised as an area of coastal sand dunes, partly tipped over with recent waste from Margam 183876 the adjacent steel works. Beyond references to use of the area as a rabbit warren during the Burrows, medieval period and to features associated with defence during World War II, direct HLCA 003 historical characteristics are generally elusive. Margam Burrows CH20 27924/ MEDIEVAL RABBIT WARREN – Earthwork in Tai Bach PRN 00743w Non‐ Medieval 18818 The following description is from the HER ‐ This earthwork takes the form of an equal‐ designated armed cross, formed by the interesction of a mound 41.5m long with anbother 40.8m long. The mounds are flanked by a continous ditch 2.4m wide. It is a very unusual, if not unique, type of pillow mound and is probably contemporary with the group of mounds to its west (00733w). There is another cruciform pillow mound at Bedd y Gwyddel, near Merthyr Tydfyl, although that one is half the size of 00743w. Same as PRN24481

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH21 27900/ MEDIEVAL FIELD SYSTEM – Ergyd Isaf PRN 00949w Non‐ Medieval 18850 The following description is from the HER ‐ The earthwork was initially observed from an designated aerial survey and is difficult to understand at ground level. Various sections of low bank were pointed out by the farmer during a drive over the general area of enclosure. Abridged SMR description: the earthwork extends north‐eastwards from SS78838824, for 240m or SS79038839, where is abuts a field wall and extends south‐eastward for 146m to SS78928817, where it fades out towards another field wall. On the north‐west side, it appears as a linear depression 6m wide, 0.3m maximum depth, but at the west corner, runs south‐westwards, as a 5m wide and less than 0.3m high, raised strip. The feature appears to be a ploughed‐down field boundary of medieval or later date, where the ditch has survived on the north‐west and the bank on the south‐west. Condition is near destroyed.

CH22 27869/ MEDIEVAL HOUSE PLATFORM – Mynydd Brombil PRN 01994w Non‐ Medieval 18827 The following description is from the HER ‐ The house platform is considered to lie designated alnogside one end of pillow mound no. 17. The RCAHMW survey records it as 10.4m long and 7.9m wide, aligned EW, with a hood and terrace 60m high.

CH23 From MEDIEVAL TRACKWAY – Cefn Crugwyllt PRN Non‐ Medieval 280902/ The following description is from the HER ‐ This site comprises 4 or 5 hollow trails 01069.0w designated 188219 diverging at a point at the SW end of the ridge, uniting in a single trail heading NE to to Geulan‐las where it disappears into forestry. It totals 1.7m, and possibly represents a road 279579/ running from Margam to Heol y Moch. 187205

CH24 280123/ CHAPEL – Hen Eglwys GM163 Scheduled Medieval 186522 Monument

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. The following text is from Cadw ‐ The monument comprises the remains of a small medieval chapel standing on an imposing knoll with wide views to the west, south and east. The chapel is of stone rubble construction, with quoins, door and window jambs of white ashlar. There are traces of render on the exterior walls and substantial remnants of plaster on the interior. The east, west and south walls still stand to almost their full height and it appears that there was a simple gabled roof. The north wall stands, for the most part, to 1.5m or less in height except at either end and therefore there are no details of the number, size or design of the windows on this side. The west wall includes a door opening with a window above, which retains some tracery. The east wall contains a window of similar but rather more elaborate design, its tracery also now incomplete. The south wall has two small windows towards the west end, a door, and a larger and clearly more elaborate window toward the east end. The westernmost window retains an ornamental head with a pointed trefoil design, carved from a single piece, with another remnant from this frame near the bottom of the opening, which is about 1m overall in height on the inside. The width is about 0.4m on the outside and about 0.8m on the inside. The adjacent window is not so well preserved. To the east of the door are the remains of a larger and much more elaborate window at least 2m in height and almost as much in width, although robbing of the sill now makes it appear higher. This greater elaboration of a south‐east window is reminiscent of St Baglan’s Church (Gm 428). This window could be a later insertion, but it is not possible to be certain. Immediately beside this window on its east is a small opening for a piscina. Part of the top of the opening survives, showing an ogival trefoil design, but most of the rest has been robbed out. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. CH25 280306/ BATH‐HOUSE – Margam Medieval Bath House GM545 Scheduled Medieval 186925 The following information is from Cadw – The monument consists of a bath‐house, dating Monument to the medieval period. The building is constructed of rubble stone with a vaulted roof and lime‐washed walls. The central pool is L‐shaped, about 1m in depth with a water inlet and steps leading down into it at the other end. It is located close to Margam Abbey and was part of the abbey estate. The present building was probably built in the 14th or 15th century AD to act as a baptistry for the congregation of the nearby Hen Eglwys. The monument is 23

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of Roman/medieval settlement organisation. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques, together with a strong probability of environmental evidence. A bath‐house may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH26 280139/ CROSS – Margam Inscribed and Sculptured Stones GM011 Scheduled Multiperiod, 186350 The following text is from Cadw ‐Situated just to the north of the medieval Cistercian abbey Monument Roman, early church and its associated monastic ruins, the Margam stone collection is housed in a medieval building which was once the village school. Twenty‐eight stones have been gathered together, ranging in date from the 6th to the 17th centuries. The earliest stone in the collection is the 6th century re‐used Roman milestone. Although there was no Roman settlement at Margam, the site lay on the line of the Imperial post road running west from Caerleon (Isca) to Carmarthen (Moridunum). Milestones record repairs to the roads by emperors from Gordian III (AD 238‐44) to Maximum Daia (AD 309‐13). The milestone of Maximum was reused in the 6th century for the memorial of a local chieftain, one of three early Christian stones in the collection inscribed in Latin. They originally stood beside trackways or Roman roads. None comes from the site of the medieval abbey or from an early church. The sculptured crosses in the Margam collection, dating from between the 9th and 11th centuries AD, come from the pre‐Norman monastery at this site and from other early church sites in the area. The Conbelin Cross is the finest of the Glamorgan disc‐ headed crosses, with a sculptured hunting scene and figures of St John and St Mary. The Cross of Einion, also from Margam, is slightly earlier, and is similar to a cross of about 870 at nearby Llantwit Major. Many of these crosses carry the names of the people who made them, or in whose memory they were erected. The later ʹcart‐wheelʹ crosses, with their circular radiating heads, areanother local type. Those of Ilci and Ilquici were found in the 19th century in use as a foot bridge on Cwrt Dafydd farm south of Margam. The various stones at the upper gallery level date from the Middle Ages and later. They include five 13th century or 14th century grave slabs of abbots, including one of an abbot of Rievaulx in Yorkshire who may have retired, briefly, to Margam. They are probably from the abbeyʹs chapter house, where it was customary to bury abbots at the time. There is also a 14th century effigy of a knight who must have been buried in the abbey church. The core of the collection was brought together in the grounds of Margam Abbey in the late 19th century and moved to its present home in 1932. The monument is of national importance for its CH27 27815/ MEDIEVAL GRANGE – Groeswen Grange, Whitecross Grange PRN 00736w Non‐ Medieval 18831 The following description is from the HER ‐ No references to Groeswen Grange (Margam designated Abbey) before the 16th century. Almost certainly occupied the site of the farm of Groeswen, demolished during the construction of the motorway. See also Williams 2001, 305‐6 no.89. Evans 2003: GGAT 73 Early‐Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites Project database

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH28 278000/ FINDSPOT – Pendant gritstone National Non‐ Medieval, 12th 187000 Museum designated century Accession no. 38.78 Find Spot 13437 CH29 278000/ FINDSPOT – Bronze Spoon Handle National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Description from National Museum Archaeology Collection ‐ Medieval bronze spoon Museum designated handle Accession no 49.140 Find Spot 13446 CH30 278000/ FINDSPOT – Copper Alloy Buckle National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Description from National Museum Archaeology Collection ‐ Medieval copper alloy Museum designated buckle. Accession no 49.140 Find Spot 13447 CH31 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Unidentified Object National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Two medieval iron unidentified objects. Museum designated Accession no 49.140 & 49.140/25 Find Spot 13448 CH32 278000/ FINDSPOT – Lead finial National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval lead finial. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/10 Find Spot 13457

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH33 278000/ FINDSPOT – Lead Spindle Whorl National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval lead spindle whorl. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/11 Find Spot 13458 CH34 278000/ FINDSPOT – Lead Object National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval lead object Museum designated Accession no 49.140/12 Find Spot 13459 CH35 278000/ FINDSPOT – Bronze Sheet National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Museum designated Medieval bronze sheet. Accession no 49.140/13 Find Spot 13460 CH36 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Dagger National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron dagger. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/14 Find Spot 13461 CH37 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Knife National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Four medieval iron knives. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/15 to 18 Find Spot 13462 CH38 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Horse Shoe National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron horse shoe. Museum designated

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. Accession no 49.140/19 Find Spot 13463 CH39 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Stylus National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Roman iron stylus. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/21 Find Spot 13464 CH40 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Pin National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron pin. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/22 Find Spot 13465 CH41 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Bars and Wedges National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron bars and wedges. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/23 Find Spot 13466 CH42 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Nails National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron nails. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/24 Find Spot 13467

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH43 278000/ FINDSPOT – Bronze Socketed Arrowhead National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval bronze socketed arrowhead. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/3 Find Spot 13468 CH44 278000/ FINDSPOT – Holocene Animal Bone National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Holocene animal bone. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/30 Find Spot 13469 CH45 278000/ FINDSPOT – Pottery Vessel National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval pottery vessel. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/30 Find Spot 13470 CH46 278000/ FINDSPOT – Copper alloy strap end buckle National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval copper alloy strap end buckle. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/5 Find Spot 13471 CH47 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Belt Buckle National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron belt buckle. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/ Find Spot 13472

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH48 278000/ FINDSPOT – Copper Alloy Loop National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Two medieval copper alloy loops. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/7 & 8 Find Spot 13473 CH49 278000/ FINDSPOT – Bronze Chain Link National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval bronze chain link. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/9 Find Spot 13474 CH50 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Horse Shoe National Non‐ Medieval 187000 Medieval iron horse shoe. Museum designated Accession no 49.140/20 Find Spot 20811 CH51 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Margam Mountain Landscape – Margam Village Margam Registered Multiperiod, point The following description is from GGAT ‐ The historic landscape area of Margam Village Mountain Historic post medieval approx. to modern comprises the small hamlet with early post‐medieval origins, originally named Pound, HLCA 008 Landscape 279794/ after the enclosure where stray sheep from Mynydd Margam were held prior to being Margam 186248 sold at Taibach market. The main estate village associated with Margam Park, however, Village lay slightly further to the north at Groes, constructed to rehouse villagers from the earlier post‐medieval village within the confines of Margam Park demolished during the 1830s and 40s. Groes, which had been laid‐out by Haycock, was in turn entirely removed by the construction of the M4 motorway during the latter half of the 20th century. CH52 27890/ POST‐MEDIEVAL FARM – Brombil Farm PRN 01731w Non‐ Post‐medieval 18750 The following description is from the HER ‐ The site comprises a Post‐medieval farm designated entitled Brombil Farm situated within the community of Margam. No further information is currently available.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH53 27814/ POST‐MEDIEVAL HOUSE – Tai Bach PRN 02727w Non‐ Post‐medieval 18831 The following description is from the HER ‐ Post medieval house hearth passage, end designated entry, gable entry stone stairs CH54 27909/ POST‐MEDIEVAL COTTAGE – Brombil Farm, Margam PRN 05361w, Non‐ Post‐medieval 18778 The following description is from the HER ‐ Site of a stone‐built house and adjoining GGAT designated garden enclosures in Cwm y Brombil. The site is a little upslope from the course of the E002604, tram‐road, and the owner thought that the tram‐road lamp‐lighter resided there in the past. GGAT E Condition is damaged. 002605 CH55 27867/ POST‐MEDIEVAL HOUSE PLATFORM – House Platform, Tai Bach PRN 01993w Non‐ Post‐medieval 18803 The following description is from the HER ‐ A terraced platform defined by remnants of designated stone wall on the south‐western slopes of Mynydd Brombil. The site is a few metres downslope of the course of the tramroad which runs below the pillow mound (00733w). It is one of the so‐called squatter settlements associated with 18th century industrial exploitation of the mountain. Condition is near destroyed. CH56 27924/ POST‐MEDIEVAL FIELD BOUNDARY – Brombil Farm, Margam PRN 05328w Non‐ Post‐medieval 18834 The following description is from the HER ‐ Dry‐stone wall. This is one of the better‐ designated preserved examples of stone boundaries in the property. Most of the walls have fallen into a serious state of disrepair (see photo no. 3 which is a length of collapsed wall in another part of the farm). The introduction [Tir Gofal report see sources] noted an antiquarian observation that the land was unenclosed on Mynydd Brombil before c.1812. In light of that record, it seems reasonable to suppose that the walls date to the early 19th century. CH57 2794/ POST‐MEDIEVAL COLLIERY – Bromail Coal Level PRN 01378w Non‐ Post‐medieval 1871 The following description is from the HER ‐ The site comprises a Post‐medieval colliery designated entitled Bromail Coal Level situated within the community of Margam. No further information is currently available. CH58 279361/ COLLIERY – Brombil Colliery and Tramway PRN 07278w Non‐ Post‐medieval 187888 There is no information contained in the HER for the overall site. designated CH59 279532/ POST‐MEDIEVAL SHAFT – Brombil Shaft PRN 03894w Non‐ Post‐medieval 187781 The following description is from the HER ‐ Mine shaft, part of Brombil colliery, as noted designated on OS 6 inch 2nd edition 1900 map.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. CH60 279324/ POST‐MEDIEVAL TRAMWAY – Brombil Farm Tramway PRN 03901w Non‐ Post‐medieval 187661 The following description is from the HER ‐ Brombil Colliery tramway as noted on OS 6 designated inch 2nd edition 1900 map. CH61 Centre HISTORIC LANDSCAPE – Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows – South Wales Merthyr Registered Multiperiod, point Main Line (Great Western and Port Talbot Railways) and Newlands Loop Rail Corridor Mawr, Historic post medieval approx. The following description is from GGAT ‐ The historic landscape area of South Wales Kenfig and Landscape to modern 279442/ Main Line and Newlands Loop Rail Corridor is a section of the parallel routes of the South Margam 183229 Wales Railway and the Port Talbot Railways. The former constructed between Chepstow Burrows, and Swansea was engineered by IK Brunel and opened on 18th June 1850. The line, which HLCA 001 used the Broad Gauge, was later amalgamated into the Great Western Railway in 1863 and South Wales converted to Standard Gauge by 1872. The later lines of the Port Talbot Railway (PTR) Main Line formerly ran in parallel on the seaward side of the SWR (GWR) between the lines of the (Great Port Talbot Docks at Copper Works Junction and Cefn Junction where it terminated with Western and the Pyle‐Tondu line. This line was opened on 18th December 1898 following the Port Talbot authorisation of the Ogmore valleys Extension Act of 7th August 1896. From 1 January 1922 Railways) the PTR was amalgamated with the GWR and the Newlands Loop was constructed in 1960 and under British Rail, linking the lines of the former SWR and PTR Newlands Loop Rail Corridor CH62 278373/ LISTED BUILDING, CHAPEL – Beulah Calvanistic Methodist Chapel LB Ref: Post medieval, 187422 The following text is from Cadw ‐ Lombardic‐style chapel built in 1838 as part of the 14172, NPRN AD1838 planned village of Groes, which replaced Margam village when C R M Talbot decided to 9858 enlarge Margam Park. The village was designed by the architect Edward Haycock, but Talbot is said to have had an input into the design of the chapel, the octagonal form possibly based upon the Chapter House at Margam. It was built at a cost of #800 by Thomas Jenkin, using material from the estate. The chapel was taken down in 1974 in advance of M4 motorway works, and was rebuilt in Tollgate Park, Margam, in 1976. Also known as the Round Chapel. Listed grade II* as the only surviving octagonal chapel in Wales, and a special example of the round‐arched style in chapel architecture. CH63 278370/ LISTED BUILDING, CHAPEL VESTRY – Vestry at Beulah Chapel LB Ref: 23282 Grade II Post medieval, 187431 The following text is from Cadw ‐ The vestry is contemporary with Beulah Chapel. Listed AD1838 Formerly located in the village of Groes, designed by the architect Edward Haycock in Building 1838. Shown in old photographs of Groes adjacent to the chapel. The village was affected by the M4 motorway in 1974 and the chapel, vestry, and gates were taken down and

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. subsequently rebuilt in Tollgate Park in 1976. Listed for group value with Beulah Chapel and the gates and railings. CH64c 278362/ LISTED BUILDING, GATES, PIERS & RAILINGS – Gates, Piers and Railings at Beulah LB Ref: 23283 Grade II Post medieval, 187421 Chapel Listed AD1838 The following text is from Cadw ‐ The gates, piers and railings are contemporary with Building Beulah Chapel and the vestry. Formerly located in the village of Groes, designed by the architect Edward Haycock in 1838. The village was affected by the M4 motorway in 1974 and the chapel, vestry, piers and gates were taken down and subsequently rebuilt in Tollgate Park in 1976. Listed for group value with Beulah Chapel and vestry. CH65 278407/ LISTED BUILDING, MILEPOST – Milepost at tollgate Park LB Ref: 23284 Grade II Post medieval, 187268 The following text is from Cadw ‐ One of a group of mileposts in Gothic style, associated Listed AD1841 with the turnpiking of the A48. This milepost is not in its original position, and was moved Building from a roundabout on the site of Tollgate Park. Ornate cast iron milepost, painted white with black lettering and detail. Square base supporting a rear upright with pointed arched head with mouldings, imposts and keystone. In front, the base supports a low domed section with round‐headed front face, above which are 2 tall faces with pointed arched heads each set at an angle of 45 degrees. The arches have raised mouldings. Underneath the rear arch, the milepost reads ʹBridgend Districtʹ. The angled faces point in opposite directions, one reading ʹTo Pyle 4ʹ and the other ʹTo Neath 8ʹ. Underneath the round arch is the lettering ʹLondon 187ʹ. The square base has a raised border within which ʹMargam Parishʹ is written in relief. A raised tablet at the bottom (unpainted) reads ʹ1841ʹ.Listed for its historic interest as a characteristic feature of turnpike roads, and in an unusually ornate Gothic style. Group value with other mileposts on this section of the A48. CH66 278000/ FINDSPOT – Iron Pikeman’s Breastplate National Non‐ Post‐medieval 187000 Post‐medieval iron pikeman’s breastplate. Museum designated Accession no 61.217 Find Spot 13456 CH67 279332/ RADAR STATION – Chain Home Low Radar Station, Margam GM488 Scheduled Modern, 20th 187081 Monument century

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Cultural HER/ heritage Grid ref Description NMRW/ Designation Date asset no. Cadw ref. The following text is from Cadw ‐ The monument comprises the remains of a radar site that dates to the Second World War. The radar station is part of the ʹChain Home Lowʹ, designed to guard against enemy surface craft and submarines in the British Channel. The station consists of three squarish concrete buildings with flat roofs, set on the high scarp of the Margam ridge facing south‐east and overlooking the British Channel. The most north‐ westerly of the three retains the framework of a steel gantry, the base for a rectangular radar transmitter/receiver array, known as a ʹbedstead arrayʹ from its wires and framework. The gantry is believed to be an unique survivor within the British Isles. Next to it is a generator house and a probable stand‐by generator house for use in case of breakdown or enemy attack, lie to the south‐east. The station was probably built by the army between 1941 and 1943, prior to the takeover of the system by the RAF. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of WWII defence systems. The remains are well preserved and retain significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. A radar station may be part of a larger cluster of anti‐invasion defences and their importance can further enhanced by their group value. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. CH68 278000/ FINDSPOT – Bone Object National Non‐ Undated 187000 Undated bone object. Museum designated Accession no 83.133H/1 Find Spot 13475 CH69 278000/ FINDSPOT – Aurochs Horn Core National Non‐ Undated 187000 Aurochs horn core. Museum designated Accession no 83.133H/2 Find Spot 13476 Table 1 Known cultural heritage assets within inner and outer study areas.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Event/ Grid ref Description HER ref report no. E01 27905 EVENT – Environmental Statement GGATE000937 18636 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage chapter prepared by RPS as part of an Environmental Statement on behalf of Western Wood Energy for a sustainable energy plant at Port Talbot. The following information is from the HER – The chapter concludes that there will be no impact upon the archaeological resource within the development area. The visual impact on the nearby Registered Historic Landscape of Mynydd Margam was assessed as Minor. E02 2789 EVENT – Field Visit GGATE002605 1875 GGAT staff carried out a site visit to Brombil Farm, Margam to inform the Tir Gofal agri‐environment scheme. E03 27910 EVENT – Desk based Assessment GGATE002654 18640 The following information is from the HER –Archaeoleg Cambria were commissioned by Hyder Consulting Ltd. to carry out a desk based assessment for a proposed development off junction 38 of the M4 near Margam. The assessment concluded that though there were no individual archaeological sites in the area, the area was of high archaeological importance and one of the only un‐developed sites in the region. The assessment recommended the digging of 5 trial trenches, 3 along the eastern boundary and 2 along the southern boundary also that a programme of paleoenvironmental sampling of alluvial deposits through a borehole toward the NW of the site, it was also recommended that the design be altered to maintain surrounding water levels and reduce pollution, the report also suggested a watching brief be conducted during development. NB. a second report was completed 4 months later that was identical, save the watching brief recommendation was absent. E04 27857 EVENT – Desk based Assessment GGATE003222 18651 The following information is from the HER ‐ An archaeological desk‐based assessment was carried out by CGMS for the National Grid on the proposed site of a new substation. The assessment established that no known archaeological sites lay within the proposed site area and the potential for buried remains dating to the Prehistoric period was moderate and for all other periods, low. E05 277651 EVENT – Desk based Assessment GGATE004127 187883 The following information is from the HER ‐ The Glamorgan‐Gwent Archaeological Trust was commissioned by Dawnus to undertake an assessment of the archaeological effects of a proposed development at Tippler Sidings, TATA Steelworks, Port Talbot. A total of 32 sites of archaeological interest where identified within the study area. There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Landscapes or Registered Parks and Gardens within the study area. A map regression exercise, combined with analysis of documentary sources and aerial photographs, has identified 27 previously unrecorded sites of archaeological interest within the development area. Historic mapping shows the development area to have been tidal mudflats and salt marshes prior to the industrial development of the area in the 19th century, whilst historical documents demonstrate that the area was agricultural land prior to sea level rise in the medieval period. This 35

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

Event/ Grid ref Description HER ref report no. evidence is supported by the presence of alluvial clay being noted during ground investigation works for the current development and The Port Talbot Peripheral Distributor Road. Alluvial clays are known to preserve organic remains to a higher degree than other ground conditions, as they produce an anaerobic environment with a low salt content and can provide excellent conditions for the survival of organic and in‐organic material, which may well be archaeologically and or palaeo‐environmentally significant. As such the impact upon these sites should be mitigated by an archaeological watching brief with contingencies being conducted on intrusive ground works. However, previous investigations have shown that a minimum of 1.1m of made ground exists on the site. Therefore, the archaeological watching brief should only be carried out on intrusive groundworks at depths greater than 1m below current ground level. It should also be noted that the Port Talbot area was a significant target for Luftwaffe bombing during the Second World War and the Margam Iron and http://www.walesher1974.org/her/temp/prev.htm?prm=0.3439381827...12 of 16 13/09/2016 11:40 Steelworks along with numerous other sites within Port Talbot were heavily bombed and there is a chance of uncovering unexploded ordnance during the archaeological works. E06 27924 Event – Field Visit GGATE004972 18818 The following information is from the HER ‐ Field visit made as part of the Cadw funded project ʹHusbandry in Glamorgan & Gwentʹ, carried out by GGAT (E004964). Two sites in Tai Bach (00733w; 00743w) were visited. Observations, including condition and description, were recorded at each site. E07 2789 Event – Management Plan GGATE002604 1875 The Glamorgan‐Gwent Archaeological Trust was commissioned by the Countryside Council for Wales to undertake a management report (with a site visit) for Brombil Farm, Port Talbot as part of the Tir Gofal scheme. The report contains general observations, identifies conservation needs of historic features associated with the farm, and provides specific management recommendations to preserve the archaeological resource. Table 2 Events/ reports in inner study area.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

5.1.3 Prehistoric Period (Prior to AD 43) – There are no known prehistoric cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site boundary and nine known prehistoric cultural heritage assets within the surrounding study areas. The earliest indication of activity in the area is the findspot of a Neolithic stone axehead rough‐out (CH01). To the east and south of the proposed re‐development site are a number of areas which are included on the Historic Landscapes Register and are recognised as having Prehistoric activity. These comprise the Brombil and Graig Fwar area (CH02) of the Margam Mountain Landscape, the Mynydd Brombil and Ergyd Isaf area (CH03) of the Margam Mountain Landscape, the Mynydd Margam Forest Park area (CH04) of the Margam Mountain Landscape and the Margam and Kenfig Sands area (CH05) of the Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Landscape. The activity identified in these areas includes lithic scatters, funerary and ritual sites, communications routes and settlement. Two of the Scheduled Monuments in the study areas comprise the remains of Bronze Age funerary monuments (CH06, GM159 and CH07, GM160). The round barrow of Ergydd Uchaf (CH06) is located approximately 2.25 km to the northeast of the proposed re‐development site on the west facing slope of Mynydd Margam. A further two round barrows (CH07) are located at the summit of Ergyd Isaf approximately 1.34 km to the northeast of the proposed re‐development site. Two Scheduled Monuments in the study areas are of Iron Age date. The single rampart hillfort at Mynydd y Castell Camp (CH08, GM162) is located on a hill approximately 1.8 km to the southeast of the proposed re‐ development site and the oval earthwork enclosure at Half Moon Camp.(CH09, GM477) is located approximately 1.24 km to the southeast of the proposed re‐development site.

5.1.4 Roman Period (AD 43‐410) – There are no known Roman cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site and three known Roman cultural heritage assets in the surrounding study areas. The route of the Roman road (CH10) between Cardiff and Neath runs in a northwest/ southeast orientation approximately 100 m from the southwest extent of the proposed re‐development site. This is thought to be located under the modern A48 and remains of the Roman road may survive in places. The Cantusus Stone (CH11) which originally functioned as a Roman milestone was located to the southwest of the proposed re‐development site prior to its removal and installation in the collection of stones which comprises a Scheduled Monument at the Margam Stones Museum (CH26, GM011). The Eglwys Nunydd and Cwrt‐y‐ defaid area (CH12) of the Margam Mountain Registered Historic Landscape is noted as having been utilised as a coastal route from the Roman Period onwards.

5.1.5 Medieval Period (AD 410‐1540) – There are no known medieval cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site. In addition to the Registered Historic Landscapes which have activity from earlier periods there are 38 known cultural heritage assets in the

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

surrounding study areas which have origins in the medieval period. During the early medieval period Christianity was introduced to the area and a monastery was founded in the area where Margam Abbey was constructed in the 12th century. This is part of the Margam Abbey and Castle area (CH13) of the Margam Mountain Registered Historic Landscape. This landscape includes the Scheduled Monument of Margam Abbey (CH14, GM005) which is located 1.7 km to the southeast of the proposed re‐development site. A Cistercian Abbey was founded at this location in 1147 and the building of an abbey church commenced in the 12th century. The Abbey was a wealthy foundation and much of the surrounding area was part of its estate. The Cefn Crugwyllt and Cwm Maelwg area (CH15), the Mynydd Brombil and Ergyd Isaf area (CH16), the Cwm Dyffryn and Cwm Farteg Railway Corridor (CH17), the Eglwys Nunydd and Cwrt‐ y‐defaid area (CH12) and the Brombil and Graig Fawr area (CH02), all part of the Margam Mountain Registered Historic Landscape, were all farmed as part of medieval monastic granges which belonged to Margam Abbey. The Margam Moors area (CH18) of the Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Registered Historic Landscape was also part of the holdings of Margam Abbey. The Margam Burrows area (CH19) of the Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Registered Historic Landscape was utilised as a rabbit warren during the medieval period. A further medieval rabbit warren in the form of a cross shaped earthwork is located at Tai Bach (CH20) and a medieval field system (CH21) indicated by a boundary earthwork is located at Ergyd Isaf. Nearby this field system at Mynydd Brombil is a medieval house platform (CH22) and a further medieval house platform is also located at Tai Bach. A possible medieval trackway indicated by a single trail diverging into four or five hollow trails (CH23) is located at Cefn Crugwyllt and possibly linked Margam to Heol y Moch.

5.1.6 Further evidence for Christianity during the medieval period is present in the form of a small medieval chapel at Hen Eglwys (CH24, GM163). This stone chapel is located on an imposing knoll approximately 1.5 km to the southeast of the proposed re‐development site. The stone bath‐house at Margam (CH25, GM545) was probably built in the 14th or 15th century and may have functioned as a baptistery for the congregation of the church at Hen Eglwys. This Scheduled Monument is located 1.53 km to the southeast of the proposed re‐development site. Many of the sculpted crosses in the Margam collection housed in the Scheduled Monument of the Margam Stone Museum (CH26, GM011) are of medieval origin (between the 9th and 11th centuries AD) and originated from the early monastery at Margam and other church sites in the area.

5.1.7 The location of Groeswen/ Whitecross medieval grange (CH27) which was part of the Magam Abbey lands is also noted in the HER. Any remains of this site were destroyed during the construction of the M4 motorway.

5.1.8 A variety of medieval finds have been recovered from findspots (CH28 to CH50) in the vicinity of the proposed re‐development site. These include, iron knives, an iron dagger, iron

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

horseshoes, copper alloy items, a lead spindle whorl and pottery which all provide an indication of life in the medieval period. These do not have precise locations and are all attributed to the same grid square origin.

5.1.9 Post‐medieval Period (AD 1540‐1900) – There are no known post‐medieval cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site. In addition to the Registered Historic Landscapes and other known cultural heritage assets which have origins in earlier periods and continue in use in the post‐medieval period, there are 16 known cultural heritage assets in the surrounding study areas which have origins in the post‐medieval period. Following the dissolution of Margam Abbey in 1536 most of the ex‐monastic estates came into the possession of Sir Rice Mansel of Oxwich and Old Beaupre and by the late 16th century a new house had been built on the estate which incorporated some of the monastic buildings. The country house, gardens and estate at Margam were developed as a country house and associated estate (CH13) throughout the post‐medieval period and is included in the Register of Parks and Gardens in Wales (GM52). The Historic Landscape area of Margam Village (CH51) comprises a small village which has post‐medieval origins. Much of the study areas remain in use as farmland throughout the post‐medieval period. The farm at Brombil (CH52) was in use during this period and some houses from this period are also noted in the HER including the house at Tai Bach (CH53) the cottage at Brombil Farm (CH54) and the house platform at Tai Bach (CH55). A boundary associated with Brombil Farm (CH56) is also noted in the HER.

5.1.10 During this period industry developed in the area and the colliery at Bromail Coal Level (CH57) was established. Another colliery and associated tramway are located at Brombil (CH58) and a mine shaft (CH59) which is part of the Brombil colliery is also noted. A further trackway near Brombil Farm and associated with Brombil Colliery is also noted in the HER (CH60).

5.1.11 The South Wales Railway and Port Talbot railways were also established during the post‐ medieval period and the South Wales Main Line (Great Western and Port Talbot Railways) and Newlands Loop Rail Corridor area (CH61) which is part of the Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig and Margam Burrows Registered Historic Landscape includes these railways.

5.1.12 The Grade II* Listed Building of Beulah Methodist Chapel (CH62) and associated Grade II Listed Vestry (CH63) and Grade II Listed gates, piers and railings (CH64) were originally constructed around AD1838. These were all taken down in 1974 in advance of the construction of the M4 and rebuilt in their present location which is approximately 100 m to the west of the proposed re‐development site. A further Grade II Listed structure is the cast iron milepost (CH65) dates AD1841 which is located approximately 190 m to the southwest of the proposed re‐development site. This structure has also been moved from its original location which was on the site of Tollgate Park.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

5.1.13 The findspot of a pikeman’s breastplate made of iron from the post‐medieval period (CH66) is noted in the study area.

5.1.14 Modern Period (AD1900 to present) – There are no known modern cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site and one known modern cultural heritage asset within the surrounding study areas. The Chain Home Low Radar Station (CH67, GM005) at Margam was in use during the Second World War to guard against enemy surface craft and submarines. The remains of the radar station are now a Scheduled Monument.

5.1.15 Undated – The findspots for two undated finds are recorded within the study areas (CH68 & CH69).

5.2 Previous Archaeological Works (Events)

5.2.1 The locations of previous archaeological works within the inner 1 km radius study area are depicted on Figure 2 and listed in Table 2. The works comprise seven projects (E01 to E07) consisting of an Environmental Statement, desk based assessments for a number of proposed developments and HER related site visits. Brombil has been identified as of historical significance. Attention has been drawn to the archaeological and palaeo‐environmental potential of previously undeveloped land within the locality, particularly in areas of alluvial clays. It was also noted that the area was heavily bombed during WW11 and intrusive fieldwork should be aware of the potential to identify unexploded ordnance.

5.3 Cartographic Evidence

5.3.1 The first edition six inch to the mile Ordnance Survey maps (Glamorganshire Sheets XXXIII) which were published in 1885 depict the area as part of three rectangular, parallel fields aligned SW to NE and bounded by the Arnallt Brook to the north. There are no features indicated within the area proposed for development. A group of structures labelled Ty Isaf are depicted to the immediate east of the proposed development site and a further cluster of structures is noted at Brombil.

5.3.2 The second edition six inch to the mile Ordnance Survey maps of 1900 (Glamorgan. Sheets XXXIII NE & XXXIII NW) shows the same arrangement within the site but depicts the site of a ‘Roman Military Stone’ to the west of the site.

5.3.3 By the provisional edition six inch to the mile Ordnance Survey maps of 1948 (Glamorgan. Sheets XXXIII NW) Bertha Road is depicted to the south of the site.

5.3.4 The 1:25,000 Provisional Edition of the Ordnance Survey map (Sheet SS78, Published 1956) shows the area to the south and west as fully developed with housing and a school has been added to the east of the site. The site itself remains undeveloped.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

5.4 Field Visit

5.4.1 A field visit was carried out on 20th September 2016. The proposed development site presently comprises school buildings and associated landscaping, playground and car park areas (Plates 1 to 7) in an urban area. No upstanding remains of archaeological significance were observed within the proposed re‐development site during the field visit and the entire site has been either built on in the 20th century or subject to extensive landscaping.

5.4.2 The proposed re‐development site is fairly level and the adjacent housing to the southwest, northwest and northeast is dominant in views from the site. The M4 motorway which lies just beyond the housing to the northeast is also dominant in the view from the site. To the southeast the view is dominated by Port Talbot College.

5.5 Significance of Heritage Assets

The known cultural heritage assets which were identified from existing records within the study areas are all located out‐with the boundary of the proposed re‐development. The majority of the cultural heritage assets identified are of local significance and indicate activity in the vicinity of the proposed re‐development site from the Neolithic Period onwards. The Grade II Listed Buildings are of special importance and the Grade II* Listed Building is particularly important. The nine Scheduled Monuments within the outer study area, the Registered Park and Garden and the 12 Registered Historic Landscape areas are of National Importance.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

6. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

6.1.1 The proposed re‐development site is located in an area which was undeveloped fields until the late 20th century and much of it is now playing fields associated with the school. The proposed re‐development which comprises the construction of new school buildings, demolition of existing school buildings and re‐modelling of surrounding areas will involve groundworks which may have a direct impact upon any unknown surviving sub‐surface archaeological deposits.

6.1.2 While there are no known cultural heritage assets within the proposed re‐development site boundary, the character and concentration of known cultural heritage assets in the study areas indicate it is likely that there may be unknown sub‐surface archaeological deposits within the proposed re‐development site. The extent to which any unknown sub‐surface archaeological remains have been impacted on by the present landscaping and school development is presently unknown.

6.1.3 There is no direct impact from the proposed re‐development on any of the known cultural heritage assets identified in the study areas.

6.1.4 For the nationally important Scheduled Monuments any impact on their setting must also be considered. All nine Scheduled Monuments in the study areas are located at some distance from the proposed re‐development site and intervisibility between the Scheduled Monuments and the proposed re‐development site is minimal. The re‐development comprises the construction of a modern school to replace existing modern school buildings of similar dimensions and so the overall impact on the setting of the Scheduled Monuments will not change.

6.1.5 There is no intervisibility between the Listed Buildings and the proposed re‐development site as there are mid‐20th century houses located in the intervening area so there is no impact on their setting.

6.1.6 There is some intervisibility between the Registered Historic Landscapes and the proposed re‐ development site but the impact of the proposed re‐development on their setting is considered negligible due to the similarity in land use of the proposed development in relation to the existing land use. The overall impact on the setting of the Registered Historic Landscapes will not change.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

7. CONCLUSIONS

7.1.1 The desk based element of the assessment and field visit identified 69 known cultural heritage assets in the study areas, none of which are located within the proposed re‐development site boundary. These known cultural heritage assets indicate activity in the vicinity from the Neolithic to the present day and will not be impacted on by the proposed re‐development. The proposed re‐development site is located in an area which was undeveloped fields until the late 20th century and much of it is now playing fields associated with the school. Due to the concentration and character of known cultural heritage assets in the wider area it is possible that there could be unknown sub‐surface archaeological deposits within the proposed re‐ developments site. The impact on any such deposits from the present landuse is unknown.

7.1.2 There are nine Scheduled Monuments within the study areas defined in this report. These are all at some distance from the proposed re‐development site and they will not be directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed re‐development. There are four Listed Buildings, 13 Registered Historic Landscape Areas and one Registered Park and Garden within the study areas defined in this report. These will not be directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed re‐development.

RUBICON HERITAGE SERVICES LTD. Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment for a proposed school development. Ysgol Newydd (Margam), Wales.

8. REFERENCES Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2012 Standard and Guidance for historic desk‐based assessment, CIfA publication.

Evans, E M, 2003 Early Medieval Ecclesiastical sites in Southeast Wales: Desk based assessment

Roberts, R. 2016 Husbandry in Glamorgan and Gwent. GGAT report for Cadw.

Sherman, A. and Evans, E 2004 Roman Roads in Southeast Wales. Desk‐based assessment with recommendations for fieldwork. GGAT report for Cadw.

Cartographic sources

Ordnance Survey First Edition 6” to the mile Glamorganshire Sheet XXXIII, Surveyed 1876, Published 1885.

Ordnance Survey Second Edition 6” to the mile Glamorgan. Sheets XXXIII NE & XXXIII NW, Surveyed 1875 to 1876, Published 1900.

Ordnance Survey Provisional Edition 6” to the mile Glamorgan. Sheets XXXIII NW, Surveyed 1875, Revisions 1913‐14 with additions in 1938, Published 1948.

Ordnance Survey Provisional Edition 1:25,000. Sheets SS78, Compiled from 6” sheets last revised 1913‐ 143, Partial revisions 1938‐55, Published 1956.

Electronic resources http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archsearch/ http://magic.defra.gov.uk/ http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html (Accessed 19 May 2015) http://maps.nls.uk/ https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/opendatadownload/products.html

SITE

Port Talbot

SITE

0500 m

Figure 1 - Margam School, Port Talbot: Site location. Contains Ordnance Survey 6

CH21

CH27 E06 CH21 CH56 CH53 CH22 CH02CH03 CH20 E06

CH55

CH58 E05 CH10 CH02 CH54 CH59

CH60 E02 E07 CH52 CH62 CH64 CH63 CH23 CH11 CH02CH15 CH65

CH67 CH57

CH01, CH28 to 50, CH66 & CH68 to 69

E04

E01

KEY E03

Site boundary

Inner study area

Event

Event line

Event polygon

Cultural Heritage Asset Cultural Heritage Asset line 0750 Cultural Heritage Asset polygon m

Figure 2 - CulturalFigure Heritage2 - Cultural Assets Heritage and EventsAssets withinwtihin inner study area. Contains Ordnance Survey Data C Crown copyright and database right 2016

CH17

CH04 CH16

CH03 CH06 CH07

CH02

CH15

CH67 CH25 CH09 CH08 CH24 CH26 CH14 CH13

CH05 CH12 CH61

CH18 CH19

KEY

Site boundary

Inner study area

Outer study area

Scheduled Monument Cultural Heritage Asset line

Cultural Heritage Asset polygon 01,750 m HCLA polygons

Figure 3 - DesignatedFigure 3 - Cultural Heritage Assets within outer study area. Ordnance Survey 6 inch First Edition Glamorganshire Sheet XXXIII, published 1883.

Ordnance Survey 6 inch Glamorgan Sheets XXXIII.NW and XXXIII.NE, published 1951.

Figure 4 - Historic mapping showing proposed re-development site boundary. Plate 1 - View of existing school buildings with hills in background, facing northeast.

Plate 2 - Playing ﬁ elds to north of school with view to hills to east of proposed re-development site, facing east. Plate 3 - Southwest boundary of proposed re-development site showing housing to west, facing SSE.

Plate 4 - Southwest boundary of proposed re-development site showing housing to west, facing west.