GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
February 2013
A report for Cadw GGAT report no. 2013/004 by Richard Roberts BA (Hons) Project no. GGAT 121
The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
CONTENTS ...... Page Number
SUMMARY ...... 3 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4 2. PREVIOUS SCOPING ...... 6 3. METHODOLOGY ...... 7 4. SOURCES CONSULTED ...... 11 5. RESULTS ...... 12 6. SITE VISITS ...... 19 7. GAZETTEER ...... 21 8. SELECTED FIGURES AND PLATES ...... 36 9. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 44 10. CONCLUSIONS ...... 45 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 46 Appendix I Summary of Stage 1 Appraisal ...... 48 Appendix II Other Data ...... 54 Appendix III Polygon Data ...... 57 Appendix IV Threats and Recommendations ...... 58
Figures Figure 1: Distribution of all protected and unprotected forge sites assessed (8 sites: PRN labelled) ...... 14 Figure 2: Early post-medieval forge sites assessed (8 sites: showing Overall Significance)…………………………………………………………………… 18 Figure 3: Site visits for the Medieval and early post-medieval forge site project (7 sites: showing location)………………………………………………………… 20 Figure 4: PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith (c. NGR ST08009766) with 1st edition OS map background………………………………………………… 36 Figure 4a: PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith (c. NGR ST08009766).. 37 Figure 5: PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge, Swansea (NGR SN68700195) with 1st edition OS map background…………………………… 38 Figure 5a: PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge, Swansea (NGR SN68700195)………………………………………………………………….. 38 Figure 6: PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge (NGR SO23551405) with 1st edition OS map background…………………………………………………………………….. 39 Figure 6a: PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge (NGR SO23551405)……………………… 39
Tables Table 1. Early post-medieval forge sites (8 PRNs) assessed as part of the current study…………………………………………………………………………… 12 Table 2. Results of assessment: early post-medieval forge sites (8 PRNs)………… 16 Table 3. Early post-medieval forge sites selected for field visits (7 sites)………….. 19 Table 4. Stage 1 Appraisal of Medieval and early post-medieval forge sites: 50 sites, including 48 PRNs, 15 NPRNs and 3 additional sites (pre-fixed by IPF)……... 48 Table 5. Summary of NMR sites (15 NPRNs) appraised (information courtesy of the RCAHMW)…………………………………………………………………….. 54
1 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Table 6. GGAT 121 Polygon information for forge sites & related features (8 sites) 57 Table 8. GGAT 121 Site specific threats and recommendations…………………… 58
Plates Plate 1. PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith: site of small rectangular structure/building (1m scale), view to E ……………………………………… 40 Plate 2. PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith: detail of N-S aligned wall and angle of structure/building (1m scale), view to E ………………………… 40 Plate 3. PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge: forge site, view to N .. 41 Plate 4. PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge: anvil and hammer beds, view to NE …………………………………………………………………….. 41 Plate 5. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: interior face of dam, E end of Forge Pond, view to ESE …………………………………………………………………………. 42 Plate 6. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: arched opening at top of forge building wall forming NE side of dam, E end of Forge Pond (1m scale), view to NE ……… 42 Plate 7. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: dam wall with sluice and feeder for forge (1m scale), view to SW …………………………………………………………….. 43 Plate 8. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: dam and E wall of forge building, showing evidence of demolished wall to left (1m scale), view to SW ....………………. 43
2 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
SUMMARY
Following on from a scoping project conducted in 2010 which reviewed the need to assess various classes of site dating to the Medieval and post-medieval periods, a project examining early forge sites in Glamorgan and Gwent has been undertaken by the Glamorgan - Gwent Archaeological Trust with grant aid from Cadw.
The project used a two stage approach of appraisal followed by detailed assessment on a final selection of sites. The project entailed a desktop appraisal of some 50 medieval/post-medieval forge sites, included 3 forge sites not previously recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER). The appraisal identified sites considered destroyed, poorly located, dating to the post-1750 period, and sites identified as rural Blacksmith’s workshops or smithies, and made a selection based on these findings. In this way 8 sites were selected and further assessed in detail against set criteria.
Of the 8 sites assessed, three were considered to be of National significance, all existing Scheduled Ancient Monuments, one site was considered to be of borderline National Significance, and a further site was of potential borderline Regional Significance. Recommendations for further work, primarily survey and conservation have been made. Recommendations for consideration for protection will be made in a separate report.
3 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background Southeast Wales has a rich heritage of Medieval and post-medieval sites. Many of the larger, upstanding monuments have been designated scheduled ancient monuments, but the vast majority of sites have not been classified and the condition of most is unknown. These sites are vital to our understanding of the Medieval and post- medieval periods.
The forge (the hearth used for forging), forms part of the apparatus of iron production along with bloomeries and charcoal blast furnaces, and for this reason is to be frequently found in close association with the latter. Two kinds of hearth are known at forges, the finery and the chafery or string furnace. The finery was used for the smelting of pig iron, whilst the chafery was used to heat and hammer out molten slag and draw the bloom out into a bar and to produce what is known as ‘bar iron’.
Whilst the distinction made between the term ‘forge’ and furnace/bloomery, can be based on the process of using of hammers (including water-powered trip hammers) to modify wrought iron into bar iron, it should be noted that the term forge has been used for certain types of bloomeries (e.g. ‘Catalan Forges’), and that there is frequent cross-over in the use of the terminology at iron production sites. The term ‘forge’ can also refer to the workplace of a smith or a blacksmith, though the term smithy is more commonly used. The exact distinction between the types of forge sites noted on the HER had not been investigated, nor dully established prior to the current study.
Unlike Charcoal Blast Furnaces in Wales (cf. Riden 1993), apart from perhaps a few exceptions (e.g. Clydach Forge, Llanelly, that at Aberdulais, Neath, and others in the Wye Valley) forges in southeast Wales had previously received little or no study, and no previous heritage audit project has been undertaken. As features integral to the understanding of iron production techniques and their development, these sites are potentially of particular significance, especially where they survive in relation to surviving related features, e.g. charcoal blast furnaces, bloomeries, and wheel pits.
The aim of this project was to use the HER, NMR, secondary sources and field visits to assess the potential for enhancing the schedule of ancient monuments with Forge sites of the medieval and post-medieval periods. This site type is currently under- represented on the schedule of ancient monuments. A second objective was the updating of HER records. The HER contains records of forge sites, but their quality is variable, with many records containing minimal amounts of information.1
This project involved initial desktop appraisal of the information on the HER, and readily available secondary sources (including the rapid comparison of features identified on modern mapping/digital aerial photographs and the 1st edition/other available historic mapping to establish survival/potential condition. This was then followed by targeted visits to allow verification of the assessment, and further descriptions and recommendations to be made.
1 It should be noted that this project was not intended to be exhaustive and it was limited largely to sites already recorded on the HER – the project was not designed to identify sites not already recorded on the HER.
4 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
This report details the findings of the project and contains updated descriptions of all sites visited, with condition/significance information.
Threats
No single threat affects all sites within the category: threats vary, but are generally in the form of gradual degradation/dereliction, loss to vegetation, neglect or vandalism. Factors such as increasing urban and infrastructure development, together with the now rapid changes occurring in the agricultural landscape and rural environment, such as building conversion, can be seen to have an ever-increasing impact on the survival of unprotected historic features.
1.2 Acknowledgements The project was funded with grant aid from Cadw and undertaken by the Glamorgan- Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT). The Trust would especially like to thank Rick Turner and Jonathan Berry of Cadw for providing comments, guidance and advice during the project.
The Trust would also like to thank the staff of the National Monuments Record (NMR), Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), Aberystwyth and members of the Medieval and early post-medieval working group (R. Turner and J. Berry of Cadw, K. Murphy of Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT), A. Davidson of Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (GAT), R. Silvester of Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT), and R. Roberts (GGAT).
The report has been prepared by Richard Roberts, with assistance of other staff of GGAT, notably Rachel Bowden and Sophie Lewis, who assisted in the writing up of field work notes. The digital and paper data (pre-fieldwork) was assembled by Richard Roberts and Rachel Bowden. The digital mapping and digital polygons were created by Rachel Bowden and Sophie Lewis. The fieldwork, including site photography and the production of the site descriptions, was undertaken by Rachel Bowden, Richard Roberts, Charlotte Halford, and Sophie Lewis of GGAT.
1.3 Copyright Notice The copyright of this report is held by Cadw and the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd. The maps are based on Ordnance Survey mapping provided by the National Assembly for Wales with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence No: 100017916 (2013).
5 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
2. PREVIOUS SCOPING
Initial scoping studies obtained through ‘snapshots’ of the data held within the HERs undertaken by the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts indicated that there were a very large number of industrial sites, including forges, in Wales, though numbers were significantly reduced by removing the more obvious 19th and 20th century sites, as well as those sites without sufficient detail to allow dating.
The 2010 scoping project (Roberts 2010) identified potential for a project on bloomery, smithing and forge sites for southeast Wales. The research audit had identified that little is known about the early bloomery period of the South Wales iron industry. Medieval Bloomery and Smithing sites have been investigated at Trellech and Smithing sites at Monmouth (Research Audit: South-East Wales 2002), however relatively few medieval and early post-medieval iron production/processing sites (charcoal-fired blast furnaces omitted) have been positively identified. The HER records 7 medieval Bloomery sites (one now destroyed not included), one post- medieval Bloomery, one post-medieval bowl furnace, and 3 medieval forges, as compared to 38 post-medieval forges. Given that bloomery sites have largely been identified through excavation, it was considered unlikely that these sites would lend themselves easily to a heritage audit style project, and therefore were not considered further, however, a project to examine medieval and post-medieval forges was proposed.
The initial scoping study therefore identified 41 potential forge sites (4 of which were protected) among the numerous industrial sites recorded on the regional HER.2 Of these, 15 were recorded as buildings (including the 4 protected examples), one as an earthwork, whilst 22 were known from documents, and three were of other or unknown form. The scoping project did not extend to identifying as to whether the buildings were occupied, unoccupied, converted, or in ruinous condition. Also the scoping project was not sufficient in scope to fully identify which forges were related to industrial iron production, as opposed to more limited domestic and agricultural sites, i.e. village blacksmiths forges, or smithies.
2 See Roberts 2010.
6 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
3. METHODOLOGY
The methodological framework of the project was established through consensus between the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts and Cadw, during meetings of the Post-medieval Working Group convened during 2010-11.
The project used data from the Regional Historic Environment Record (HER), the National Monuments Record (NMR), secondary sources and field visits to assess the potential for enhancing the schedule of ancient monuments with Medieval and early post-medieval forge sites. The project also intended to allow the updating of HER records; whilst the HER contains a number of records relating to forge sites, their quality is variable, with many records containing minimal amounts of information.3
The work entailed a rapid desk-top appraisal of the identified group of early forge sites in Glamorgan and Gwent (41 sites increased to 50 sites in total) using HER data, NMR data, and other appropriate sources, to determine which of these sites required a visit to assess their condition and significance, field visits were then undertaken to a selected sample.
The overall objectives of the project were as follows: An application of definition, classification, quantification and distribution of these sites in southeast Wales. Assessment of the archaeological significance of these sites in both a regional and national perspective. Assessment of the vulnerability of this element of the archaeological resource, review of scheduling criteria, and recommendations for future management strategies. Enhancement of the Regional HER. The works proposed would also assist in delivering the following objectives in the Welsh Historic Environment Strategic Statement Action Plan (2009-2011) Identification, recording and designation of heritage assets. Tackling heritage at risk. Capturing distinctiveness. Study of Welsh History. Extending understanding of the Welsh historic environment.
Identified tasks The project proposal identified a series of tasks: Assemble site dossiers digital & paper data Desktop appraisal utilising the HER and secondary sources of all 41 (increased to 50) sites Consultation of the NMR (RCAHMW) to check for further information on sites, where lacking in HER Identify and contact landowners Field visits to upto c.20 sites (including a small sample of SAMs for comparative purposes) to assess condition/significance Update digital data
3 See n. 1.
7 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Production of short report including details of assessment, fieldwork and a site gazetteer. Separate annex report to detail scheduling recommendations Integrate new data in HER (HER enhancement) Preparation of polygons
Targeted fieldwork formed a major part of the project; the field visits allowed the condition and significance of the resource to be fully assessed, and allowed the preparation of site-specific conservation and management recommendations and scheduling proposals. A proforma, specifically devised, was used for field recording, and the resultant field records transferred later to a database (MS Access 2000) compatible with the regional HER. Digital mapping (point data) of early forge sites were checked and updated with the level of detail increased (using MapInfo 9). Polygon data was created for the early forge sites selected for site visits; these polygons identify the presumed extent of the sites and where possible associated features, e.g. ancillary buildings and structures.
The scheduling criteria as set out in Annex 3 of Circular 60/96 were applied to assess the significance of the remains. For this project the period had been set, and the diversity criterion was considered to be of little relevance. As the site type is not one considered intrinsically rare, rarity was considered most likely to be better demonstrated by the other criterion, such as Survival/Condition, Group Value, or Documentation; the establishment of specific historic associations/documentary evidence being particularly relevant. The criteria utilized by the project can be summarised as follows:
Period: reflecting sites identifiable on the 1st edition OS, earlier maps or documents, which use a pre-1750 level of technology. Rarity: reflecting well-preserved examples, which portray ‘the typical and commonplace’. Rare historic association will form a factor in this criterion, linked to ‘Documentation’, below. Documentation: reflecting earlier documentation, in addition to evidence from 1st edition OS and modern APs. Special examples might be present on pre-1750 estate maps or referred to in other documents (e.g. deeds, leases, and rentals), where these enhance the physical evidence. Group Value: reflecting the incidence of surviving features such as hammer beds, processing floors, associated charcoal furnaces, power supply features (e.g. leats, weirs, wheel pits), associated workers housing, haulage routes, or tinning works, and also any direct association with other designated assets. Survival/condition: where survival can be identified condition is more likely to relate to above ground features. Given the paucity of the resource and most industrial forge sites will have been altered throughout their operational life, this has been set at a low level. Fragility/Vulnerability: considered where immediate threats can be demonstrated Diversity: whilst the sites vary in detail, given the relative low numbers of sites, this has not been considered a worthwhile factor in scoring the sites. Potential: considered where sites retain significant features that help understand the processes carried out at the particular site.
8 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Based on the above, a simple matrix using the four main criteria (Documentation, Group Value, Survival/Condition, and Fragility/Vulnerability) has been utilized for the appraisal/assessment process. A scoring system of 1-5 - low to high or poor to good was devised to produce a ranking of sites; this is given below:
GGAT121 Scoring System
The criteria below were used to evaluate the overall significance of the individual interests:
Documentation: evidence beyond 1st edition OS maps and modern APs. 1 – None: no relevant material available 2 – Low: little relevant material, or modestly important sources, available, i.e. early- mid 19th century cartographic material and/or19th century documentary reference 3 – Moderate: some relevant material, or moderately important sources, available, i.e. 18th mid-late century cartographic material/ mid-late 18th century reference 4 – High: a considerable quantity of relevant material or moderately important sources available, i.e. pre-1750 cartographic evidence and 18th century, or earlier references, e.g. demonstrable historic associations. 5 – Very High: complete documentary record, or exceptionally important sources available, i.e. wide-range of early references including historic associations, antiquarian descriptions/illustrations, and more recent survey/excavation
Group value: particularly if there are a number of related elements, or where a direct association with other designated assets can be demonstrated. 1 – None: No related elements on HER/NMR, or identified on historic mapping 2 – Low: Associated with one other related element on HER/NMR, or identified on historic mapping 3 – Moderate: Associated with two or three related elements on HER/NMR; or associated with one related protected element, or identified on historic mapping 4 – High: Associated with four or five related elements on HER/NMR, or identified on historic mapping: or associated with two related protected elements. 5 – Very High: Associated with six or more elements on HER/NMR, or identified on historic mapping; or associated with three or more protected elements. Or where there is a known direct association with other designated assets.
Survival/Condition: survival of main sites must be pretty complete; condition of any related elements must also be fairly complete. 1 – Poor: Substantially destroyed: site now largely lost. 2 – Low: Damaged: buried remains likely lost at least in part. 3 – Moderate: Partially intact - buried remains likely to survive intact though plan incomplete with little coherence of above-ground remains. 4 – High: Substantially intact - buried remains likely to survive intact, plan partially visible and fairly coherent with some superstructure remains surviving. 5 – Very High: Intact: buried remains known to survive intact, plan largely complete – complete and coherent with good – very good or extensive remains of superstructure surviving.
9 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Fragility/Vulnerability: Sites that are threatened, or where the site is in a neglected/derelict state. 1 – None: Robust/unlikely to be damaged (e.g. listed or scheduled sites – though if immediate threats are noted during the field visit this will be higher) 2 – Low: Insignificant level of fragility/vulnerability (sites with low levels of threat) 3 – Moderate: Moderate level of fragility/vulnerability (including sites under long term threat of damage/collapse) 4 – High: Fragile/vulnerable (including sites under medium term threat of damage/collapse) 5 – Very High: Very fragile/vulnerable (including sites under imminent/short term threat of damage/collapse)
Potential has only been considered where relevant and has not been used generally to assess overall significance.
The overall archaeological significance arrived at was allocated one of the following values:
• A – National Significance • B – Regional Significance • C – Local Significance • D – Minor Significance • U – Unknown/Un-established
10 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
4. SOURCES CONSULTED
Sources consulted primarily included the Historic Environment Record (HER) held at the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT), Swansea, and National Monument Record (NMR), held at the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), Aberystwyth. The online HER, relevant data and information held by the RCAHMW (NMR records and the online ‘Coflein’ resource) were accessed as was up-to-date information on scheduled and listed building held by Cadw; this information was supplemented by other readily available primary and secondary data. The searches of the NMR data provided through ENDEX were augmented by information held on ‘Coflein’, the RCAHMW’s digital web resource. In addition the NMR collection records were also consulted (see Appendix II, Table 5). Modern digital aerial photographic data, ‘Getmapping’ supplied under licence from Cadw were also consulted for the purpose of the project.
Analysis of historic maps, in conjunction with consultation of digital aerial photographic material was also employed to check for example on whether a site might survive, had been reclaimed, built-over, or otherwise damaged/destroyed.
The most significant sources consulted are presented in the Bibliography Section. The work also drew heavily on evidence provided by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd edition OS mapping (c.1877, 1899, and 1918-19: LANDMARK Historic Mapping), and other historic mapping, such as the 1st edition OS 1-inch map (David & Charles edn.), tithe maps and estate maps, where readily available.
Given the constraints on the project, a search of relevant documents and plans held at the National Library of Wales (NLW), the Glamorgan Record Office (GRO), West- Glamorgan Record Office (WGRO), and the Gwent Record Office (GwRO), although carried out in a few instances, did not generally form part of the project remit.
11 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
5. RESULTS
Stage 1 Assessment
The 1st stage appraisal excluded a few sites on the basis of information gathered as part of the current study, i.e. post-1750, village blacksmith’s forge or shop, reclaimed, or otherwise destroyed these sites are presented in Appendix I, Table 4, but have not been considered further and are excluded from the body of the report, and the mapping. The assessment identified sites that were already scheduled and listed in order to establish a threshold and also allow typological variations and geographical gaps to be identified.
The data from the HER relating to forge sites, initially the subject of a scoping project, was rapidly reviewed and a new total of 47 sites from the HER (47 PRNs) was established and these, combined with 3 sites identified from the NMR were subject to the stage 1 appraisal. The appraisal allowed the further identification of rural blacksmith shops or smithies, sites likely to post-date 1750, and sites known to post-date 1750. The appraisal also examined the selected resource to establish which sites were already scheduled and listed, and also see if there were any significant typological variations and/or geographical gaps that could be identified.
The results established that of the 50 sites appraised, six are protected; four scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and two Listed Buildings (LBs). The appraisal also identified that of the 50 sites 18 sites were destroyed for the purpose of the project, 11 sites were found to be poorly located and had insufficient information to locate them in the available descriptions, 22 sites were identified as positively dating to the post- 1750 period (though forge sites identified as dating from the 18th century were retained and assessed). Referral to the paper records at the HER, NMR information, and to historic mapping (e.g. 1st edition 12-inch OS map) allowed 15 sites to be positively identified as being rural Blacksmith’s workshops or smithies, with a further two potentially identified as such.
Following the Stage 1 appraisal the number of sites to be further assessed was reduced to 8 forge sites. These are listed in Table 1, below, and their distribution presented in Figure 1.
Table 1. Early post-medieval forge sites (8 PRNs) assessed as part of the current study HER Name/ PRN Status Site GGAT 121 Revised NGR Period Type NPRN Reference visit Name 00572m Site Name Not Known/ ST08009766 - Post- Forge Yes - Tair-gefail Forges, Pont- - medieval y-gwaith 00706g Upper Forge SO50810035 Scheduled ancient Post- Forge No 404159 monument Medieval MM268 01085w Aberdulais Falls SS772995 Scheduled ancient Post- Iron Yes 40439 monument Medieval works GM485
12 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
HER Name/ PRN Status Site GGAT 121 Revised NGR Period Type NPRN Reference visit Name 01216w Clydach Upper Forge, SN68700195 Scheduled ancient Post- Forge Yes 309212 Swansea monument Medieval GM497 01622w Clydach Lower Forge SN68850129 - Post- Forge Yes - - Medieval 01871w Aberdulais Forge SS77409912 - Post- Forge Yes 40440 - Medieval 02480g Llanelly Forge SO23551405 - Post- Forge Yes 34034 - Medieval 06424w Old Forge, Brandy Cove SS5852287574 - Post- Forge Yes - - Medieval
13 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 1: Distribution of all protected and unprotected forge sites assessed (8 sites: PRN labelled)
14 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
The assessment applied the identified scheduling criteria as set out in Annex 3 of Circular 60/96 in relation to Survival/Condition, Group Value, Documentation and Fragility/Vulnerability, and established overall significance values for the selected resource (see Methodology section, above, for further details).
The overall results of the appraisal of the unprotected sites against the established criteria are presented below. Of the 8 sites selected for final assessment three are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Three were considered to be of National Significance (Category A), the three SAMs, a further site was considered to be borderline National Significance (Category A/U), whilst a two sites were assessed as being of at least regional significance or local significance (Categories B/C, and C/U). The remainder were considered to be of Minor, or Unknown significance.
The results of this exercise are summarised in Table 2, below, and Figure 2, below, shows the distribution of sites by overall significance.
15 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Table 2. Results of assessment: early post-medieval forge sites (8 PRNs)4 Name/ Documentation Group Survival/Condition Fragility/Vulnerability PRN GGAT 121 Status Value Archaeological Condition5 NPRN Revised Reference Significance Name 00572m Site Name Not - Not known 5 4 - - C/U - Known/ - (Not known) Tair-gefail Forges, Pont- y-gwaith 00706g Upper Forge scheduled Substantially Intact 5 5 4 1 A 404159 ancient (Damaged) monument MM268 01085w Aberdulais scheduled Substantially Intact/Intact 5 5 5 1 A 40439 Falls ancient (Not known) monument GM485 01216w Clydach Upper scheduled Substantially Intact 4 5 4 3 A 309212 Forge, ancient (Near destroyed) Swansea monument GM497 01622w Clydach Lower - Damaged/Partially Intact 3 3 3 2 D/U - Forge - (Not known) 01871w Aberdulais - Damaged/Partially Intact 3 5 3? 2 D/U 40440 Forge - (Damaged)
4 Maximum potential scores given only 5 Current condition (original HER condition given in brackets)
16 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name/ Documentation Group Survival/Condition Fragility/Vulnerability PRN GGAT 121 Status 5 Value Archaeological Condition NPRN Revised Reference Significance Name 02480g Llanelly Forge - Substantially Intact and 5 5 4 4 A/U 34034 - Partially Intact – Substantially Intact (Not known) 06424w Old Forge, - Partially Intact (Damaged) 2 5 3 2 B/C - Brandy Cove -
17 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 2: Early post-medieval forge sites assessed (8 sites: showing Overall Significance)
18 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
6. SITE VISITS
The number of visits initially planned was based on access, and satisfaction of the project criteria. The site visits were to an extent hampered by inclement weather conditions (torrential rain). Of the 8 early post-medieval forge sites assessed, 7 were selected for field visits (see Table 3, below), based on the analysis of details carried out during stage one of the assessment. A site visit was undertaken to two scheduled forge sites for comparison and to assess current condition, and also investigate whether an extension to the area currently protected might be recommended.
Table 3. Early post-medieval forge sites selected for field visits (7 sites) PRN HER Name/ Status Site NGR Period Type NPRN GGAT 121 Revised Name Reference visit 00572m Site Name Not Known/ ST08009766 - Post- Forge Yes - Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y- - medieval gwaith 01085w Aberdulais Falls SS772995 scheduled ancient Post- Iron Yes 40439 monument Medieval works GM485 01216w Clydach Upper Forge, SN68700195 scheduled ancient Post- Forge Yes 309212 Swansea monument Medieval GM497 01622w Clydach Lower Forge SN68850129 - Post- Forge Yes - - Medieval 01871w Aberdulais Forge SS77409912 - Post- Forge Yes 40440 - Medieval 02480g Llanelly Forge SO23551405 - Post- Forge Yes 34034 - Medieval 06424w Old Forge, Brandy Cove SS5852287574 - Post- Forge Yes - - Medieval
19 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 3: Site visits for the Medieval and early post-medieval forge site project (7 sites: showing location)
20 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
7. GAZETTEER
Gazetteer of Visited Sites: Forge Sites6
PRN 06424w
NPRN - Name Old Forge, Brandy Cove
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - - NGR SS5852287574
Type Forge
Period Post-Medieval
Status - Reference - HER Description Remains of walling defining a rectangular building, depicted on the 1st edition OS map (1878) and known locally as ‘the Old Forge'. The structure is very overgrown, but is roughly 8.4m long in total (N-S), and 1.3m wide (E-W). The walling stands to around 1m on average, and is constructed of roughly coursed, roughly dressed stone blocks. On the north side of the building, a low kerb consisting of a single course of stone is visible continuing the alignment of the long wall for a distance of 13m from the corner. The end of this low kerb appears to curve at its far end, but this is very obscured by vegetation. This structure sits on a large flat area which appears to have been terraced into the east side of the valley to provide a working platform. Part of a larger complex of mining remains in the area (See PRNs 00320w, 06422w-06428w and 06431w; also Jones 2003; Tucker 1976).
GGAT 121 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description Site partially overgrown, but survives largely as previously described in the HER description.
GGAT 121 Condition Partially Intact: site in poor condition.
GGAT 121 Threats Vegetation growth/dereliction
6 In reverse order (i.e. highest – lowest PRN).
21 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Conservation works to include removal of vegetation and consolidation; building survey and possible evaluation. The site would benefit from inclusion on a new interpretation panel covering the whole lead mining site.
Archaeological Significance B/C
22 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 02480g
NPRN 34034
Name LLANELLY FORGE
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - - NGR SO23551405
Type Forge
Period Post- Medieval?
Status - Reference - HER Description The site of a forge once owned by the Clydach Ironworks and now occupied by Maelog bungalow on the northern bank of the River Clydach. The site was powered by water from a leat (site No.59), originating from the river Clydach near the Nant Dyar (No.100).
GGAT 121 Additional Description Llanelly Forge: The site of the Forge, located E of Forge House, lies under the present bungalow; in 1878 the forge comprised a building, c. 40 yards by 20 yards in extent. When pig iron arrived at the forge it was worked in fires and beaten by water-powered hammers to produce wrought iron (Van Laun 1989, 26). Power was provided by water stored in the forge pond adjacent to the W, which extended from SO 234138 to SO235140; the remains of the impressive stone-faced retaining walls/dam survive. The pond (PRN 05966g) was fed by a leat (PRN 05994g) which extends from the remains of a weir at SO230134. A row of cottages (PRN 02486g) associated with the works are located by the side of the road leading to the forge (Van Laun 2001, 8).
The forge, contemporaneous with the 17th century Llanelly Furnace (PRN 021485g) established by the Hanbury Family, continued to operate long after the charcoal-fired Llanelly Furnace had fallen out of use and it was operated from 1797 by the Clydach Ironworks Co. who leased it from Capel Leigh (born Capel Hanbury, 1776) for 81 years at an annual rent of £235 10s. 0d, and the coke-fired Clydach ironworks across the river continued to provide pig iron until its closure in the 1870s (Van Laun 1989, 26-27; Barber & Blackmore 1996, 38).
In the early 18th century John Hanbury was aiming to make 110 tons of bar or wrought iron in a year and made additional economies by separating the refining and hammering processes, by 1717 the forge was thought capable of producing 120 tons of bar iron, and by 1750s this had increased to 200 tons. Between 1797 and 1813 the works was substantially rebuilt: by 1813 the site operated two hammer wheels and two fineries using charcoal as
23 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent fuel, at this date a Trevithick Steam-Engine was also powering the site and three puddling furnaces were also in place indicating coal was being used as an alternative fuel. By 1841 the forge was still thriving, though by 1878 the works (the Llanelly Lower Forge) was up for sale with the Clydach Bar Ironworks; evidence from the sale catalogue suggests that the forge and the Llanelly Iron & Tinplate Co. were working together as a joint operation by this date (Van Laun 1989, 26-27; Barber & Blackmore 1996, 38).
Forge House: The adjacent Forge House, known locally as Tin House, was once a tinworks. Sheets of wrought iron were dipped in molten tin to produce ‘tinned plate’. Initially operated as a separate undertaking from Llanelly Forge; in 1810 when the Clydach Ironworks was up for sale with the Llanelly Forge, it was stated that the tinworks occasioned ‘constant demand for Charcoal Iron’ [from Llanelly Forge]. In the 1870s it operated as the Llanelly Iron & Tinplate Co., but ceased operating in December 1880. Basil Jayne of the New Clydach Sheet and Bar Iron Co. Ltd with others re-started tinplate manufacture as the Llanelly Tinplate Co, but this was forced to close finally in 1884 (Van Laun 1989, 26).
NMR Description Lower down the Clydach Valley than Llanelly Furnace (nprn 34029) is the site of the eighteenth-century forge at Llanelly, where the cast iron was converted to wrought iron. The Forge House (National Grid Reference given) was an early tinplate works and little else is visible except the retaining-wall of the water-power pond. B.A.Malaws, RCAHMW, 09 June 2008.
GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description The ‘Forge Pond’, now largely drained, was the main feature noted at the site during the visit: the remains of the SSW-NNE aligned masonry dam, c. 25m in length and c.3m in height (with a wing-wall extending from the N end), was noted at the E end of the Pond. Here, the masonry facing of the NE-facing dam has partially collapsed to either side of the outflow from the dam (protected by a metal grill), which originally fed the feeder to the forge. The S section of the dam wall appears to have formed the E wall of one of the forge buildings, and a single arch at high level was noted to survive (largely obscured by vegetation), whilst wall stub(s) for demolished E-W aligned walls are also evident.
The S side of the pond was originally defined by a substantial SW-NE aligned dam, c.127m in length (12-inch 1st edition OS map of 1880), with the site of a sluice, located at SO2349213978 (1st edition OS map); little if anything of the latter feature is now considered to survive.
The structures within the main area of the forge, as indicated on the 1st edition OS map, have been extensively demolished and a bungalow has been built on the E part of the site. Areas of uneven ‘made ground’ indicate potential buried features beneath demolition layers. The boundaries of the site are also reflected by current boundaries. Re-used masonry, no longer in situ, was also noted during the visit.
GGAT 121 Condition Substantially Intact (forge pond): part surviving remains of the dam are in relatively good condition; however, signs of weathering and potential destabilising from vegetation were noted.
Partially Intact – Substantially Intact (forge site): the forge site has been largely demolished, however some elements do survive above ground, and remains are likely to survive in a buried state.
24 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
GGAT 121 Threats Dereliction of dam and remains of forge; vegetation growth and erosion. The remains of the forge are likely to survive in a buried state – any future ground disturbance works on the site would affect these potential remains.
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Conservation works to stabilise masonry structure, and remove vegetation from dam. Topographic and building survey to record remains. Evaluation of the forge site might also be considered. Adjacent Forge House might also benefit from building record/survey. Given the extent of the remains, both above and below ground a site specific conservation plan might be produced for the site.
Archaeological Significance A/U
25 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01871w
NPRN 40440
Name ABERDULAIS FORGE
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - - NGR SS77409912
Type Forge
Period Post-Medieval
Status - Reference - HER Description - GGAT 121 Additional Description The site was first occupied in 1584 when Ulrich Frosse set up a copper smelting works under his Mines Royal Company using water from the falls to power the machinery. At around 1684 the site became an iron forge and later a tinplate works.
NMR Description 1667-1870's. Iron forgery. Probably began as smithy, then worked by waterpower and finally by steam.
GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description Site now occupied by recent 20th century works - potential for buried remains relating to Aberdulais tinplate works surviving in a buried state, however, is considered high.
GGAT 121 Condition Damaged/Partially Intact: site demolished/buried.
GGAT 121 Threats Redevelopment
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Evaluation prior to any redevelopment of the site having ground disturbance impact.
Archaeological Significance D/U
26 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01622w
NPRN - Name CLYDACH LOWER FORGE
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - SN6887401286 NGR SN68850129
Type Forge
Period Post-Medieval
Status - Reference - HER Description - GGAT 121 Additional Description The Lower Forge or Forge Fach (01622w) was constructed in 1791 by Richard Parsons on land leased from Humphrey Mackworth, drawing water from the Lower Clydach River transported along a leat from the west (uphill) side of the site (Morgan 1980 and 1981; Hughes 1980 and 2000). The leat apparently also powered an upper feeder wheel on its south bank (Locock 2002).
In 1794, the Swansea Canal was built and a second leat from the weir was built, supplying water to an outlet into the canal at the saw mill. According to Hughes 2000, fig.161 the outfall from the Lower Forge ran into the River Tawe, although it may have run into the canal (Hughes 2000, 118). In 1817, Parsons was declared bankrupt, and it is assumed that the forge went out of use at this time.
The only known physical remains of the forge are the remains of a stone wall encountered during geotechnical works by ExCAL in 2001, and a stone wall uncovered during a watching brief in 2002 (Locock 2002). The weir and leat remained in use supplying the canal.
The park [on the site of the Forge] was laid out in the 1900s and the swimming pool and changing rooms were built in the 20th century on a broad terrace revetted by a concrete and stone wall.
NMR Description - GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description The site lies under current community centre car park. No remains of the forge are visible above ground. Forge Fach name preserved in the name of the community centre.
27 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
GGAT 121 Condition Damaged/Partially Intact: site demolished/buried.
GGAT 121 Threats Redevelopment
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Evaluation prior to any redevelopment of the site having ground disturbance impact.
Archaeological Significance D/U
28 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01216w
NPRN 309212
Name CLYDACH UPPER FORGE, SWANSEA
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - -
NGR SN68700195
Type Forge
Period Post-Medieval
Status Scheduled ancient monument
Reference GM497
HER Description The exposed remains of a late 18th century iron forge, believed to have been built by Richard Parsons and to have worked in conjunction with Ynysgedwyn Ironworks to convert pig iron produced there into wrought iron. It remained in use until the 1860s. The works were of a compact layout, focused in the area below its dam on the River Clydach.
The river now runs through the site, and has exposed several important remains, including the wheelpit, the base of an anvil, pans of formerly molten iron, and the tailrace culvert. The western half of the dressed stone dam stands intact to a height of roughly 10m, with the wheelpit adjoining it. The anvil base is visible under water immediately to the south of this, with an iron pan to its west against the dam wall. Some masonry survives on the east bank of the river, and a length of tailrace culvert on the west bank continues for some 30m through a river cliff to the south. Forge slag and iron pigs are to be found in the river.
Designated of national importance as the clear remains of an iron forge from the height of the industrial revolution in South Wales, with a variety of exposed and visible remains.
GGAT 121 Additional Description Consider extending HER polygon to cover extent of structures shown on 1st edition.
NMR Description Clydach Upper Forge was possibly built in the late eighteenth century by Richard Parsons, the ironmaster of Ynysgedwyn to convert pig-iron produced there. The huge reservoir is still visible although it is full of colliery waste. The thick squat masonry dam (NPRN 704) is very similar to that at Llandyfan and the Lower Clydach River runs through it. The river passes through the wheelpit and directly onto the floor of the forge. A complex of anvil and hammer beds are visible in the shallow river bed, and the circular tailrace culvert (NPRN 705). The Upper Forge fell out of use after 1866.
29 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Source: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of the Swansea Region, by Stephen Hughes and Paul Reynolds, AIA, 1989
RCAHMW, 8 September 2011
GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description The site survives largely as described; the main visible feature being the dam, the complex of anvil and hammer beds remain visible in the river bed.
GGAT 121 Condition Substantially Intact: the site is in a relatively stable condition, though some minor structural damage was noted – for example, some of the facing stones having been removed from the dam wall, and continued vegetation encroachment, if unchecked, might have affect on the long-term stability of the structure.
GGAT 121 Threats Vegetation, dereliction, potential river erosion
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Surviving above ground remains are in need of remedial conservation works. Conservation works could form part of a community project. A site specific conservation plan might be produced for the site.
The provision of a small car park for visitors and improvements to the pathways accessing the site might be given consideration. There is currently no on-site information about the site, and the provision of a low-key interpretation panel at the site and/or by Upper Forge Road, might also be investigated.
Archaeological Significance A
30 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01085w
NPRN 40439
Name ABERDULAIS FALLS
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR - SS7717699489 NGR SS772995
Type Iron works
Period Post-Medieval
Status Scheduled ancient monument
Reference GM485
HER Description The water power site at Aberdulais Falls has been used by several industries over 4 centuries. The earliest recorded activity was in 1584, when the falls were used to power the copper smelting works established by a German engineer, Ulrich Frosse, who founded the Mines Royal Copper Works.
By 1635 a fulling or tucking mill had been established on the site, and by 1667 there was also a dye house. A forge (PRN 01871w) was probably established before 1700. Around 1715 a grist mill was added to the complex and by 1764 there were three mills in operation, each with its own waterwheel. Flour production continued at least until 1806. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, the site attracted tourists in search of the picturesque, and was painted by artists including J M Turner.
In 1831 the Aberdulais Tinplate Company was established by William Llewellyn on the site. This was one of the earliest tinplate factories. The original site became known as the Upper Works after the enterprise expanded, within its first 20 years, necessitating the construction of the Lower Works on a more extensive site some 400 yards to the south, on the other side of the road up the Neath Valley (the site of the present calor gas depot). The two sites were connected by a tramway (PRN 00613.0w). Tinplate production continued up to the 1890s, when punitive tariffs on imports of tinplate to the USA made the business unviable.
Following the closure of the works, the site was sold off piecemeal. The Upper Works were eventually bought by Neath Borough Council in 1975, passing to the National Trust in 1981. A programme of investigation and consolidation is still on-going. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aberdulais-tinworks-and-waterfall/history/
GGAT 121 Additional Description This multi-period site has been dealt with at length by Hayman (see Hayman 1986); three periods of Ironworking have been identified at the site: Period II (from 1667) and Period IVa
31 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
(c. 1819) and IVb (c. 1840). The earliest period relates to documentary evidence alone: in 1666 the Manor of Neath Ultra was purchased by John Llewelyn of Ynysgerwn from the Earl of Pembroke, and in 1667 Llewelyn recorded that a forge was erected on his holding near the falls (Hayman 1986, 148). Later ironworking (Periods IVa and IVb) relates to the 19th century concern; D. Rhys Phillips notes that an iron forge was operating in 1825 at the site, the proprietor, William Llewellyn, had previously worked for John Miers & Co at the nearby Dylais Forge and Ynysygerwn tin plate works (Hayman 1986, 149).
The features preserved in the archaeological record relate to the site’s 19th century phases of ironworking, such as the Phase I river wall, wheel pit and tailrace, and Tinplate manufacture, when major physical changes occurred (Hayman 1986, 151-161).
Recent archaeological work at the site, relates to the latter phases of the site (i.e. as a Tinplate Works, by c.1840 – c.1890) include a survey and record made of the wall revetting at the western side of the central area of Aberdulais Falls Works prior to consolidation. The survey indicated a single phase of construction, and that the wall was of typical 19th century build with an outer face of squared, coursed sandstone, with a core of sandstone rubble and river cobbles, all bonded with a grey mortar containing coal flecks. An original opening with faced sides and quoins in larger sandstone blocks, and sill, now lost; spanning the opening and projecting over the adjacent river was a group of three, or four broken girder ends, possibly the remains of a gantry, below were three iron wall-tie plates, and further downstream was a drain (blocked) set under the base of the wall (Hayman, 1994, Archaeological recording Aberdulais Falls works, Aberdulais, West Glamorgan Unpublished GGAT report).
Also, an evaluation on the remains of the tramroad (in use late 19th and early 20th centuries) associated with the Aberdulais Tinplate works, which uncovered an in situ lightweight tram rail, and a stone capped drain, among various finds (Hart, R, 2009, ‘Aberdulais, Aberdulais Falls, Aberdulais, Neath Port Talbot’ in Archaeology in Wales 49, 92; Hart, R, 2009, Aberdulais Falls, Aberdulais, Neath Port Talbot: Evaluation Unpublished GGAT report).
NMR Description Probably started pre 1700.
GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description Extensive multi-phase site. As previously described.
GGAT 121 Condition Substantially Intact/Intact (later phases): well-preserved site largely related to Tinplate production.
GGAT 121 Threats None
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Under National Trust Ownership and Management - a comprehensive programme of conservation, including interpretation and display, is currently underway.
Archaeological Significance A
32 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00572m
NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN
GGAT 121 Revised Name Revised NGR Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith -
NGR ST08009766
Type Forge
Period Post- Medieval?
Status - Reference - HER Description Some traces of a forge were noted at Pontygwaith in the 19th century, during which traces of the water-management system could be seen, and a quantity of iron slag was removed from the site. Antiquarian speculation links the forge with one or the Sussex Ironmasters who migrated to Glamorgan in 16th century. In 1953 OS fieldworkers were able to identify the area of slag but could not trace the water-management features.
Furnace of Pontgwaith probably that which belonged to Thomas Erbury in 1625 (Rees 1968, 210). A watercolour in Merthyr Tydfil Borough Library shows the Pontygwaith works as having a blast furnace with the bellows powered by an overshot waterwheel, a charging house and casting house.
[Area ST 0880 9758] Some traces of a forge can be seen at Pontygwaith. The water-source that conveyed water from the River Taff to the water wheel and the wattle weir that diverted water into that channel out of the river are still visible. A large quantity of forge cinders were discovered at that place about forty years ago and re-melted.
The forge apparently belonged to one or the Sussex Ironmasters who migrated to Glamorgan, probably as early as the reign of Henry VIII, for they were clearly located here in the succeeding reign. The forge was supposed to have converted iron produced at the Pontyryn furnace (Abercanaid). (Llewellin 1863, 89, 94).
In 1815 a heap of cinders at Pontygwaith was sold to the Dowlais Iron Co. When these were removed an iron plate bearing the date 1478 was found. The plate was broken up (Wilkins 1867, 72).
Note the name TAIR-GEFAIL = Blacksmiths' Houses (ST 0785 9754). Mr Davies was able to delineate the area of clinker, since he had ploughed the field. A pre-war concrete hut base marks the northern limit.
33 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
ST 0800 9766. The area is now under pasture and there were no structural remains. Much clinker containing a high percentage of iron and some charcoal was found in the bank of the river to the east. Neither the weir nor the watercourse from the Taff referred to in (1) could be traced.
GGAT 121 Additional Description Some traces of a forge can be seen, the watercourse that conveyed water from the River Taff to the water wheel and wattle weir that diverted water into the channel out of the river are still visible. A large quantity of forge cinders were found and reused. In 1815 a heap of cinders at the site was sold to Dowlais Iron Co. when these were removed an iron plate bearing the name 1478 was found. In 1953 the farmer was able to delineate the area of clinker, there were no structural remains and the area was used for pasture, a high percentage of iron and some charcoal was found in the bank of the river to the east. The weir and watercourse described earlier could not be traced in 1953 (HER Further information File).
In 2013 the possible footprint of a structure tentatively identified as the iron works were discovered in the field east of the A470 (at 307978 E 197728 N) whilst metal detecting after material had been washed away in a storm; the site had also been plotted on aerial photographs (pers. comm. Alex Stephens SHARE Heritage Development Officer, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council).
At this location (see PRN 00572m (a) on Figure 4 and 4a) the 1st edition OS map (1876) shows two enclosures: a small rectangular enclosure, 6.5m by 6m, long axis SW-NE, at the W with a larger splayed enclosure (slightly irregular but almost triangular in shape), approximately 9.5m by 25m, to the NE. By the 2nd edition OS map (1900) these features have been replaced by an unidentified single cell rectangular building, 7.5m (E-W) by 5m, probably agricultural, and associated with enclosures on a new alignment.
A further site (see PRN 00572m (b) on Figure 4 and 4a) comprising three settlement clusters (dwellings? and associated structures) is also shown slightly further to the SW, located adjacent to a bridge crossing on the Glamorgan Canal (an outlying group lies to the W of the canal); these are given the name Tair-gefail on the 1st edition OS map of 1876. Only the ‘settlement’ group to the W of the canal currently survives, now a ruin, the rest of the site has been removed by road construction for the A470.
NMR Description - GGAT 121 Fieldwork Description Visible remains at the site comprise a short length of N-S aligned wall (exposed for c.1m), and a return to the W, forming the S E corner of a demolished structure. Cobbles were noted within the interior – probable remains of internal flooring.
An embanked N-S linear feature, 1-1.5m in width, was noted adjacent to the river. A possible culvert (heavily overgrown) in the embankment was also identified in approximately 15m to the N of the previously described walling. These have been tentatively interpreted as the remains of a possible tramway and bridge, though unconfirmed. Weather conditions during the fieldwork were extremely poor and the ground surface around the site heavily waterlogged and disturbed by livestock.
The site, which was identified and visited during the field visit, is considered on current evidence to relate to the structure identified on the 2nd edition OS map, that is a late 19th century agricultural building, rather than remains of the 17th/18th century forge site, given the location and alignment of the remains.
34 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
GGAT 121 Condition Partially Intact (visited remains, i.e. non-forge): water-logged and parts overgrown.
Unknown (forge site): exact location of forge as yet unconfirmed. Remains visited do not relate to the forge.
GGAT 121 Threats Erosion from livestock/agricultural machinery. Potential for long-term river erosion.
GGAT 121 Management Recommendations Survey of earthwork/low stone-built remains, clearance of vegetation. Survey to include topographic and perhaps geophysics. Trial excavation. Possible community project - potential for a community excavation of the below ground remains.
Archaeological Significance C/U
35 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
8. SELECTED FIGURES AND PLATES
Figures
Figure 4: PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith (c. NGR ST08009766) with 1st edition OS map background
36 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 4a: PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith (c. NGR ST08009766)
37 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 5: PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge, Swansea (NGR SN68700195) with 1st edition OS map background
Figure 5a: PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge, Swansea (NGR SN68700195)
38 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 6: PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge (NGR SO23551405) with 1st edition OS map background
Figure 6a: PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge (NGR SO23551405)
39 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plates
Plate 1. PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith: site of small rectangular structure/building (1m scale), view to E
Plate 2. PRN 00572m Tair-gefail Forges, Pont-y-gwaith: detail of N-S aligned wall and angle of structure/building (1m scale), view to E
40 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 3. PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge: forge site, view to N
Plate 4. PRN 01216w (SAM GM497) Clydach Upper Forge: anvil and hammer beds, view to NE
41 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 5. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: interior face of dam, E end of Forge Pond, view to ESE
Plate 6. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: arched opening at top of forge building wall forming NE side of dam, E end of Forge Pond (1m scale), view to NE
42 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 7. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: dam wall with sluice and feeder for forge (1m scale), view to SW
Plate 8. PRN 02480g Llanelly Forge: dam and E wall of forge building, showing evidence of demolished wall to left (1m scale), view to SW
43 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
9. RECOMMENDATIONS
Where noted during the project the specific major threats identified in relation to early forge sites were mainly from dereliction, and vegetation growth, and redevelopment. These are presented in Table 8 in Appendix IV, along with specific recommendations for the sites visited.
A number of recommendations were made for visited sites (see Appendix IV, Table 8 for details). Recommendations range from conservation and consolidation of the remains, to topographic survey and building survey, presentation and the provision of interpretation panels. Where sites are extensive and/or require significant works, the provision of site specific conservation plans is suggested.
Whilst the existing level and detail of information available combined with field visits allowed most sites to be assessed with certainty, it was felt that a few sites might benefit from further investigation that would include vegetation clearance and further survey (topographic and clearance). These works would allow the condition and extent of surviving above ground remains to be better understood and allow a fuller assessment of significance, and conservation requirements.
The potential for community/outreach projects has also been identified for a number of sites; take up would be dependant on securing land owner agreement and would need to be subject to specific/stringent Health & Safety reviews.
The provision of information panels and the incorporation of early forge sites on heritage trails and other way-marked routes would have the effect of improving visitor experience, whilst providing an additional impetus to preserve the monuments for the future. This might be considered for sites with visible and understandable remains located on or close-by to public rights of way/permissive access routes, and where sufficient levels of information are available, for example to allow a reconstructive illustration of the workings to be produced. Consideration might be given to producing low-key information panels for a number of such sites, where deemed appropriate.
44 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
10. CONCLUSIONS
The initial scoping project (GGAT102, Roberts 2010) identified c.41 sites recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER). The data refinement, filtration and appraisal undertaken at the start of the current project examined 50 potential forge sites, including 3 NMR sites not included on the HER, of these 8 were taken forward and assessed for the purpose of the study.
Of the total 8 forge sites assessed in detail for this project, three (c.37.5%) of the total resource selected, are currently protected (at least in part) as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. In terms of significance, three were assessed as being of National significance, one site was of potential National Significance, and a further site was considered to be of borderline Regional/Local Significance, whilst the remainder were considered to be of Local, Minor, or Unknown Significance. The figures indicate that around 50% of the selected resource was considered to be of National interest/potential National Significance, and 12.5% was likely to be of potential Regional Significance.
Given the limited size of the selected resource, geographic distribution and type was not considered a useful defining factor, and was not further dealt with.
All sites were assessed to examine whether accurate digital polygons showing the presumed extent of forge sites could be created. For the creation of the polygons the main sources consulted were aerial photographs (Next Perspectives), the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Edition OS maps and modern digital mapping. Information from the HER, NMR was also consulted. In total 8 polygons were created, including two for PRN 00572m, where the exact location of the forge is as yet unclear. A polygon was also created for the related ‘feeder and weir’ PRN 05994g associated with Llanelly Forge (PRN). Whilst pre-existing polygons were available for SAM areas, in one case the site was identified as extending beyond the boundary SAM area: SAM GM497 (PRN 01216w), and an additional polygon has been created for the extended area.
Of the 8 forge sites assessed, 7 were visited; additional field visit descriptions, condition description, threats, and management recommendations were made. Details are presented within the body and appendices of the report.
Recommendations for consideration for protection through scheduling, and potential extension of areas currently protected will be made. These recommendations will form the basis of a separate scheduling report.
45 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Various articles from journals including Archaeology in Wales, Monmouthshire Antiquary, Industrial Archaeology Review, and Archaeologia Cambrensis have been consulted (details are retained in the project database). The main secondary sources are listed below.
Works cited in the report: Association for Industrial Archaeology, 2003, A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of South East Wales: A Powerhouse of Industry. Barber, C & Blackmore, M, 1996, Portraits of the past: the industrial heritage of old Monmouthshire. Hayman, R, 1986, ‘AberDulais Falls’ in Industrial Archaeology Review Vol III, No. 2, 147- 165. RCAHMW. 1982, An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan. Volume III: Medieval Secular Monuments Part II: Non-defensive. HMSO, Cardiff. Rees, W, 1968, Industry before the Industrial Revolution: incorporating a study of the Chartered Companies of the Society of Mines Royal and of Mineral and Battery Works, Volume 1. Research Audit: South East Wales 2002. Phillips, N, 2008, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment Proposed Hydro-Electric Project Angidy River, Tintern (Unpublished Report). Riden, P, 1993, Gazetteer of Charcoal Blast Furnaces in Great Britain in use since 1660. Roberts, R. 2010, GGAT 102 Medieval and Post-medieval Scoping Project (unpublished GGAT report). Van Laun, J, 1989, The Clydach Gorge Industrial archaeology trails in the south-east of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Van Laun, John, 2001(?), The pattern of past industry in the National Park (Brecon Beacons National Park). Williams, DH.1990, Atlas of Cistercian Lands in Wales. HMSO, Cardiff. Williams, DH. 2001, The Welsh Cistercians.
Works consulted, but not cited in the report: Coxe, 1801, Tour in Monmouthshire. Hughes, S. 2000, Copperopolis. RCAHMW. Hughes, S. and Reynolds, P. 1992, Industrial Archaeology of the Swansea Region. RCAHMW. Jones, C, 2003, "Brandy Cove lead mines - recent work" in Gower Vol. 54 (2003), p. 6-15. Newman, J. 1995, The Buildings of Wales: Glamorgan. University of Wales Press. Newman, J. 2000, The Buildings of Wales: Gwent/Monmouthshire. University of Wales Press. Powell, G. Survey of Gower 1764 (Ed. B. Morris). Rees, W. 1924, South Wales and the March 1284-1415. Oxford. Roberts, R & Bowden, R, 2012, GGAT113: Mills and Water Power in Glamorgan and Gwent (Unpublished GGAT report no. 2012/029) Robinson, DM. 2006, The Cistercians in Wales: Architecture and Archaeology 1130-1540. The Society of Antiquaries in London. Tucker, M, 1976, "Lead mining at Bishopston" in Gower Vol. 27 (1976), p. 76-82. Williams, DH. 1984, The Welsh Cistercians. Vols. 1 & 2, British Library. Williams, DH. 1998, The Cistercians in the Early Middle Ages, Leominster Wilson, Anne, 1988, Excavation of Clydach ironworks (Clydach Gorge), Clydach South, Gwent, September 1986 - March 1988
46 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Cartographic sources: Map of the County of Glamorgan Yates, G. 1799 Tithe Map of Llangyfelach 1842. 1st Edition OS map (c.1877) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 2nd Edition OS map (c.1899) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 3rd Edition OS map (c.1918-19) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 4th Edition OS map (c.1937) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping)
Aerial Photographic Source: Next Perspectives, 2010, 1:10,000 Raster
47 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix I Summary of Stage 1 Appraisal Table 4. Stage 1 Appraisal of Medieval and early post-medieval forge sites: 50 sites, including 48 PRNs, 15 NPRNs and 3 additional sites (pre-fixed by IPF)
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) 00036g Site Name Not Known/ ST230880 - Forge No No Yes - - - - Forge, Machen - - 00037g Site Name Not Known/ ST230880 - Forge No No Yes - - - - Forge, Machen - - 00530m Site Name Not Known/ SO0604 - Forge No No Yes - - - - Cwm Gwernlas Forge - - 00561m Site Name Not Known/ ST05649824 - Forge No No No Yes No No - Cwm-Cynon Forge - - 00572m Site Name Not Known/ ST08009766 - Forge No No No No No No - Tair-gefail Forges, - Pont-y- Gwaith - 00596m Site Name Not Known/ ST051856 - Forge No No Yes - - - - Penbough Forge - - 00706g Upper Forge/ Upper SO50810035/ Scheduled Forge No No No No No No 404159 Forge, Tintern SO50880035 Ancient 276004 Monument (including Alternatively: Mm268 09513g) Tintern Upper - Wireworks; New Tongs Mill, Tintern Cross 00711g Middle Forge SO521002 - Forge No No Yes ------
48 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) 01085w Aberdulais Falls SS772995 Scheduled Iron Works No No No No - Yes 40439 Ancient Monument Gm485 - 01203w Site Name Not Known/ SS57959860 - Forge No No No Yes No No - Tafarn-y-Coed Forge - - 01213w Upper Forest Forge SS67619825 - Forge No No No No No No - - - 01216w Clydach Upper Forge, SN68700195 Scheduled Forge Yes No No No No No 309212 Swansea Ancient Monument Gm497 - 01269w Site Name Not Known/ SS58939830 - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - Smithy, Llwchwr - Smithy - 01272w Sterry Road Forge SS58889629/ - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - SS5884696288 - Smithy - 01316w Smithy Located At The SN59200273 - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - Birch Rock Siding, - Smithy Junction With The - Llwchwr Mineral Railway/Smithy, Birch Rock Siding, Pontarddulais 01319w Site Name Not Known/ SN59840383 - Forge/ Yes Yes Yes Yes No No - Smithy, Pontarddulais - Smithy - 01327w Site Name Not SN60240293 - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - Known/Smithy, - Smithy Bolgoed, Pontarddulais -
49 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) 01331w Site Name Not SN60850220/ - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - Known/Smithy, Bryn SN6084092243 - Smithy Tirion Road, - Pontarddulais 01333w Site Name Not SN62030405/ - Forge/ Yes Yes No No No No - Known/Smithy, SN6200004076 - Smithy Birchrock Colliery - 01337w Site Name Not SN60950100/ - Forge Yes No No No No Yes - Known/Lliw Forge, SN6060600861 - Pontlliw - 01339w Site Name Not Known/ SN63740288/ - Forge/ Yes Yes No No No No - Smithy, Gallt-y-Pentre, SN6373002874 - Smithy Felindre, Cwm Nant- - Ddu 01465m Site Name Not ST2188 - Forge No No Yes - - - - Known/Forge, Rhyd-y- - gwern - 01555w Neath Abbey Ironworks SS73769806 Listed Forge Yes No No No No No 40458 Rolling Mill And Forge Building 82083 II 01585w Landore Forge SS66159577 - Forge No No No Yes No No - - - 01622w Clydach Lower Forge SN68850129 - Forge Yes No No No No No - - - 01739s Old Forge/OLD SS96506884/ - House - - No Yes No No 404260 FORGE, PLYMOUTH SS9653868864 - HOUSE, WEST - STREET, LLANTWIT MAJOR 01848g Clytha Forge SO36620907 - Forge No No Yes No No No - - -
50 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) 01871w Aberdulais Forge SS77409912 - Forge No No No No No No 40440 - - 01888s Monknash SS91897079 Listed Forge/ Yes Yes No No No No - Forge/Smithy, Building Smithy Monknash 13315 II 01922g Site Name Not Known/ SO34580921 - Forge/ No Yes No No No No - Smithy, Llanover - Smithy - 02014w Hafod Forge SS66109443 - Forge Yes No No Yes No No - - - 02033m Cefn Cribwr/Forge, SS855836 - Forge No No Yes Yes No No - Cefn Cribwr - - 02121w Coughlon's Forge SS46819088 - Forge/ Yes Yes No No No No 41181 - Smithy - 02162w Old Forge, Sketty SS62749312/ - Forge/ Yes Yes No Yes No No - SS6271393105 - Smithy - 02193g Trelech Grange Smithy SO5005 - Forge/ No Yes Yes No No No - - Smithy - 02274g Monmouth Forge SO50341376 - Forge Yes No No No Yes No 40483 - - 02480g Llanelly Forge SO23551405 - Forge No No No No No No 34034 - - 03400g Smiths Forge/Smithy, SO24860952/ - Forge/ Yes No No No No No - Bunker’s Hill SO2486909556 - Smithy -
51 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) 03555s Merthyr Dyfan/Forge, ST11706937 - Forge No Yes/No No Yes No No - Merthyr Dyfan - - 03939g Garnddyrys Ironworks SO260121 - Forge Yes No No No No No - - - 03952g Site Name Not Known/ SO19001083 - Forge Yes No No Yes No No - Nant-y-Glo Forge - - 03972g Pontypool Town Forge SO28220110 - Forge No No No Yes No No - - - 05913w Abergarwed Forge SN8218002950 - Forge Yes No No Yes No No - - - 06255g Site of Wireworks at SO531064 Scheduled Wireworks/Forge No No No No No No 276006 Whitebrook Ancient Monument Mm270 - 06338w Forge, SS4466093150 - Forge/ Yes Yes No No No Yes 41180 Llanmadoc/Smithy, - Smithy Llanmadoc - 06424w Old Forge, Brandy SS5852287574 - Forge No No No No No Yes - Cove - - 08009g Court Farm Bungalow, SO50050534 - Forge No No/Yes No Yes No No - Trellech/ - Iron Forging Workshop, - Trellech IPF001 The Forge, Great ST35919153 - Forge/ No Yes No No No No 406147 Bulmore Farm, - Smithy Caerleon - IPF002 Forge Mill; Lower SO529003 - Forge No No No No No No 40478 Forge; Abbey Forge, - Tintern -
52 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Destroyed for HER Name Status Smithy PRN HER NGR/Revised HER Type/ Post Poor purposes of Converted GGAT 121 Revised Reference (Blacksmith's Ruinous NPRN NGR Revised Type 1750 Location project (dwelling) Name Grade Forge) (redeveloped) IPF003 Redbrook Valley Old SO535107 - Forge No No Yes No No No 40489 Furnace - -
53 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix II Other Data Table 5. Summary of NMR sites (15 NPRNs) appraised (information courtesy of the RCAHMW)
NPRN PRN NMR Name NMR Description NMR Type NMR Period NMR Form NMR NGR Community 34034 02480g LLANELLY FORGE; Lower down the Clydach Valley than Llanelly FORGE Post Medieval - SO2348413968 Llanelly CLYDACH FORGE, Furnace (nprn 34029) is the site of the eighteenth- LLANELLY century forge at Llanelly, where the cast iron was converted to wrought iron. The Forge House (National Grid Reference given) was an early tinplate works and little else is visible except the retaining-wall of the water-power pond. B.A.Malaws, RCAHMW, 09 June 2008. 40439 01085w ABER DULAIS FORGE Probably started pre 1700. FORGE Post Medieval Not SS77179950 Monmouth (TONNA) recorded 40440 01871w ABER DULAIS FORGE 1667-1870's. Iron forgery. Probably began as FORGE Post Medieval - SS77409912 Tonna (WATERFALL) smithy, then worked by waterpower and finally by steam 40458 01555w NEATH ABBEY 1. Circa 1825. Forge originally an open arcaded FORGE Post Medieval - SS73769808 Blaenhonddan IRONWORKS ROLLING building. 5 round headed arches (blocked). MILL AND FORGE Interesting cast iron and wrought iron queen strut roof. Floor inserted in 19th century, supported on cast iron stanchions. 2. Site later converted to Abbey Woollen Mills (nprn 96478). B.A.Malaws, 11 April 2003. 40478 IPF002 FORGE MILL; LOWER At Lower or Abbey Forge the main road crosses the FORGE Post Medieval Documents SO529003 Tintern FORGE; ABBEY FORGE, dam for the works with the floating harbour TINTERN immediately below. This was the site of a tidal waterwheel. A blast-furnace and forge were known here by 1633, constructed by the Earl of Worcester, the furnace superceded by the Abbey Tintern furnace built by 1669. There are workmens' cottages to the west of the dam bridge. The site of Lower or Abbey forge is shown as a forge in 1763. By 1821 there was corn milling and one wheel survives. The site was also used as a sawmill.
Claire Parry, RCAHMW, 28 July 2011
Source: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of South East Wales, AIA, 2003.
54 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
NPRN PRN NMR Name NMR Description NMR Type NMR Period NMR Form NMR NGR Community 40483 02274g MONMOUTH FORGE, Water-powered forge, tinplate made 1868-1885, IRON WORKS Post Medieval - SO50321377 Monmouth OSBASTON, MONMOUTH then weir and water channels used to power electricity station (nprn 33606) from 1896. Recent weir constructed ?post 1917. Leat, headrace and tail race filled in. No plant remaining. Most of buildings demolished circa 1980. 40489 IPF003 REDBROOK VALLEY OLD (Iron Forge). FORGE Post Medieval - SO535107 Monmouth FURNACE 41180 06338w CHERITON FORGE - BLACKSMITHS Post Medieval - SS44659315 Llangennith WORKSHOP 41181 02121w COUGHLONS FORGE, - BLACKSMITHS Post Medieval - SS468908 Reynoldston FAIRY HILL WORKSHOP 276004 00706g TINTERN UPPER Tintern Upper Wire Works are also known as New WIRE WORKS Post Medieval - SO50870035 Tintern (including WIREWORKS; NEW Tongs Mill. There is an easily-traced leat from the 09513g) TONGS MILL, TINTERN upper reach of the Angiddy Fawr that crossed the CROSS Angiddy Fechan on an aqueduct. The wall remains show the building layout and the wheelpit is obvious. An overgrown annealing furnace can be found at the western end.
Claire Parry, RCAHMW, 28 July 2011
Source: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of South East Wales, AIA, 2003. 276006 06255g SITE OF WIREWORKS AT This early wireworks site was established around FORGE Post Medieval; - SO531064 Trellech United WHITEBROOK 1600, shortly after water-powered wire drawing was Modern brought to Britain in 1566 by the Germans who operated from Tintern initially and subsequently. It is thought that wire working may have ceased at Whitebrook about 1720. The site was identified by Professor Gordon Tucker in 1973 based on field evidence and a map of 1772. The site appears to have been supplied with water by a leat over a mile long from the White Brook. Visible remains include ruined buildings (possibly later dwellings) and a series of terraces on the steep hillside. A walled set of steps exits the site up hill to the west. Source: Cadw scheduling description. RCAHMW 21.02.2008.
55 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
NPRN PRN NMR Name NMR Description NMR Type NMR Period NMR Form NMR NGR Community 309212 01216w CLYDACH UPPER FORGE Clydach Upper Forge was possibly built in the late FORGE Post - SN68690197 Clydach eighteenth century by Richard Parsons, the Medieval;18th ironmaster of Ynysgedwyn to convert pig-iron Century produced there. The huge reservoir is still visible although it is full of colliery waste. The thick squat masonry dam (NPRN 704) is very similar to that at Llandyfan and the Lower Clydach River runs through it. The river passes through the wheelpit and directly onto the floor of the forge. A complex of anvil and hammer beds is visible in the shallow river bed, and the circular tailrace culvert (NPRN 705). The Upper Forge fell out of use after 1866.
Source: A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of the Swansea Region, by Stephen Hughes and Paul Reynolds, AIA, 1989
RCAHMW, 8 September 2011. 404159 00706g UPPER FORGE, TINTERN The forge at Pont-y-Saeson [Upper Forge] was built FORGE Post Medieval - SO50800036 Tintern (including CROSS sometime before 1675, and in 1694-5 produced 09513g) over 61 tons of Osmond iron bar. An inventory of 1821 shows that the forge at that time contained storehouses, three cottages, a waterwheel powering hammers, and finery forges with blowing machines. It probably ceased operation around the 1870s. The area contains a substantial masonry dam, water channels emerging from it to probable waterwheel pits, a culvert, and the walls of the forge building. There is good archaeological potential for remains of the forge hearths and hammer bases.
RCAHMW, 28 July 2011. 404260 01739s OLD FORGE, PLYMOUTH - FORGE Post Medieval Building SS9653868864 Llantwit Major HOUSE, WEST STREET, LLANTWIT MAJOR 406147 IPF001 THE FORGE, GREAT See also related buildings:- NPRNs 303373, 36966, FORGE Post Medieval - ST35919153 Caerleon BULMORE FARM, 36961 and 43242. CAERLEON
56 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix III Polygon Data Table 6. GGAT 121 Polygon information for forge sites & related features (8 sites)7
Polygon ID HER RC OS Date OS AP Notes description description
No No Yes No 00572m (a) 1876 Digitised from 1st and 2nd edition OS maps and taking in features noted on the ground during field visit No No Yes 1876 & No Digitised from 1st edition OS map, realigned to MasterMap: site of group of buildings Pont-y-gwaith given the name 'Tair- 00572m (b) 2013 gefail'; that to E has been lost to road building. No No Yes No 01216w 1879; 2013 Digitised from 1st edition OS map (reference to Tithe map of 1842), and realigned to modern mapping (MasterMap). No No Yes No 01622w 1879 Digitised from 1st edition OS and buffered by 2m. No No Yes No Digitised from 1st edition OS map and realigned to modern OS mapping (MasterMap): encompasses former forge and later 01871w 1880; 2013 tinplate works site. No No Yes 1880 - No 02480g 2013 Digitised from 1st -3rd edition OS and MasterMap. No No Yes 1880 & No 05994g 2013 Digitised from 1st edition OS; W part realigned to modern mapping (MasterMap) No No Yes No 06424w 1878 Digitised from 1st edition OS and buffered by 4m.
7 Polygons were also produced for a number of forge sites later identified as rural smithies or blacksmith’s workshops; these have not been included here.
57 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix IV Threats and Recommendations Table 8. GGAT 121 Site specific threats and recommendations
Name/ PRN Revised NGR Status GGAT 121 Management GGAT 121 Type GGAT 121 Condition GGAT 121 Threats NPRN Reference Recommendations Revised Name 00572m Site Name Not ST08009766 Forge Partially Intact (Visited remains, i.e. non- Erosion from livestock/agricultural Survey of earthwork/low stone-built - Known/ forge): water-logged and parts overgrown. machinery. Potential for long-term river remains, clearance of vegetation. Tair-gefail erosion. Survey to include topographic and Forges, Pont-y- Unknown (forge site): exact location of perhaps geophysics. Trial excavation. gwaith forge as yet unconfirmed. Remains visited Possible community project - potential do not relate to the forge. for a community excavation of the below ground remains. 01085w Aberdulais Falls SS7717699489 scheduled Iron Substantially Intact/Intact (later phases): None Under National Trust Ownership and 40439 ancient works well-preserved site largely related to Tin Management - a comprehensive monument plate production. programme of conservation, including GM485 interpretation and display, is currently underway. 01216w Clydach Upper SN68700195 scheduled Forge Substantially Intact: the site is in a Vegetation, dereliction SAM area needs to be revised to reflect 309212 Forge, Swansea ancient relatively stable condition, though some the full extent of features depicted on monument minor structural damage was noted – for 1st edition OS, pathways to site need to GM497 example, some of the facing stones having be improved and interpretation panel at been removed from the dam wall, and the site/or by Upper Forge Road. continued vegetation encroachment, if Conservation works could form part of a unchecked, might have affect on the long- community project. A site specific term stability of the structure. conservation plan might be produced for the site. 01622w Clydach Lower SN6887401286 - Forge Damaged/Partially Intact: site Redevelopment Evaluation prior to any redevelopment - Forge demolished/buried. of the site having ground disturbance impact. 01871w Aberdulais SS77409912 - Forge Damaged/Partially Intact: site Redevelopment Evaluation prior to any redevelopment 40440 Forge demolished/buried. of the site having ground disturbance impact.
58 GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name/ PRN Revised NGR Status GGAT 121 Management GGAT 121 Type GGAT 121 Condition GGAT 121 Threats NPRN Reference Recommendations Revised Name 02480g Llanelly Forge SO23551405 Forge Substantially Intact (forge pond): part Dereliction of dam and remains of forge; Conservation works to stabilise 34034 surviving remains of the dam are in vegetation growth and erosion. masonry structure, and remove relatively good condition; however, signs of vegetation from dam. Topographic & weathering and potential destabilising from The remains of the forge are likely to Building survey to record remains. vegetation were noted. survive in a buried state – any future Evaluation of the forge site might also ground disturbance works on the site be considered. Adjacent Forge House Partially Intact – Substantially Intact would affect these potential remains. might also benefit from building (forge site): the forge site has been largely record/survey. Given the extent of the demolished, however some elements do remains, both above and below ground survive above ground, and remains are a site specific conservation plan might likely to survive in a buried state be produced for the site.
06424w Old Forge, SS5852287574 - Forge Partially Intact: site in poor condition. Vegetation growth/dereliction Conservation works to include removal - Brandy Cove of vegetation and consolidation; building survey and possible evaluation. The site would benefit from inclusion on a new interpretation panel covering the whole lead mining site.
59 Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd (Projects Division)
QUALITY CONTROL
Report Title: GGAT 121: Iron Production - Forges in Glamorgan and Gwent
Report Date: February 2013
Report Number: 2013/004
Report prepared by: Richard Roberts
Position: Project Manager
Date: 27/03/13
Illustrations prepared by: Richard Roberts
Position: Project Manager
Date: 27/03/13
Illustrations checked and authorised by: Paul Jones
Position: Senior Illustrator
Date: 28/03/13
Report checked and authorised by: Andrew Marvell
Position: Chief Executive
Date: 28/03/13
As part of our desire to provide a quality service we would welcome any comments you may wish to make on the content or presentation of this report.
Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd. Heathfield House, Heathfield, Swansea, SA1 6LE Tel. 01792 655208; Fax. 01792 474469 Registered Charity no. 505609 Web: www.ggat.org.uk e-mail: [email protected]