GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
February 2013
A report for Cadw GGAT report no. 2013/003 by Richard Roberts BA (Hons) Project no. GGAT 120
The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL GGAT 120: Early Extraction 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 ...... 18 7. GAZETTEER ...... 21 8. SELECTED FIGURES AND PLATES ...... 41 9. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 51 10. CONCLUSIONS ...... 52 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 54 Appendix I Summary of Stage 1 Appraisal ...... 56 Appendix II Other Data ...... 61 Appendix III Polygon Data ...... 63 Appendix IV Threats and Recommendations ...... 64 Appendix V Industrial features at the Garth Ironstone Mine (PRN 01563m) ...... 68
Figures Figure 1: Distribution of all protected and unprotected extraction (24 sites: Medieval and early post-medieval not distinguished; labelled) ...... 14 Figure 2: Medieval and early post-medieval extraction (24 sites: showing Overall Significance) ...... 17 Figure 3: Site visits for the Medieval and early post-medieval extraction project (17 sites: showing location) ...... 20 Figure 4: PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (c. NGR SS86707505) ...... 41 Figure 5: PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans (NGR ST53029789) ...... 41 Figure 6: PRNs 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole (NGR ST10608250) ...... 42 Figure 7: PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds (NGR ST15308510; SAM GM454) ...... 42 Figure 8: PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood (NGR SO4892004880) ...... 43 Figure 9: PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool (NGR ST276986; SAM MM256) ...... 43
Plates Plate 1. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area A), view to the east ...... 44 Plate 2. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area B), quarry face and waste, view to north ...... 44 Plate 3. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area B), unrecorded hut platform, view to east ...... 45
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Plate 4. PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans, typical ironstone shaft, view to north ...... 45 Plate 5. PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans, overgrown trench working, view to north ...... 46 Plate 6. PRN 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole, possible collapsed bell pit, view to south ...... 46 Plate 7. PRN 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole, quarry trench, view to northwest ...... 47 Plate 8. PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds, area of pitting (SAM GM454), view to southsoutheast ...... 47 Plate 9. PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds, area of workings to east of SAM GM454, view to southeast ...... 48 Plate 10. PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood, tips northwest of the scheduled furnace site (SAM MM177), view to northeast ...... 48 Plate 11. PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood, ironstone quarry faces within extended area north and northeast of the furnace (SAM MM177), view to north ...... 49 Plate 12. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, scour (SAM MM256), view to north ...... 49 Plate 13. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, tips from quarry workings north of SAM Area (mid-ground), view to west ...... 50 Plate 14. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, scour and quarry face (SAM MM256), view to southsoutheast ...... 50
Tables Table 1. Medieval and early post-medieval extractive sites (24 sites, including 26 PRNs, and 2 NPRNs) assessed as part of the current study……………………… 12 Table 2. Results of assessment: Medieval and early post-medieval extraction (24 sites, including 26 PRNs)……………………………………………… ……… 15 Table 3. Medieval and early post-medieval extraction sites selected for field visits (17 sites)………………………………………………………………………………… 18 Table 4. Stage 1 Appraisal of Medieval and early post-medieval extraction: 45 sites, including 41 PRNs, 2 NPRNs and 6 additional sites (pre-fixed by EEGG)…… 56 Table 5. Summary of NMR sites (7 NPRNs) appraised (information courtesy of the RCAHMW)…………………………………………………………………………… 61 Table 6. Summary of information on early extractive sites from Williams (Cistercian sites)……………………………………………………………………………………… 62 Table 7. GGAT 120 Polygon information for extraction sites (24 sites)…………… 63 Table 8. GGAT 120 Site specific threats and recommendations……………………… 64 Table 9. Industrial extraction sites and related structures identified at Garth Iron Mine (PRN 01563m)…………………………………………………………………… 68
2 GGAT 120: Early Extraction 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 Medieval and early post-medieval extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent has been undertaken by the Glamorgan - Gwent Archaeological Trust with grant aid from Cadw. The project entailed a further desktop appraisal of some 43 extraction sites, with specific assessment of 24 sites identified as satisfying set criteria. This included appraisal of 6 extraction sites not previously recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER) from publications. A rapid appraisal was also made of early extractive sites on the National Monuments Record (NMR). The current number of early extraction sites on the HER is not exhaustive and it should be noted that the remit of the current project was not to search for new sites. The assessment adopted a two staged approach: first identifying extraction sites already protected (i.e. scheduled) in order to establish a threshold and also identify geographical and typological gaps, and secondly applying established criteria to access the overall significance of the resource.
The work confirmed that two of the selected 24 interests were protected. In terms of the resource assessed an expected bias was noted in the geographic spread, the resource excluded the large numbers of sites in the Heads of the Valleys area, where later extraction largely obscured the survival of early extractive features, with two exceptions, including the notable iron workings at Upper Race, Cwmbran. In terms of type, the sites assessed were predominantly bell pits, or ironstone related workings, with ironstone workings accounting for over 83% of the resource as being of at least potential National Significance - a medieval quarry, which provided the famous Sutton Stone, accounting for the remainder.
Of the 24 sites assessed, four were considered to be of National significance, a further two were borderline National Significance (i.e. c.25% of assessed resource), and a further five sites were potentially of Regional Significance, whilst the remainder were considered to be of Local, Minor, or Unknown Significance. Recommendations for further work, primarily survey and conservation have been made. Recommendations for consideration for protection form the basis of a separate report.
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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 overall aim of this project was to use the Historic Environment Record (HER) maintained by the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust, the National Monument Record (NMR) at the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), secondary sources and field visits to assess the potential for enhancing the schedule of ancient monuments class of Medieval and early post- medieval extraction sites. The focus of the project was to examine a range of extractive sites including bell pits, clay pits and quarries, as well as other surface extractive features relating to ironstone mines and workings, and coal workings; these types of sites are currently under-represented on the schedule of ancient monuments. A second objective was the updating of HER records. The HER contains records of extraction, but their quality is variable, with many records containing minimal amounts of information.1
This report details the findings of the project and contains updated descriptions of all sites visited, with condition/significance information.
Previous Surveys
The archaeology research audit for Southeast Wales has indicated that very early and long exploitation might be found in relation to thick coal seams in proximity to navigable water, such as the ‘Swansea 5ft’ seam outcrop at Graig Trewyddfa, and notes potential for survey and excavation (Research Audit: South-East Wales 2002). No analysis has been undertaken of the remains of the quarrying industries (limestone; Pennant Sandstone and tilestone) in south Wales, the audit identified the need for a synthesis combined with documentary work.
The Research Agenda for Wales has identified that ‘little is understood about the operation of areas of iron-ore scouring from the 18th and early 19th centuries,’ and, indeed, few previous studies have looked at pre-1750 extraction; most secondary sources relate to geographically limited areas, such as the Clyne Valley (e.g. Leighton 1997; Mathews 1960, Williams 1958), or at best sub-regional studies, though these are largely concerned with post-1750 activities (e.g. Thomas 1969). The only Cadw sponsored regional study on extraction sites has been ‘Southeast Wales Industrial Ironworks Landscapes Project’ (GGAT 80), this dealt specifically with the post-1750 period, though a small number of earlier coal/ironstone extraction sites were noted (e.g. Workings north of Brynmawr); these have not been revisited. A number of early workings (4-9 coal mines) associated with monastic establishments have been identified and listed (Williams 1990; 2001); these have been appraised as part of the current project.
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.
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Threats
A number of threats affect sites within the category: these vary, but range from reclamation and landfill schemes to continued extraction, but also include gradual degradation/dereliction, loss to vegetation, urban expansion, 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 can be seen to have an ever-increasing impact on the survival of unprotected historic features.
The Research Agenda for Wales, also emphasizes the current level of threats to sites of this type and notes ‘the last surviving early areas of mineral scouring on the urban fringe are being reclaimed’, it also notes that: ‘Industrial Archaeology sites are often affected by development proposals, especially with government pressure to redevelop brownfield sites: in these schemes adequate resources for large-scale investigation, even of remains of international significance, are often lacking. This is especially true of opencast Mining (now often labelled as ‘reclamation’) where there is a general lack of archaeologists on site (c.f. spectacular potential of Medieval and post-medieval mining finds on such sites as Coleorton, Leicestershire).’
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).
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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 extractive sites 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. For southeast Wales, the initial scoping study (Roberts 2010) identified 39 potential early extraction sites among the numerous industrial sites recorded on the regional HER.2 Together with 4 additional extractive sites identified from other sources (e.g. Williams 1990), this gave an initial total of c. 43 potential early extraction sites of interest, one of which was currently protected; these included 12 earthwork sites (including one protected), six sites known by documents, and 21 sites of unknown or other form.
2 See Roberts 2010.
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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 extraction sites. The project also intended to allow the updating of HER records; whilst the HER contains a number of records relating to early extraction 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 extraction sites in Glamorgan and Gwent (c. 43 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 43 sites Consultation of the NMR (RCAHMW) to check for further information on sites, where lacking in HER Identify and contact landowners Field visits to c10-13 sites/areas (including a small sample of SAMs for comparative purposes) to assess condition/significance Update digital data
3 See n. 1.
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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 extraction sites were checked and updated with the level of detail increased (using MapInfo 9). Polygon data was created for the early extraction sites selected for site visits; these polygons identify the presumed extent of the sites and 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 processing floors, tips, associated workers huts or dwellings, haulage routes, or associated furnaces, and also any direct association with a grange or other complex or location within a village where there are other designated assets. Survival/condition: where survival can be identified condition is more likely to relate to associated features rather than the main extractive elements (i.e. bell pits, quarry scoops), themselves. Fragility/Vulnerability: considered where immediate threats can be demonstrated Diversity: whilst the sites are considerably variable, ranging from stone quarries, ironstone and coal mines to metal mines (e.g. lead mines) given the low numbers of sites; this has not been considered a worthwhile factor in the scoring of the sites. Potential: considered where sites retain significant features that help understand the processes carried out at the particular site.
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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:
GGAT120 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 a grange site can be demonstrated or where the site is located within a village where there are other designated assets. 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 a manorial complex or within a village where there are 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, plan incomplete with little coherence of remains 3 – Moderate: Partially intact, plan partially visible and fairly coherent with some superstructure remains surviving 4 – High: Substantially intact, plan largely complete and coherent with good remains of superstructure surviving 5 – Very High: Intact, plan complete with very good or extensive superstructure remains surviving
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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
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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.
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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, 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 potential early extraction, initially the subject of a scoping project, was rapidly reviewed and a new total of 39 sites from the HER (41 PRNs) was established and these, combined with 6 sites identified from a trawl of Williams were subject to the stage 1 appraisal. The appraisal also examined the selected resource to establish which sites were already scheduled and listed, and also allow typological variations and geographical gaps to be identified.
The results of the appraisal established that of the 45 sites, two are protected; both scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs). The appraisal also identified that two of the sites were likely to post-date 1750, and also that at 19 sites earthwork remains could not be identified from a rapid examination of digital aerial photographs; whether this was a result of localised reclamation, or agricultural improvement this has not been established, and poor locational information (i.e. inaccurate NGRs) was also a limiting factor. Appendix I, Table 4 shows all sites; the HER sites (PRNs), additional sites from publications (pre-fixed by EEGG), and NMR registers (NPRNs), which were examined at Stage 1, and shows the incidence of scheduled sites, as well as criteria used in reducing the numbers for the final assessment.
Following the Stage 1 assessment the number of sites to be further assessed was reduced to 24 extraction sites. These are listed in Table 1, and their distribution presented in Figure 1, below.
Table 1. Medieval and early post-medieval extractive sites (24 sites, including 26 PRNs, and 2 NPRNs) assessed as part of the current study
Status PRN GGAT 120 Revised Site HER Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN Name visit grade 00180g SITE NAME NOT Barrack Hill Quarry, ST30488885 - Medieval Quarry Yes KNOWN Bosworth Drive, - Newport - 00321m SUTTON - SS86707505 - Medieval Quarry Yes QUARRIES - - 00447w SITE NAME NOT Coal Mine, Kilvey SS67939421 - Medieval Colliery Yes KNOWN Hill - - 00448w SITE NAME NOT Cwm Ysguthan SS67369366 - Medieval Colliery Yes KNOWN Colliery (Adits Kilvey - Hill) - 00449w SITE NAME NOT Black Heaps, Kilvey SS67279346 - Medieval Colliery No KNOWN Hill - -
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Status PRN GGAT 120 Revised Site HER Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN Name visit grade 00753g SITE NAME NOT Ironstone Mine, ST53029789 - Post- Ironstone Yes KNOWN Minepit Wood, St. - Medieval mine Arvans - 01435w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, W of SS60839474 - Post- Bell pit No KNOWN Cwmllwyd Wood, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01436w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS61029470 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN Wood, N, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01437w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS60969476 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN Wood, centre, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01563m/ Garth Iron Mine / - ST10608250 - Post- Ironstone Yes 01564m / DEVIL’S HOLE - Medieval mine 02153m - 01815w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, SE of Ty- SS58559307 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN gwyn, Upper Killay - Medieval - 01817w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, N of Wern- SS59159305 - Post- Bell pit No KNOWN fawr, Upper Killay - Medieval - 01818w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Prior’s SS57859400 - Post- Bell pit No KNOWN Meadow, Three - Medieval Crosses - 01819w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, N of SS59229507 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN Bevexe-fach, - Medieval Gowerton - 02177m IRONSTONE Ironstone Shafts, ST04708165 - Post- Ironstone Yes SHAFTS Cefn-yr-Hendy, - Medieval mine Pontyclun - 02422m CAERPHILLY - ST15308510 scheduled Medieval Mine shaft Yes MOUNTAIN SHAFT ancient [Ironstone MOUNDS monument Workings] GM454 - 02608s SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, W of St. ST01207310 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN Hilary - Medieval - 02684m SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Nant- SS84278351 - Post- Bell pit Yes KNOWN Iorwerth-goch, - Medieval Waun Cimla - 05024w GOWERTON Bell Pit, N of Cefn- SS59319564 - Post- Bell pit No SCHOOL gorwydd, Gowerton - Medieval - 05320g COCK-Y-NORTH Quarries, Cock-y- ST350902 - Medieval Quarry Yes North - - 06171w Depression on Ironstone Working, SS782888 - Post- Ironstone No Morgan Mountain Mynydd Margam - Medieval workings - 07147g SITE NAME NOT Workings, SO4892004880 - Medieval Quarry Yes 40516 KNOWN Woolpitch Wood - [Ironstone - Workings] 07976g UPPER RACE, - ST276986 scheduled Post- Ironstone Yes 302570 PONTYPOOL ancient Medieval workings monument MM256 - 08868g Cruglwyn Bell Pit Bell pit, Cruglwyn, SO1641805570 - Post- Bell pit No Argoed - Medieval -
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Figure 1: Distribution of all protected and unprotected extraction (24 sites: Medieval and early post-medieval not distinguished; labelled)
14 GGAT 120: Early Extraction 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 24 sites selected for final assessment two are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Four were considered to be of National Significance (Category A), including the two SAMs, a further two sites were considered to be borderline National Significance (Category A/U and A/D), whilst a further five sites were assessed as being of at least regional significance (Categories B/C, and B/D). The remainder were considered to be of Local, Minor, or Unknown significance, or combinations thereof. Details are given in Table 1, below.
Table 2. Results of assessment: Medieval and early post-medieval extraction (24 sites, including 26 PRNs)
Name/ Status PRN 4 Archaeological GGAT 120 Revised NGR Reference Period Condition NPRN Significance Name Grade 00321m SUTTON QUARRIES SS86707505 - Medieval Near intact, A - varied - (Near destroyed) 02422m CAERPHILLY ST15308510 scheduled Medieval Near intact A MOUNTAIN SHAFT ancient (Not known) MOUNDS monument GM454 - 07147g Workings, Woolpitch SO4892004880 - Medieval Near intact A 40516 Wood - (-) - 07976g UPPER RACE, ST276986 scheduled Post- Near intact A 302570 PONTYPOOL ancient Medieval (Not known) monument MM256 - 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit ST53029789 - Post- Near intact A/U Wood, St. Arvans - Medieval (Near intact) - 01563m/ Garth Iron Mine/ ST10608250 - Post- Near intact, A/D 01564m/ DEVIL’S HOLE - Medieval varied (Not 02153m - known) 00447w Coal Mine, Kilvey Hill SS67939421 - Medieval Near intact B/C - (Near destroyed) - 00448w Cwm Ysguthan Colliery SS67369366 - Medieval Near intact B/C (Adits Kilvey Hill) - (Near destroyed) - 02608s Bell Pit, W of St. Hilary ST01207310 - Post- Near Intact B/C - Medieval (Not known) - 08868g Cruglwyn Bell Pit/ SO1641805570 - Post- Near intact B/C Bell pit, Cruglwyn, - Medieval (as above) Argoed - 02177m Ironstone Shafts, Cefn- ST04708165 - Post- Varied, Near - B/D yr-Hendy, Pontyclun - Medieval intact - (Not known)
4 Current condition (original HER condition given in brackets)
15 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name/ Status PRN 4 Archaeological GGAT 120 Revised NGR Reference Period Condition NPRN Significance Name Grade 05320g COCK-Y-NORTH/ ST350902 - Medieval Damaged - Not U Quarries, Cock-y-North - known - (Not known) 00180g Barrack Hill Quarry, ST30488885 - Medieval Damaged C/D Bosworth Drive, - (Not known) Newport - 01436w Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS61029470 - Post- Damaged C/D Wood, N, - Medieval (Not known) Waunarlwydd - 01437w Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS60969476 - Post- Damaged C/D Wood, centre, - Medieval (Not known) Waunarlwydd - 01815w Bell Pit, SE of Ty- SS58559307 - Post- Damaged C/D gwyn, Upper Killay - Medieval (Not known) - 00449w Black Heaps, Kilvey SS67279346 - Medieval Destroyed D Hill - (Not known) - 01435w Bell Pit, W of SS60839474 - Post- Not known U Cwmllwyd Wood, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01817w Bell Pit, N of Wern- SS59159305 - Post- Not known U fawr, Upper Killay - Medieval - 01818w Bell Pit, Prior’s SS57859400 - Post- Not known U Meadow, Three - Medieval Crosses - 01819w Bell Pit, N of Bevexe- SS59229507 - Post- Not known U fach, Gowerton - Medieval - 02684m Bell Pit, Nant-Iorwerth- SS84278351 - Post- Not known U goch, Waun Cimla - Medieval - 05024w GOWERTON SS59319564 - Post- Not known U SCHOOL/ - Medieval Bell Pit, N of Cefn- - gorwydd, Gowerton 06171w Depression on Morgan SS782888 - Post- Not known U Mountain/ - Medieval Ironstone Working, - Mynydd Margam
The results of this exercise are summarised in Table 1, above, and Figure 2, below, shows the distribution of sites by overall significance.
16 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 2: Medieval and early post-medieval extraction (24 sites: showing Overall Significance)
17 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
6. SITE VISITS
The number of visits initially planned was based on access, and satisfaction of the project criteria. Only a selection of the numerous Bell pits were marked for site visits – many of these were found to be lost or inaccessible. The site visits were to an extent hampered by inclement weather conditions. Of the 24 Medieval extraction sites assessed, 17 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 the two scheduled extraction sites for comparison and to assess current condition, and also investigate whether an extention to the area currently protected might be recommended.
Table 3. Medieval and early post-medieval extraction sites selected for field visits (17 sites)
Status PRN GGAT 120 Revised HER Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN Name grade 00180g SITE NAME NOT Barrack Hill Quarry, ST30488885 - Medieval Quarry KNOWN Bosworth Drive, - Newport - 00321m SUTTON QUARRIES - SS86707505 - Medieval Quarry (no NPRN) - - 00447w SITE NAME NOT Coal Mine, Kilvey Hill SS67939421 - Medieval Colliery KNOWN - - 00448w SITE NAME NOT Cwm Ysguthan Colliery SS67369366 - Medieval Colliery KNOWN (Adits Kilvey Hill) - - 00753g SITE NAME NOT Ironstone Mine, Minepit ST53029789 - Post- Ironstone KNOWN Wood, St. Arvans - Medieval mine - 01436w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS61029470 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN Wood, N, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01437w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd SS60969476 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN Wood, centre, - Medieval Waunarlwydd - 01563m/ Garth Iron Mine / - ST10608250/ - Post- Ironstone 01564m / DEVIL’S HOLE ST11908235 - Medieval mine 02153m - 01815w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, SE of Ty- SS58559307 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN gwyn, Upper Killay - Medieval - 01819w SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, N of Bevexe- SS59229507 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN fach, Gowerton - Medieval - 02177m IRONSTONE SHAFTS Ironstone Shafts, Cefn- ST04708165 - Post- Ironstone yr-Hendy, Pontyclun - Medieval mine - 02422m CAERPHILLY - ST15308510 scheduled Medieval Mine shaft MOUNTAIN SHAFT ancient [Ironstone MOUNDS monument Workings] GM454 - 02608s SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, W of St. Hilary ST01207310 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN - Medieval - 02684m SITE NAME NOT Bell Pit, Nant-Iorwerth- SS84278351 - Post- Bell pit KNOWN goch, Waun Cimla - Medieval - 05320g COCK-Y-NORTH Quarries, Cock-y-North ST350902 - Medieval Quarry - -
18 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Status PRN GGAT 120 Revised HER Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN Name grade 07147g SITE NAME NOT Workings, Woolpitch SO4892004880 - Medieval Quarry 40516 KNOWN Wood - [Ironstone - Workings] 07976g UPPER RACE, - ST276986 scheduled Post- Ironstone 302570 PONTYPOOL ancient Medieval workings monument MM256 -
19 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 3: Site visits for the Medieval and early post-medieval extraction project (17 sites: showing location)
20 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
7. GAZETTEER
Gazetteer of Visited Sites: Extraction Sites5
PRN 07976g NPRN 302570 Name UPPER RACE, PONTYPOOL GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR ST276986 Status Scheduled ancient monument Reference MM256 Period Post-Medieval Type Ironstone workings
HER Description An extensive and exceptionally well preserved area of scouring for iron ore at Pontypool, associated with local iron making by the Hanbury family since the 16th century. The place name Upper Race derives from scouring activities on the site. The excavations form a deep scar down the hillside, supplied with water via extensive watercourses, holding ponds and hushing dams. The main scour contains evidence of water management (i.e. temporary dams and sub-scouring), as well as levels small pits and spoil heaps. The whole landscape it thought to have remained almost unaltered since at least the 1870s.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description An extensive and exceptionally well preserved area of scouring for iron ore, associated with local iron making by the Hanbury family since the sixteenth century.
GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Above Hill Farm are the remains of various stone quarries (limestone) with possible indications of the use of fire setting to split larger boulders. These quarries may be related to the production of lime for the nearby Ironworks and/or road stone/building stone (note nearby stone surfaced trackway/tramroad). Various features identifiable within the SAM area extend beyond the SAM boundaries including tips to the N and the course of a well defined tramroad with stone blocks and possibly others not noted.
To the S contouring the slopes beyond White House (i.e. to the S and W of the latter) a concentration of small to medium sized pits (both circular and rectangular) and spoil heaps were noted in dense bracken; these appear to form an earlier phase of extraction before the major scouring of the area.
Within the SAM area a linear embankment was noted leading from main N-S track to an old shaft (coal shown on 1st ed. 12-inch OS map) within the SAM area. Whist this may have been used as a tram embankment it might represent the remains of a hushing reservoir dam. Two water supplies appear to have been used to excavate the two major scours on the E side of the SAM area: a pond (05190g; at ST2774198370) at White House (the curved embankment which would have directed the water from the sluice in the pond dam towards the E scour remains), and an extensive leat which extended from the SW, fed by a system of leats and drains located some distance away at Blaen-Bran.
5 In reverse order (i.e. highest – lowest PRN).
21 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
The secondary working of exposed stone and in the form of pits/trenches and possible collapsed adits was noted along the base and sides of the E scour, indications of lateral leats to the scour are inconclusive though these may have been provided by wooden launders.
The far SWarea of SAM and higher area of scouring was not visited, however a number of NW-SE aligned linear features and areas of scouring were noted cutting the slopes from above. Aerial photographs show two divergent leats extending NE (the lower) and ENE (the upper) from a single point in a partially reclaimed area to the SW (the site of a major scouring reservoir?), to contour the NW facing slopes of Mynydd Twyn-glas; the upper of the leats feeds a surviving scouring reservoir (at ST2745098427), embanked on three sides. Just east of the reservoir another leat extends SE to the top of the main quarry face, and from the same point a major scour extends N, just above and W of the quarry face. The lower of the leats, cut by the major scour, formerly extended to the quarry face.
A rapid visit was made to the site of workings within Cwm Lickey (Cwm Lleucu) to the NW of the SAM area where the remains of buildings and shafts relate to features shown on the 1st edition.
Documentation Group Value 3/4 3/4 Survival/Condition 4 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 3 A
22 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 07147g NPRN 40516 Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Workings, Woolpitch Wood NGR SO4892004880 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Quarry [Ironstone Workings]
HER Description Area of shallow depressions & spoil mounds on S facing slopes at head of holloway. Workings appear to pre-date the quarry to the NNW. Suggest contemporary to Furnace site.
GGAT 120 Additional Description No visible evidence of quarry site at this location on 1st-4th edition 12-inch OS maps or on modern mapping.
NMR Description Aerial photo. 70/022/103. Round and oval earthworks, possibly piles of industrial waste in connection with Furnace (nprn 34144) - see O.S. card SO40SE23.
GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description The workings here form part of a more extensive area of ironstone workings associated with the ironworks (00971g).
Access to the site, PRN 07147g (as recorded on the HER), from the main track through the Ironworks site, is via a tramroad/packhorse route, now a slightly sunken holloway which cuts diagonally across the contour of slope leading SW-NE. The extractive site at PRN 07147 consists of a discrete area of ironstone workings with an extensive area of raised spoil tips; quarry faces, barrow runs, shallow surface workings and tips of waste material that survive in a relatively undisturbed condition. Mature woodland and deep leaf litter now partly obscures the site. W of the sunken track or hollow way, as it approaches site (i.e. 07147g) are further shallow linear trenches and intensive pitting following the mineral exposure.
Other workings were also identified to the E of 07147g; in fact most of the area on the N side of the Penarth Brook is characterised by extensive surface quarrying/shallow ironstone workings, and primitive adits. A deep E-W aligned trench working was noted towards the upper part of the slope within the woodland; the adjacent areas contain shallow surface diggings or pits - primitive 'crown' pit workings or small scale bell pits - whilst partially collapsed adit entrances were also noted cut into the slope/quarry faces. A network of barrow runs could also be identified among pits and spoil tips.
The workings in the area are extensive and require a full topographic survey.
Documentation Group Value 2/3 3/4 Survival/Condition 4 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 3/4 A
23 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 05320g NPRN - Name COCK-Y-NORTH GGAT 120 Revised Name Quarries, Cock-y-North NGR ST350902 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Quarry
HER Description Two hollows were seen in the field SW of Cock-y-North Farm. From their size and shape they are interpreted as small quarries: they are marked as such on OS maps.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Site very overgrown, full access not gained.
Documentation Group Value 2 2 Survival/Condition - Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance - U
24 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 02684m NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit by Nant-Iorwerth-goch, Waun Cimla NGR SS84278351 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description GGAT Assessment Bedford Park and Cefn Cribwr A094
GGAT 120 Additional Description The bell pit is not shown on 1st-4th edition 12-inch OS mapping, or modern maps. The site is located within an area of intensive industrial activity.
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Site not accessible due to dense overgrowth.
Documentation Group Value 1 1/2 Survival/Condition - Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance - U
25 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 02608s NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit, W of St Hilary NGR ST01207310 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description Thaw Valley Survey; OS1 42 bell mine" sheet 45.8
GGAT 120 Additional Description Bell pit visible on 1st-3rd edition OS and modern mapping. Historical mapping shows that the site is located within an area of old lead shafts.
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Mound of earth with a pit in the centre. Heavily overgrown and surrounded by barbed wire which has now started to collapse and fall into the bell pit. Very visible in the landscape (C Halford and S Lewis).
Documentation Group Value 1/2 2/3 Survival/Condition 3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 3 B/C
26 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 02422m NPRN - Name CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN SHAFT MOUNDS GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR ST15308510 Status Scheduled Ancient Monument Reference GM454 Period Medieval Type Mine shaft [Ironstone workings]
HER Description A well preserved group of relict shaft mound features for early coal and iron ore mining. These examples most likely represent small bell-pits for primitive digging of seams near the surface. Documentary evidence shows mining within the area dates from the C14th to C16th.
GGAT 120 Additional Description A well preserved group of relict shaft mound features for early coal and iron ore mining. Likely to represent small bell-pits for primitive digging of seams near the surface. A site visit in 2003 records that the area was under dense bracken and bramble (Cadw Management Report).
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description The main area was overgrown and largely inaccessible, brash has been laid over the footpath network and scars from off road biking further inhibit access. Views obtained from surrounding high points on Caerphilly Common confirmed nature of workings within the SAM area visible as a series of undulations/tips all heavily obscured by bracken and brambles. Scrub woodland is located to the W.
An additional area of similar extractive features and a quarry depicted on 1st edition OS and a possible collapsed adit/level were recorded to the W of the SAM area. The adit was associated with a tramroad/haulage track which contours the slope. Near the entrance to the adit was a stone block with a small cup marked feature.
Documentation Group Value 3/4 3/4 Survival/Condition 3/4 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 2/3 A
27 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 02177m NPRN - Name IRONSTONE SHAFTS GGAT 120 Revised Name Ironstone Shafts, Cefn-yr-Hendy, Pontyclun NGR ST04708165 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Ironstone mine
HER Description Six ironstone shafts sunk in an east-west alignment along the ridge at Cefnyrhendy, shown on the 1st ed. 12-inch OS map of 1885.
GGAT 120 Additional Description A series of old shafts depicted on 1st and 2nd edition as 'old shaft', by 3rd and 4th edition the earthworks remain. Archaeological work carried out in 1991 and 1992 identified a series of isolated industrial remains, pits, shafts and associated waste tips ; these were interpreted as 19th century surface workings associated with the Bute Haematite Works (PRN 2176m) centred on ST0505081550. Lawler notes that the Bute Estate map of 1824 does not show any of the surviving features, and fieldwork carried out failed to identify earlier workings on the ground with certainty. The also asserts that this does not, however, preclude earlier extraction in the area as earlier mine workings were discovered during initial operations at the Bute works in 1854 (Vivian 1885), and early small-scale workings are unlikely to have been recorded on earlier 19th century maps (Lawler 1992, 19).
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Extensive area of workings which includes intensive ironstone pitting and quarries to the E extent depicted on the 1st edition and adjacent to 4 ironstone shafts and associated tramroad/incline, as well as 6 to the W. Sites A and B have been reclaimed, Site C was not visited - the site is depicted within an area of woodland on 1st ed. Site D is within woodland and survives but is damaged, Site E was not accessible, Site F has been destroyed and a car park is now present on the site. Site G survives to the S of D and is shown on the 1st edition.
No early workings were identified, that could be dated to the 18th century, or earlier, with certainty.
Documentation Group Value 1/2 2/3 Survival/Condition 1-3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 3 B/D
28 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01819w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit, N of Bevexe-fach, Gowerton NGR SS59229507 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description A post medieval bell pit.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Site visit attempt failed to access site. Area of site within inaccessible woodland, scrub, nettles and Japanese knotweed.
Documentation Group Value 1 2 Survival/Condition - Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance - U
29 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01815w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit, SE of Ty-gwyn, Upper Killay NGR SS58559307 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description A post medieval bell pit.
GGAT 120 Additional Description No evidence of bell pit at recorded location on 1st-4th edition OS or modern maps.
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Site visit noted area of continued mine workings probably 20th century in date with danger warning signs posted on a concrete retaining wall. To the S of this was a slight sub-circular depression (possibly the site of the bell pit). The feature was not examined in closer detail due to potential danger.
Documentation Group Value 1 2 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 1/2 C/D
30 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01563m/01564m/02153m NPRN - Name GARTH IRON MINE/DEVIL'S HOLE GGAT 120 Revised Name - NGR ST11908235 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Ironstone mine
HER Description A large post-medieval haematite and ochre mining complex in the Taff Gorge, opened c1800-1885. The mine is now sealed, and is being filled in by quarry debris [now considered to have been worked from at least the 16th century].
GGAT 120 Additional Description Iron mine depicted on 1st-3rd ed. OS 12-inch maps, disused by 2nd ed. In addition to Iron Ore (heamatite) the area has also been exploited for Dolomitic limestone, and ochre. Modern mapping shows that much of the central and western part of the area has been altered by a largescale limestone quarry during the 20th century.
Some 88 industrial exttractive features and related structures and 29 linear features (e.g. roads, trackways, tramroads and inclines) have been identified and described at Garth Iron Mine (see Table 9. Industrial extraction sites and related structures identified at Garth Iron Mine (PRN 01563m), Appendix V for details); whilst most features relate to later post-medieval and modern extraction, a number of features are considered to predate 1750, at least in part. The history and archaeology of the site has been dealt with previously at some length (see Owen-John and Lawler 1991, and Lawler and Marvell 1999).
The heamatite, iron ore deposits at Garth may have been extracted from the late prehistoric or Roman periods on the basis of finds assemblages from the surrounding area. The main phases of industrial exploitation at the site appear to date from at least the 16th century; and in 1565 John Bowde and John Frolyck, technical advisor’s to Sir Henry Sidney of Robertsbridge, Sussex, investigated the area (probably in the vicinity of Pentyrch/Radyr, where a furnace had been established) as a source of high grade ore for steel smelting. Between October 1565 and May 1566 German miners were brought over to assist Sidney’s new venture and the operations are well documented with accounts surviving for the period 1564 -1568. At Pentyrch mining and smelting/iron plate production operations were carried out on a six monthly basis, with finished iron product sent by ship from Cardiff to Rye to be converted to steel at Robertsbridge; in 1566 some 800tons were sent from Cardiff, a considerable amount for the period. With the decline of the Robertsbridge production in the late 1560s in the face of Swedish and German competition some output from Pentyrch was diverted to Ireland. Edmund Matthew, whose family held the manor of Radyr, appears to have taken control of the works from the mid-1570s and was producing illicit ordnance by the end of the century. Peter Semayne, a Cardiff Merchant, continued manufacturing weapons at Pentyrch for illegal export until at least 1617, and it has been suggested that the forge and furnace ceased operations in c.1620. The subsequent history of the site is scant prior to the 19th century, though mining operations are likely to have resumed at Garth when a new furnace was built at Pentyrch in c.1740 under the joint enterprise of Thomas Lewis and Nicholas Price (Owen-John and Lawler 1991, 2-3; Lawler and Marvell 1999, 7-8).
Two surviving surface shafts (A23; PRNs 02657m/06168m) at ST1187082326 and (A27; PRNs 02660m/06172m) at ST1197582390 were identified as the most significant surviving surface remains,
31 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent whilst the surrounding archaeological landscape of surface buildings, tips and tramroads were also considered of interest due to their representing a relatively complete and rare example of an early mining site. Owen-John and Lawler suggest that the surviving opencast shafts were at least in origin those of Sir Henry Sidney’s venture of the 1560s (Rees 1968, 259) and relate to the ensuing phase of iron production for ordnance manufacture from c. 1597 to c.1617. The early site (i.e. 16th/17th century workings) comprised two major pits (02657m/06168m and 02660m/06172m), adjacent to each other, with three smaller shafts to the east which appear to represent an initial stage of working from the surface prior to the development of deeper underground workings, associated tips also survive, e.g. 02662m and 06214m (Owen-John and Lawler 1991, 3-6; Lawler and Marvell 1999, 8-9).
Aerial photographs (APsNext_Perspectives 2008-2010) indicate that the main early shafts workings (PRNs 02657m/06168m and PRNs 02660m/06172m) survive (not accessed/visited during the current project), though the eastern extension of the largest working ‘Old Pit’ (02657m/06168m) has been completely infilled with quarry debris and is now completely hidden by modern gravel waste. The area of the tips (PRNs 02662m and 06214m) associated with the shaft workings (which partly survived in 1999) has also been tipped over and these features appear to have been extensively damaged by storage activities associated with 20th century quarrying operations.
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description The site was included only at a late stage in the project and access was only available via public Rights of Way to the areas around the edge of the site. The site visit rapidly examined an extensive area of ironstone surface workings at the N, E and S sides of Garth Wood. Elsewhere much appears to have been removed by later quarrying activity. The main features visited included sunken linear trackways, quarry scoops and possible collapsed bell pits particularly on the N slopes of Garth Wood.
On the slopes along the S side of Garth Wood serried quarry faces and associated tips, the suggestion of a former incline and embanked haulage routes/tramroads, were noted. This area extends from the large quarry at the SE edge of the area W towards the disused railway tunnel; as the workings extend westwards, the linear quarries are replaced by smaller quarry scoops. To the W of the tunnel are the remains of a major tip associated with workings higher up.
Documentation Group Value 3 3/4 Survival/Condition 1-4 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 4/5 A/D
32 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01437w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit, Cwmllwyd Wood, centre, Waunarlwydd NGR SS60969476 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description A post medieval bell pit.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Site visit found feature to be one of several within a fenced area. The remains were very overgrown and it was considered too dangerous to examine the site in closer detail.
Documentation Group Value 1 2/3 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 1/2 C/D
33 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 01436w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Bell pit, Cwmllwyd Wood, N, Waunarlwydd NGR SS61029470 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Bell pit
HER Description A post medieval bell pit.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description A very large bell pit, c. 8-10m in diameter, and c. 8-10m deep. Inaccessible due to vegetation/potentially dangerous.
Documentation Group Value 1 2/3 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 1/2 C/D
34 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00753g NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St Arvans NGR ST53029789 Status - Reference - Period Post-Medieval Type Ironstone mine
HER Description - GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description An area of intensive ironstone workings, located within Minepit Wood, but also extending E and W beyond the boundaries of the woodland. The site comprises numerous large pits, smaller rectangular cut shafts and several E-W aligned interrupted linear cut trenches, or scours, with spoil generally on a downward slope filling the cuts at intervals. A major E-W scour, approximately 40m in length, was recorded cut by the path, and several deeper linear trenches, with intermittent spoil set on the downward side, were also noted. Much of the area is masked by dense woodland, fallen trees and leaf litter.
To the N of the main footpath through the area is a sunken linear feature/track its route partly bounded by old trees with interrupted stone walling or revetment on the downslope side. This feature appears to relate to the path shown on the 1st edition 12-inch OS map.
Documentation Group Value 1/2 2/3 Survival/Condition 4 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 1/2 A/U
35 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00448w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Cwm Ysguthan Colliery (Adits Kilvey Hill) NGR SS67369366 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Colliery
HER Description Area of collapsed adits and spoil tips located on moderate S facing slopes along 260/300m contours. Workings undated; archaeological value as part of industry documented from 14thC.
GGAT 120 Additional Description - NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Series of 8 quarries, all approximately 5m in length, all roughly same shape and size cut into Kilvey Hill. In association are a number of spoil tips (C Halford and S Lewis).
Documentation Group Value 3/4 3/4 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 2 B/C
36 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00447w NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Quarry near Carn-Nicholas Farm NGR SS67939421 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Colliery
HER Description - GGAT 120 Additional Description A coal mine is known to have been in use at Kilvey in the year 1399-1400, the mine at Kilvey consisted of drifts into the hillside. The remains of three sites were noted on the OS 6" map. It is considered that the coal mines probably date from the Medieval period; the southern one was known as 'Black heaps' and the remains of this site were destroyed in 1956 when a road and row of houses were constructed on the site. The site can be divided into three areas: site A at SS67939421, site B at SS67369366, and site C at SS67279346.
A is an old overgrown quarry cut into the slope of the land which falls to the east. Immediately to the NW are three old grass covered drifts with average lengths and widths of 4m by 2m. They are up to 1.5m deep. Surrounding the site are numerous upcast mounds and slag heaps of various sizes, both the grassy and the drifts are similar to several other features which appear on Kilvey Hill, there is no visible trace of antiquity at the site.
B. There are no old coal drifts at or near B which were sited to an accuracy of 20m, the site is on land which falls steeply to the south and appears to be undisturbed at this point.
C. The Black Heaps. The site is on the lower south facing slopes of Kilvey Hill and has been covered by modern constructions. There are no visible remains of a coal mine (HER Further Information File).
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description A linear series of 8 quarries, each roughly measuring 5m in length, located on the slopes of Kilvey Hill. A number of coal tips, now overgrown, were also noted (C Halford and S Lewis).
Documentation Group Value 3/4 3/4 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 2 B/C
37 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00321m NPRN (No NPRN) Name SUTTON QUARRIES GGAT 120 Revised Name - NGR SS86707505 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Quarry
HER Description The famous Sutton stone used in the best work of the county's ancient churches & castles was quarried here. Extensively quarried in early medieval times.
GGAT 120 Additional Description There are two areas well defined areas of quarrying, in 1967 the record states 'both areas are largely hemmed in by modern houses and the quarry refuse and upcast is now overgrown with grass. A - The irregular quarry face on the E side is from 2m to 5m high, mounds of overburden and waste material to the W are from 1m to 3m high. B - The quarry face is on the E, 2m to 4m high and in the N half of the present road turns beneath it as a terrace way. In the S half the road runs above and to the E of a similar face with waste mounds 2m to 4m high. There are no similar workings between B and Pant-y- Slade, simply several small surface quarries which are comparatively recent date'.
NMR Description '(ix) SS87 N.E. The Sutton Quarries, which yielded the famous building stone of the Middle Ages, extend in an outcrop at Ogmore-by-sea some 760m from N.N.W. to S.S.E. (from 8653 7549 to 8675 7476). They, and their product, will be discussed in the Industrial Vol' (RCAHMW 1982, 383).
GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description A number of old quarries are depicted on 1st ed. 25-inch OS map adjacent to the coastal lane (what is now the B4524), the main surviving quarries extend from Graig-yr-eos to SeaLawns (Area A), with surviving quarry faces found to the N on the E side of the road. Other possible features survive to the E of Slon Lane but are currently overgrown and inaccessible, whilst there are indications of a former quarry embayment and associated spoil beneath a play area (partly landscaped).
Towards the south of Ogmore-by-sea, another area of quarrying (Area B) was identified located on the E side of the road, adjacent to the car park at SS8693874490. Features noted at the quarry include low linear tips and irregular waste material dumps set roughly parallel to the quarry faces. The quarry appears to be enclosed on the W side by a bank visible as a scarp with an entrance approximately mid-way and a track leading to the quarried area to the E. Two hut platforms were noted to be located in close proximity to the quarry and are possibly related to the quarrying activity: an embanked platform, 10m by 7m (aligned E-W), with a possible annex to the S, located just S of the quarry entrance and W of the enclosure scarp at SS8695074448, and a further platform hut, c.15.2m by 7.9m, previously identified (PRN 01727m, NPRN 309929) at SS86917445 on the W side of the road. Both platforms are associated with enclosures, that to the W having indications of ridge and furrow. Also W of the road a possible Medieval long house and enclosure (NPRN 15293: Cymmylau, Long House and Enclosure, NGR SS86797446) has been noted. Other associated features include a possible ‘holloway’ extending W from the quarry towards the coast.
An additional area of quarrying (Area C), extends N over an area from just S of Sutton Farm contouring the hillside; APs indicate potentially quarried outcrops extending NE to Graig-ddu.
38 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Further quarry features survive to the W of Sutton Farm on the slopes above Trwynymarch, extending towards the coastal edge (car park); this area requires further survey and has not been defined for the purpose of the study. It is also likely that further areas of quarrying are to be identified along the coastal margins further S – a limestone quarry (PRN2561) has been identified further S at SS869743, while at Pant-y-slade (SS8706074157) former quarry workings - a series of scoops, hollows and waste - are visible on APs as disturbed ground along the cliff edge. With much of the coastal area under sand dune, the true extent of medieval quarrying along the coastal zone, including Ogmore-by- sea and Ogmore Down, is likely to be in part obscured by windblown sand. It is therefore possible and highly likely that the stone quarries here were formerly much more extensive.
Documentation Group Value 4 5 Survival/Condition 4/5 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 3/4 A
39 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN 00180g NPRN - Name SITE NAME NOT KNOWN GGAT 120 Revised Name Barrack Hill Quarry, Bosworth Drive, Newport NGR ST30488885 Status - Reference - Period Medieval Type Quarry
HER Description In an account of the repairs to the Castle, we found mention made of stone from a quarry at Milne Hill.
GGAT 120 Additional Description Quarry shown on 1st edition OS as 'Old Quarry' from the 1st to the 3rd edition, site still visible but not named on the 4th edition OS map.
NMR Description - GGAT 120 Fieldwork Description Inaccessible - the area is covered in dense Japanese knotweed (c. 2m tall), trees and other scrub vegetation. The southern part of the area shown as a spoil tip has been reclaimed.
Documentation Group Value 2/3 3 Survival/Condition 2/3 Fragility/Vulnerability Archaeological Significance 2 C/D
40 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
8. SELECTED FIGURES AND PLATES Figures
Figure 4: PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (c. NGR SS86707505)
Figure 5: PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans (NGR ST53029789)
41 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 6: PRNs 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole (NGR ST10608250)
Figure 7: PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds (NGR ST15308510; SAM GM454)
42 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Figure 8: PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood (NGR SO4892004880)
Figure 9: PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool (NGR ST276986; SAM MM256)
43 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plates
Plate 1. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area A), view to the east
Plate 2. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area B), quarry face and waste, view to north
44 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 3. PRN 00321m Sutton Quarries (Area B), unrecorded hut platform, view to east
Plate 4. PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans, typical ironstone shaft, view to north
45 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 5. PRN 00753g Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, St. Arvans, overgrown trench working, view to north
Plate 6. PRN 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole, possible collapsed bell pit, view to south
46 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 7. PRN 01563m/01564m/02153m Garth Iron Mine/Devil’s Hole, quarry trench, view to northwest
Plate 8. PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds, area of pitting (SAM GM454), view to south-southeast
47 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 9. PRN 02422m Caerphilly Mountain Shaft Mounds, area of workings to east of SAM GM454, view to southeast
Plate 10. PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood, tips northwest of the scheduled furnace site (SAM MM177), view to northeast
48 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 11. PRN 07147g (NPRN 40516) Workings, Woolpitch Wood, ironstone quarry faces within extended area north and northeast of the furnace (SAM MM177), view to north
Plate 12. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, scour (SAM MM256), view to north
49 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Plate 13. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, tips from quarry workings north of SAM Area (mid-ground), view to west
Plate 14. PRN 07976g (NPRN 302570) Upper Race, Pontypool, scour and quarry face (SAM MM256), view to south-southeast
50 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
9. RECOMMENDATIONS
Where noted during the project the specific major threats identified in relation to early extraction were mainly from dereliction, vegetation growth, agricultural improvement and reclamation. 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. Recommendations made include survey (primarily topographic/condition), and conservation works (including clearance and consolidation). 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 extraction sites; take up would need to be subject to specific/stringent Health & Safety reviews.
The provision of information panels and the incorporation of early extraction 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.
51 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
10. CONCLUSIONS
The initial scoping project (GGAT102, Roberts 2010) identified c.43 sites recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER). The data refinement, filtration and appraisal undertaken at the start of the current project examined 45 extraction sites, including 6 sites not included on the HER, of these 24 were taken forward and assessed for the purpose of the study.
Of the total 24 extraction sites assessed in detail for this project, two (c.8.3%) of the total resource (i.e. pre-1750), are currently protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. In terms of significance, four were assessed as being of National significance, two sites were of borderline National Significance, and a further five sites were considered to be at least potentially of Regional Significance, whilst the remainder were considered to be of Local, Minor, or Unknown Significance. The figures indicate that around 25% of the selected resource was considered to be of National interest/potential National Significance, whilst 29.17% were likely to be of at least Regional Significance, at least in part.
Of the 24 extraction sites assessed, some six sites (c.25%) were ‘Ironstone mine’ or ‘Ironstone working’ (including a single site recorded as a ‘Mine shaft’ better described by type as ‘Ironstone workings’) by type, three sites (12.5%) were identified as collieries, and four sites were quarries (16.67%), whilst 11 sites (c.45.83%) related to Bell pits. Of the resource ironstone mines/workings accounted for four of the six sites valued at National or potential National Significance (Grade A and A/B), the other two being quarries by type, one of which would also be better described as an ‘Ironstone working’. Of the four sites considered to be at least potentially of Regional Significance, two were collieries, two were Bell pits, and one an ‘Ironstone mine’, by type. Most of the individual bell pit sites accessible to a site visit were found to be in a damaged or very poor condition.
A notable and understandable bias is clear in the geographic distribution of the sampled sites away from the Blaenau (i.e. the Heads of the Valleys area) and the main coal and iron ore bearing areas exploited from the second half of the 18th century and primarily during the 19th century, many of the earlier extraction sites within these areas would have been at least masked, if not entirely reworked during the post-1750 era.
All sites were assessed to examine whether accurate digital polygons showing the presumed extent of extraction features 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 24 polygons were created (including three for PRN 00321m, and three additional polygons for PRN 07976g, and an additional polygon for PRN 02422m). Apart from SAM areas, which have pre-existing polygons, the remaining sites assessed had insufficient levels of information available to allow polygons to be created – this was in part due to discrepancies in the accuracy of grid references, and reflects the cartographic and other records, though in the majority of cases inaccessibility and vegetation cover prevented the extent of the current remains to be confirmed with the required level of accuracy. The rapid review
52 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent of digital aerial photographic material also failed to clarify presence/absence, or extant of remains, in several cases.
Of the 24 extraction sites assessed, 17 were visited, of these three were found to be inaccessible due to dense vegetation (e.g. Japanese knotweed, brambles, and scrub woodland); additional field visit descriptions, condition description, threats, and management recommendations were made for those sites which were accessible. Details are presented within the body and appendices of the report.
A number of the sites of National and possibly higher Regional Significance will be recommended for consideration for protection through scheduling, or potential extention of areas currently protected. These recommendations will form the basis of a separate scheduling report.
53 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Various minor articles from journals including Archaeology in Wales, Monmouthshire Antiquary, 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: Bradney, J. 1992, A History of Monmouthshire, Vols. 1-5. Merton Priory Press. Owen-John, H. & Lawler, M. 1991, Proposed Extension of Taffs Well Quarry Archaeological Assessment (unpublished GGAT report). Leighton, DK. 1997, ‘The land-use history of the Clyne Wood and the evolution of the Clyne landscape’ Studia Celtica 31, 135-59. Mathews, PW. 1960 ‘Industrial development in the Clyne Valley’ Gower 13, 28-31. Lawler, M, 1991, Cefn-yr-Hendy An Initial Archaeological Assessment (unpublished GGAT report) Lawler, M, 1992, Cefn -yr- Hendy, Mid Glamorgan: Archaeological Assessment and Recommendations (unpublished GGAT report) Lawler, M. and Marvell, A. 1999, Taffs Well Quarry, Cardiff: Survey Of Surface Features And Structures Connected With Past Mineral Working (unpublished GGAT report no. 99/023). RCAHMW. 1982, An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Glamorgan. Volume III: Medieval Secular Monuments Part II: Non-defensive. HMSO, Cardiff. Research Audit: South East Wales 2002. Roberts, R. 2010, GGAT 102 Medieval and Post-medieval Scoping Project (unpublished GGAT report). Thomas, WG. 1969, ‘The coal mining industry in West Glamorgan’ in Williams S (ed.) Glamorgan Historian 6 201-27. Williams, DH.1990, Atlas of Cistercian Lands in Wales. HMSO, Cardiff. Williams, DH. 2001, The Welsh Cistercians. Williams, M. 1958, ‘Early coal workings in the Clyne Valley’ Gower 11, 17-21.
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. 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. Robinson, DM. 2006, The Cistercians in Wales: Architecture and Archaeology 1130-1540. The Society of Antiquaries in London. Williams, DH. 1984, The Welsh Cistercians. Vols 1 & 2, British Library. Williams, DH. 1998, The Cistercians in the Early Middle Ages, Leominster
Cartographic sources: Map of the County of Glamorgan Yates, G. 1799 1st Edition OS map (1877) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 2nd Edition OS map (1899) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 3rd Edition OS map (1918-19) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping) 4th Edition OS map (1937) 1: 2500 scale County Series (Landmark Historic Mapping)
54 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Aerial Photographic Source: Next Perspectives, 2010, 1:10,000 Raster
55 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix I Summary of Stage 1 Appraisal
Table 4. Stage 1 Appraisal of Medieval and early post-medieval extraction: 45 sites, including 41 PRNs, 2 NPRNs and 6 additional sites (pre-fixed by EEGG)
PRN& EEGG Poor Grid Earthwork6 Status Sites Post Reference remains HER Name GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN 1750 grade
00168g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Quarry, Stow, Newport ST30908770 - Medieval Quarry - - - - 00180g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Barrack Hill Quarry, Bosworth ST30488885 - Medieval Quarry - Yes Drive, Newport - - 00321m No SUTTON QUARRIES - SS86707505 - Medieval Quarry - Yes - - 00447w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Coal Mine, Kilvey Hill SS67939421 - Medieval Colliery - Yes - - 00448w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Cwm Ysguthan Colliery (Adits SS67369366 - Medieval Colliery - (Yes) Kilvey Hill) - - 00449w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Black Heaps, Kilvey Hill SS67279346 - Medieval Colliery - (Yes) - - 00666g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Stone Quarries, Penallt SO53560981 - Medieval Quarry - - - - 00673g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Millstone Quarries, Trelech SO5105 - Medieval Quarry Yes - - [Millstone - Quarry]
6 Where the possibility of earthwork features were initially identified (e.g. from historic mapping and earlier descriptions), but remain unconfirmed by aerial photographs and other evidence these are bracketed – see also gazetteer for information on sites visited. NB. Only a selection of Bell pits was selected for visits.
56 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN& EEGG Poor Grid Earthwork6 Status Sites Post Reference remains HER Name GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN 1750 grade
01445g No BADEY PIT - SO4813 - Medieval Quarry Yes - - - 02422m No CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN - ST15308510 scheduled ancient Medieval Mine shaft - Yes SHAFT MOUNDS monument [Ironstone GM454 Workings] - 03871m No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Shaft, Copi Gwynthi ST1959887412 - Medieval Shaft - - - - 03873m No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Shaft, Copi Gwynthi ST1994387446 - Medieval Shaft - - - - 03874m No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Shaft, Copi Gwynthi ST1996087594 - Medieval Shaft - - - - 05320g No COCK-Y-NORTH Quarries, Cock-y-North ST350902 - Medieval Quarry - (Yes) - - 05614g No BAYFIELD Clay pit, Bayfield ST52379402 - Medieval Clay pit - - - - 07147g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Workings, Woolpitch Wood SO4892004880 - Medieval Quarry - (Yes) 40516 - [Ironstone - Workings] 00753g No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Ironstone Mine, Minepit Wood, ST53029789 - Post- Ironstone - (Yes) St. Arvans - Medieval mine - 01435w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, W of Cwmllwyd Wood, SS60839474 - Post- Bell pit - Yes Waunarlwydd - Medieval - 01436w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd Wood, N, SS61029470 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Waunarlwydd - Medieval -
57 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN& EEGG Poor Grid Earthwork6 Status Sites Post Reference remains HER Name GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN 1750 grade
01437w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, Cwmllwyd Wood, SS60969476 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) centre, Waunarlwydd - Medieval - 01442w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, Tal-y-Ffrawe, Mynydd- SS61819535 - Post- Bell pit - - bach-y-Glo - Medieval - 01447w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, NE of Bevexe-fach, SS59539508 - Post- Bell pit - - Gowerton - Medieval - 01550m No LLANHARRY IRON MINE - ST01808090 - Post- Ironstone - - - Medieval mine - 01563m/ No Garth Iron Mine / DEVIL’S - ST10608250 - Post- Ironstone - (Yes - NGR 01564m / Hole - Medieval mine inaccurate) 02153m - 01815w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, SE of Ty-gwyn, Upper SS58559307 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Killay - Medieval - 01816w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, E of Wern-fawr, Upper SS59279275 - Post- Bell pit - - Killay - Medieval - 01817w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, N of Wern-fawr, Upper SS59159305 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Killay - Medieval - 01818w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, Prior’s Meadow, Three SS57859400 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Crosses - Medieval - 01819w No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, N of Bevexe-fach, SS59229507 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Gowerton - Medieval - 01834w No Bell Pit, Gowerton Bell Pit, NE of Cefn-goleu, SS57929534 - Post- Bell pit - - Gowerton - Medieval - 02177m No IRONSTONE SHAFTS Ironstone Shafts, Cefn-yr- ST04708165 - Post- Ironstone - (Yes) Hendy, Pontyclun - Medieval mine -
58 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN& EEGG Poor Grid Earthwork6 Status Sites Post Reference remains HER Name GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN 1750 grade
02608s No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, W of St. Hilary ST01207310 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) - Medieval - 02684m No SITE NAME NOT KNOWN Bell Pit, Nant-Iorwerth-goch, SS84278351 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Waun Cimla - Medieval - 05024w No GOWERTON SCHOOL Bell Pit, N of Cefn-gorwydd, SS59319564 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Gowerton - Medieval - 05533g Yes GARN-YR-ERW Bell Pits, W of Upper Brick SO247098 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Yard, Blaenavon - Medieval - 05540g Yes GARN-YR-ERW Collapsed Workings, Garn-yr- SO233104 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) Erw, Blaenavon - Medieval - 06171w No Depression on Morgan Ironstone Working, Mynydd SS782888 - Post- Ironstone - Yes Mountain Margam - Medieval workings - 07976g No UPPER RACE, PONTYPOOL - ST276986 scheduled ancient Post- Ironstone - Yes 302570 monument Medieval workings MM256 - 08868g No Cruglwyn Bell Pit Bell pit, Cruglwyn, Argoed SO1641805570 - Post- Bell pit - (Yes) - Medieval - EEGG001 No - Cefn Cribwr coal pit SS823833 - Medieval Coal workings - - - - EEGG002 No - Coal workings, Aberbaiden SS850847 - Medieval Coal workings - - - - EEGG003 No - Llanderfel coal mine ST264952 - Medieval Coal Mine - - - -
59 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
PRN& EEGG Poor Grid Earthwork6 Status Sites Post Reference remains HER Name GGAT 120 Revised Name NGR reference Period Type NPRN 1750 grade
EEGG004 No - Penhydd Grange coal pit SS806931 - Medieval Coal workings - - - - EEGG005 No - Ty Tanglwst mining site SS822808 - Medieval Mine - - - - EEGG006 No - Whitecross Grange coal pit SS781883 - Medieval Coal workings - - - -
60 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix II Other Data
Table 5. Summary of NMR sites (7 NPRNs) appraised (information courtesy of the RCAHMW)7
NPRN PRN NMR NAME Description TYPE PERIOD FORM NGR COMMUNITY 40516 07147g WOOLPITCH WOOD, NR. Aerial photo. 70/022/103. Round and oval earthworks, INDUSTRIAL Post Earthwork SO49460443 Trellech EARTHWORKS possibly piles of industrial waste in connection with SITE Medieval United Furnace (nprn 34144) - see O.S. card SO40SE23. 40581 - MILLSTONE QUARRY, "Upon....Ryers downe certaine stones whereof mill stones QUARRY Medieval Earthwork SS45129290 Llangennith CHERITON WOOD, RYER'S are and have beene made". (Survey of Anglicana 1583). DOWN 40603 - BAL MAWR, ROOF STONE Hollows quarried out for roofing stones, possibly from late STONE Post Earthwork SO2726 Crucorney QUARRIES medieval times to circa 1910. QUARRY Medieval
40605 (04068g? – same GRAIG WOOD, MILL - QUARRY Post - SO532085 Trellech wood, but different STONE QUARRY Medieval United NGR location given)
40606 - LORD'S GROVE STONE - STONE Post - SO527115 Monmouth QUARRY QUARRY Medieval
223831 (03614g? – Type CROSSHANDS QUARRY At the given NGR lies a roughly circular hollow 25m-30m QUARRY? Medieval; Earthwork SO42950385 Raglan given as enclosure, across and 1m deep. ?former quarry (close to road). Post non-extractive?) Medieval
visited: D.K.Leighton 22 January 1999
302570 07976g IRON ORE SCOURING, An extensive and exceptionally well preserved area of INDUSTRIAL Post Earthwork ST276986 Pontymoile UPPER RACE, scouring for iron ore, associated with local iron making by SITE Medieval PONTYPOOL the Hanbury family since the sixteenth century. 2002.02.05,YMA
7 Due to project constraints, only those NPRNs confirmed as having an equivalent extractive PRN, were included in the assessment.
61 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Table 6. Summary of information on early extractive sites from Williams (Cistercian sites)
EEGG Included in Associated Identified Identified Number Name Description Type NGR main with from maps from APs project EEGG001 Cefn Cribwr Substantial tithe-free area north of Marlas-Kenfig road, monks had a coal pit on Cefn Coal SS823833 Margam No No No coal pit Cribwr perhaps c.SS823833 workings EEGG002 Coal Possibility of coal mining at Aberbaiden see RCAHM 1982 285-6 Coal SS850847 Margam No No No workings, Mine Aberbaiden EEGG003 Llanderfel Possibly at Llanderfel where open-cast working took place in early modern times. Coal ST264952 Llantarnam No No No coal mine Mine EEGG004 Penhydd In 1519 there was a coal pit marked by two stones on bounds of Penhydd-waelod in Coal SS806931 Margam No No No Grange coal the Gorse Moor see RCAHM 1982 289-90. Charter of 1249 in which Owen ab Alathur workings pit grants the monks all the 'stony coal in his land, with entry for two-wheeled and four- wheeled carts and other vehicles, in return the monks undertook to compensate Owen for any damage done to his arable land by their digging for coal RCAHM 1982 289-90. EEGG005 Ty Tanglwst Probable iron and lead mining in the 13th century at Ty Tanglwst Grange see RCAHM Mine SS822808 Margam No No No mining site 1982, 282-3 EEGG006 Whitecross Coal pit. Old coal levels shown on 1st-4th edition OS. Coal SS781883 Margam Yes No No Grange workings coalpit
62 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix III Polygon Data
Table 7. GGAT 120 Polygon information for extraction sites (24 sites) Polygon ID HER RC OS Date OS AP Notes description description 00180g No No Yes 1883 No Polygon digitised from OS and buffered by 5m. 00447w No No Yes 1881 No Polygon digitised from OS and buffered by 4m. 05320g No No Yes 1883-2012 No Presumed site digitised from 1st Edition OS 02177m No No Yes 1877 No Digitised from OS and buffered by 2m. 02608s No No Yes 1878-2012 No Polygon encompasses several extractive sites that are shown on 1st Edition OS. 00321m (Area A) No No Yes 1878 No Digitised from HER description and 1st Edition OS. 00666g No No Yes 1887-2012 No Digitised from 1st Edition OS. 03871m No No Yes 1921 No Digitised from OS & buffered by 2m. 05614g No No Yes 1887-1921 No Digitised from OS & buffered by 2m. 00449w No No Yes 1879-1919 No Digitised from OS & buffered by 2m. 06171w No No Yes 1877 No Digitised from OS & buffered by 5m. 01819w No No Yes 1878 No Digitised to boundaries shown on 1st ed. OS, extended to include 01447w. 01550m No No Yes 1876 No Digitised to boundaries shown on 1st ed. OS. 00753g Yes No Yes 1881-2005 Yes Copied from HER polygons, polygon re-digitised from OS boundaries, place name, and field visit. 02684m No No Yes 1876 No Polygon digitised to boundaries shown on 1st ed. OS. 05533g No No Yes 1880 No Digitised from 1st ed. OS, polygon tied roughly to earthwork boundaries. 01563m/01564m/02153m No No Yes 1875-1943, Yes Copied from Landmap Cardiff CHL019 Garth wood. Checked against 1st-4th edition OS maps 2012 and APs. (Takes in entire site, including 20th century Opencast) 00321m (Area B) No No Yes 1878-1918, Yes Area covers features noted during field visit. 2012 00321m (Area C) No No Yes 1878-1918, Yes Area covers features noted from mapping and APs. 2012 07147g No No No 2012 Yes Area covers features noted during field visit. 07976g (N extn.) No No Yes 1882-2012 Yes Additional area to SAM (incl. extn . to scour & tips); from 1st ed. OS, APs and modern mapping 07976g (NW extn.) No No Yes 1882-2012 Yes Additional area to SAM (incl. tips and pitting, etc.); from 1st ed. OS, APs and modern mapping 07976g (SW extn.) No No Yes 1882-2012 Yes Additional area to SAM (incl. drainage & stone pitting); from 1st ed. OS, APs and modern mapping 02422m (poss. extn.) No No Yes 1877-2012 Yes Possible extension to workings previously identified for 02422m (approximate extent only)
63 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix IV Threats and Recommendations
Table 8. GGAT 120 Site specific threats and recommendations
Name Status GGAT120 PRN GGAT120 NGR Reference Type GGAT120 Condition GGAT120 Threats Management Recommendations Revised Name 00180g SITE NAME NOT ST30488885 - Quarry Overgrown, destroyed - - KNOWN/ - Barrack Hill Quarry, Bosworth Drive 00321m SUTTON SS86707505 - Quarry S area - good, N areas Damage from vehicles. Extension to Vegetation/scrub clearance under QUARRIES - overgrown current car park/road widening, Urban archaeological control. expansion. Vegetation. Topographic Survey/wider condition survey. A good potential candidate for a Community project.
Consider information panel(s)
As this covers an extensive area consider production of conservation plan to review required conservation works. 00447w SITE NAME NOT SS67939421 - Colliery Overgrown Vegetation causing collapse of quarry Possible vegetation/scrub clearance under KNOWN/ - faces and damage to tips. Potential archaeological control, Subject to Health & Quarry near Carn- for erosion from off road Vehicles Safety Review (Potential Community Nicholas Farm (including mountain bikes) Project) 00448w SITE NAME NOT SS67369366 - Colliery Overgrown Vegetation causing collapse of quarry Possible vegetation/scrub clearance under KNOWN/ - faces and damage to tips. Potential archaeological control, Subject to Health & Cwm Ysguthan for erosion from off road Vehicles Safety Review (Potential Community Colliery (including mountain bikes) Project)
64 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name Status GGAT120 PRN GGAT120 NGR Reference Type GGAT120 Condition GGAT120 Threats Management Recommendations Revised Name 00753g SITE NAME NOT ST53029789 - Ironstone Damaged Area is within mature woodland which Sensitive management of woodland under KNOWN/ - mine is rapidly regenerating and there are archaeological control to potential and active Minepit Wood, - many fallen trees, workings are open damage to archaeological features. Ironstone Mine and of considerable depth. Topographic/full condition survey, Subject to Health & Safety Review (Potential Community Project)
Consider production of conservation plan to review required conservation works.
01436w SITE NAME NOT SS61029470 - Bell pit Damaged - - KNOWN/ - Bell pit, Cwmllwyd - Wood 01437w SITE NAME NOT SS60969476 - Bell pit Not known - - KNOWN/ - Bell pit, Cwmllwyd - Wood 01563m/ GARTH IRON ST11908235 - Ironstone Moderate to good within Quarry extension, forestry activity, Survey, including topographic/building 01564m/02153m MINE & DEVIL’S - mine ancient woodland. erosion from pedestrian usage where surveys. HOLE - Remains that haven't footpaths cross extractive remains. been removed by later Consider production of conservation plan to quarrying are good. review required conservation works.
Possibly consider micro-relocation of footpaths away from workings, where active damage identified. 01815w SITE NAME NOT SS58559307 - Bell pit Damaged - - KNOWN/ - Bell pit, Upper - Killay 01819w SITE NAME NOT SS59229507 - Bell pit Not known - - KNOWN/ - Bell pit by - Bishwell Common, Gowerton
65 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name Status GGAT120 PRN GGAT120 NGR Reference Type GGAT120 Condition GGAT120 Threats Management Recommendations Revised Name 02177m IRONSTONE ST04708165 - Ironstone As individually described Development, reclamation, damage Possible topographic survey – dependant on SHAFTS/ - mine from recreational pursuits (e.g. off- Health & Safety Review (Potential Ironstone Shafts, - road bikes), vegetation (e.g. tree falls) Community Project). Cefn-yr-Hendy 02422m CAERPHILLY ST15308510 scheduled Mine shaft Overgrown Damage from recreational pursuits Topographical survey (only during winter & MOUNTAIN ancient [Ironstone (e.g. off-road bikes), vegetation, i.e. following clearance of brash) SHAFT MOUNDS monument Workings] scrub and efforts to clear scrub are a GM454 potential threat.
02608s SITE NAME NOT ST01207310 - Bell pit Heavily overgrown Vegetation, damage from agricultural Repair fence around feature to ensure KNOWN/ - improvement/infilling. safety of livestock. Bell pit by Coed y - Tor, Llanfair 02684m SITE NAME NOT SS84278351 - Bell pit Not known - - KNOWN/ - Bell pit by Nant - Iorwerth goch, Cefn Cribwr 05320g COCK-Y-NORTH/ ST350902 - Quarry - - - Quarries. Cock-y- - North 07147g SITE NAME NOT SO4892004880 - Quarry Damaged Vegetation, tree falls and forestry Sites overgrown and In urgent need of KNOWN/ - [Ironstone activities conservation (i.e. clearance of the Quarry, Woolpitch Workings] vegetation /consolidation of the remains) to Wood prevent total loss through dereliction.
Topographic/condition survey to cover 07147g & newly identified site, and associated ironworks, subject to a full Health & Safety Review (possible Community Project).
Improve signage and add interpretation panels.
Consider production of conservation plan to review required conservation works.
66 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Name Status GGAT120 PRN GGAT120 NGR Reference Type GGAT120 Condition GGAT120 Threats Management Recommendations Revised Name 07976g UPPER RACE, ST276986 scheduled Ironstone Good Erosion from off road vehicles, Manage gorse/scrub under archaeological PONTYPOOL ancient workings including bikes. Fly tipping/vehicle control. monument dumping (remnant of burnt vehicle MM256 noted), scrub and vegetation Restrict off-road vehicle access. Repair - including gorse. damage from unofficial paths, and repair footpaths and tracks through the area under Reclamation and opencast of the archaeological supervision. adjacent areas remains a threat. Consider providing Heritage information/interpretation panels, include within wider Heritage Trail,
Full topographic/condition survey of SAM area and areas identified beyond SAM area. Subject to a full Health & Safety Review (possible Community Project).
Consider production of conservation plan to review required conservation works.
67 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Appendix V Industrial features at the Garth Ironstone Mine (PRN 01563m)
Table 9. Industrial extraction sites and related structures identified at Garth Iron Mine (PRN 01563m)8
PRN Number Name NGR Description9 Type Broad class Period after Lawler and Marvell 1999 01563m - Garth Iron Mine ST11908235 A large post-medieval haematite and ochre mining complex in the Ironstone mine Industrial Post-Medieval Taff Gorge, opened c1800-1885. The mine is now sealed, and is being filled in by quarry debris. 02652m A26 Disused Airshaft ST1168682315 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment Airshaft Unassigned Post-Medieval 02653m C12 Mine Pit Cottage ST1181082300 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - Ruins of this building survive to a Building Unassigned Post-Medieval maximum height of c 2.5m, though encroached upon by a modern bank to the - west and by concrete slurry waste to the south. Part of a drystone field enclosure and other walls are also visible. 02654m A25 Air or Pumping ST1182782313 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - This shaft and associated structures Mine shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Shaft Complex (C15) appear to lie beneath the modem bank. 02656m D2 Waste Limestone ST1182082340 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - A complex pattern of tipping in the Spoil heap Industrial Post-Medieval Tips area to the west of the largest surface working pit (A23). It is probable that some of the tips may relate to early phases of ore extraction. The tramroad (B15) (2.6.4) appears to cut them, with its sides partly revetted by drystone blocks. 02657m A23 Old Pit ST1187082321 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - The largest of the Garth Mine Mine Industrial Post-Medieval surface shafts. This surviving pit was linked to the slightly smaller adjacent pit (now backfilled) which lay to the east. Old Pit is c 48m x 38m in area and c 60m or more in depth, with near vertical sides. The main heading to the underground mine workings extends northwards from an opening towards the base of the pit at - ST11857 82338. A pumping shaft, or air shaft (A24) and related structures are perched on the north western lip of the pit (2.6.7 and 2.6.8). 02658m A24 Air or Pumping ST1184582342 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - A substantial stone-lined shaft (A24) Mine shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Shaft Complex lies to the north of the largest surface working pit (A23). Although map evidence indicates an air shaft, a moveable iron bar set vertically in the floor of the adjoining building (C 16) could be a pump rod.
8 Does not include linear features (e.g. roads, trackwsys, and tramroads), or prehistoric sites or finds (e.g. PRN 593s Lesser Garth Cave). 9 As edited down for the HER. More extensive descriptions retaining cross-referencing are to be found in Lawler & Marvell 1999.
68 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
02659m C18 Stone Building ST1184082335 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - Remains of a two-roomed structure Building Unassigned Post-Medieval perched on the north west lip of the largest opencast pit (A24) (2.6.6). Ruined walls survive to a height of c 50cms. 02660m A27 'No. 3 Shaft' ST1197582385 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - The second largest surviving Mine Industrial Post-Medieval opencast pit, after (A23). This pit measures some 47m x 18m in plan. Unlike (A23) It has shear sides and its floor slopes from c 4m to c 18m depth before opening onto the steeply inclined shaft at the north end, which continues to a depth of more than 100m below the surface. Surviving stonework (C17) at the north end of the pit (immediately beneath the modem pump head) appears to have formed a square-sectioned shaft perched above the great inclined shaft that is directly beneath this. 02661m A32 'No. 2 Shaft' ST1202482383 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment -Well preserved surface shaft similar Mine shaft Industrial Post-Medieval to the inclined shaft at the base of opencast pit (A27) (2.6.9). This also appears to be an inclined shaft following the dip to north to a similar depth. 02662m D5 Waste Tips ST1195782358 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment -Sandwiched between opencast pit Spoil heap Industrial Post-Medieval (A27) and the modern gravel storage bays, these tips represent the surviving northern part of a much larger former extent of waste tips, now principally occupied by the storage bays themselves. 02663m D6 Waste Tips ST1200082430 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment - An extensive complex associated Spoil heap Industrial Post-Medieval with the pits and shafts to the south and east. 02665m A12 Surface ST1185482522 Taffs Well Quarry Assessment -8m in diameter and 5.7m in depth. Pit Unassigned Post-Medieval Depression Adjacent to trackvay (B14) 04100s A20 Ty-Nant Quarry ST1270082195 Quarry (post 1920) on the east side of Lesser Garth Hill. Quarry Industrial Modern (limestone/phos phate) 04101s A29 Quarry ST1241581966 Small quarry on the east side of Lesser Garth Hill. Recorded on 1st Quarry Industrial Unknown edition OS map1882. 04102s A30 Quarry ST1254082000 Quarry (post 1920) on the south side of Lesser Garth Hill. Quarry Industrial Modern 06140m A1 Circular ST1116082490 A damp circular depression c 6m x 3m. Alongside east-west Depression Unassigned Unknown depression in trackway (tramroad?). Possibly a small limestone quarry/haematite Garth Wood pit. 06141m A2 Circular ST1117482489 A damp circular depression c 6m x 3m. Immediately east of PRN Depression Unassigned Unknown depression in 0640m. Adjoins east-west trackway (possible tramroad?). Possibly Garth Wood a small limestone quarry/haematite pit. 06142m A3 Circular ST1130882613 Described as a ‘small slightly damp depression’, c 15m x 4m. Depression Unassigned Unknown depression in Adjoins the former course of the valley road, Heol Goch. This Garth Wood feature was not observed during survey work. 06143m A4 Circular ST1141482529 Described as a ’dry circular depression, earth piled up on down side’ Depression Unassigned Unknown depression in c 14m x 5m. Adjoins the 1882 Survey trackway. Probably a small Garth Wood limestone quarry.
69 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06144m A5 Circular ST1150082532 Described as a ’dry circular depression, earth piled up on down side’ Depression Unassigned Unknown depression in c 17m x 4m. Adjoins the 1882 Survey trackway. Probably a small Garth Wood limestone quarry. 06145m A6 Pit in Garth Wood ST1156082505 Described as a ‘long hole, 4m deep, dry’. Adjoins the 1882 Survey Depression Unassigned Unknown trackway c.38m x 9m. Possibly a haematite pit/limestone quarry. 06153m A7 Depression in ST1160182489 Described as a depression soil around edges c 13m x 6m. Probably Depression Unassigned Unknown Garth Wood a small limestone quarry. 06154m A8 Shaft in Garth ST1161082499 Described as the ‘remains of a shaft (dry)’ c 19m x 7m. Probably a Shaft Industrial Unknown Wood small limestone quarry. 06155m A9 Quarry in Garth ST1167082695 Recording on 1882 OS 25 1st ed Sheet 36.16, 1920 OS 25 3rd ed. Limestone Industrial Unknown Wood Described as an old quarry in 1920. Limestone quarry c 50m north- quarry south by 30m east-west. Quarry waste dumps to north, down slope from the quarry, almost encroaching on adit entrance to the Garth Mine below this. The quarry appears to be in its final stages by the 1882 survey (surveyed in 1873/4). A deep, rectangular quarry with near vertical sides and a few rubble waste heaps on and around the quarry floor. A well-defined trackway extends westwards from the quarry floor to the main tramroad. 06156m A10 Quarry in Garth ST1171782581 Described as a small quarry, dry but moss-covered. Not shown in Quarry Industrial Unknown Wood the earlier OS surveys (ie 1920) c 17m east-west by 18m north- south. Spoil heap downslope, to north of the quarry at ST 11707- 82600. Quarry entrance c 35m south of trackway (B9) shown in the 1882 survey. 06157m A11 Level in Garth ST1184882552 Recorded on 1920 OS 25 3rd Sheet 36.16 Described as a disused Level Industrial Post-Medieval Wood level in modern OS 25 sheet c 6m in diameter. Second, more quarry-like feature located c 5m to west of this at ST 1183682545. This is shown only on the 1920 sheet, c 5m square with quarry entrance on to adjacent trackway (B11). Neither features is shown on the 1882 25 1st edition, though both lie adjacent to trackways shown on this sheet. 06158m A12 Depression in ST1185482522 Recorded on 1920 OS 25 1st ed sheet 36.16. Described in the latter Depression Unassigned Unknown Garth Wood as a large depression 5-7m deep (bottom slightly damp, sides dry) c 8m in diameter. Adjacent to trackway which is shown on the 1882 survey, though this feature is not. Probably a limestone quarry/haematite pit. 06159m A13 Depression in ST1198482519 Described as a small pool of standing water c 12m x 7m. Adjacent Depression Unassigned Unknown Garth Wood to a modern path that is an extension of the trackway which is shown on the 1882 survey, though itself is not. Possibly a limestone quarry/haematite pit.
70 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06160m A14 Level in Garth ST1197082895 Recorded on 1882 OS 25 1st ed Sheet 36.16, surveyed by JS Level Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Breakspear, 1990. Described as an ‘old level (ironstone)’ in the 1882 sheet (surveyed in 1873/4) and was presumably disused by then. Consists of a quarried entrance cutting, 26m in length and 8m in width, off tramroad. An underground heading, 3m in width and 1.8m in height, has been cut from the eastern side of the quarry, continuing south for 30m and ending in three transeptal chambers. A constant stream flows through this heading. 06161m A15 Quarry in Garth ST1216082855 Recorded on 1882 OS 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, 1920 25 3rd ed). Quarry Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Quarry-Glas (Blue Quarry) in 1882; the Welsh name suggests that the Victorian quarry may have developed from an earlier quarry site. In the 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873/4) it consisted on a roughly rectangular quarry on the northeast edge of the Lesser Garth, c 100m in length (east-west) and 30m in width (north-south).There has been a more recent extension of the quarry on its western side for some 45m, which is presumably associated with the other post 1920 quarries etc, along the eastern side of the hill. 06162m A16 Depression in ST1218082735 Linear hollow or shallow pit associated with pit on the northern Depression Industrial Unknown Garth Wood hillslopes, c.7m in length (north south), 3.5m in width and 1m in depth. Uncertain whether a deeply sunken trackway (the southern end has been partly obscured by the embankment from trackway (B25). 06163m A17 Depression in ST1222382721 Surface pit on the eastern side of the northern slopes, near Depression Industrial Unknown Garth Wood trackway. An oval-shaped pit, aligned east west, measuring 16m x 7m and 3.4m in depth. 06164m A18 Quarry in Garth ST1230082775 On modern OS 25” sheet. Quarry (post 1920) on the east side of Quarry Industrial Modern Wood Lesser Garth Hill c 140m in length east-west, with a quarry entrance on its south eastern side and waste heaps below this. Also substantial tips on the quarry floor. 06165m A19 Quarry in Garth ST1237082570 On modern OS 25 sheet. Quarry (post 1920) on the east side of Quarry Industrial Modern Wood Lesser Garth Hill c 140m in length (north-south) by 100m width (east-west), with a cutting and quarry entrance on the north side, leading directly to the limekiln and crusher works foundations. A metalled quarry access road formerly extended from the quarry entrance northwards around the hill to the earlier tramroad. 06166m A21 Level in Garth ST1243082725 Recorded on 1920 OS 25” 3rd ed, Sheet 36.16. Level mouth: Level Industrial Unknown Wood described as old coal level in 1920. This is located close to the trackway junction at ST1243682737, from where a possible tramroad extended north towards the furnace site.
71 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06167m A22 Quarry in Garth ST1246082770 Recorded on 1882 OS 25 1st ed, Sheet 36.16). Quarry or level Quarry Industrial Unknown Wood mouth described as old quarry in the 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873/4). This was located immediately adjacent to Nant Road and it has probably been obscured, partly or wholly, by waste material from the lime works further up the hill. In 1873/4 the quarry consisted on a long narrow cutting into the hillside, c 26m in length by 15m in width. A track (possibly a tramroad) extended down the length of the cutting floor and a feature described as a well in the 1882 sheet appears to have been a level mouth at the end of this track. 06168m A23 Shaft in Garth ST1187082321 Recorded on 1882 OS 25 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, 1920 OS 25 3rd ed, Mine Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Modern 25 OS Sheet, 1884 Garth Mine Abandonment Plan No 1636 (Haematite) and Steetlys Drawing T6/P3/3). Garth Haematite Mine Shaft. This considerable opencast pit was apparently in a disused state in the 1882 sheet (surveyed in 1873/4) and it is described as old pit in the 1884 Abandonment Plan. Its general appearance seems to have remained unchanged between the 1882 plan and the modern OS sheet. There has been some disturbance around the edges on the southeastern and northeastern sides. The pit was originally c 48m x 38m in area and up to 60m or more in depth, with near-vertical sides. The main heading to the underground mine workings extends northwards from a rectangular opening towards the base of the pit at ST 1185782338. 06169m A24 Shaft in Garth ST1184382345 Recorded on 1880 OS 25” 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Vertical haulage or Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood air shaft. A substantial vertical shaft lying close to the northern edge of the largest opencast pit. 06170m A25 Shaft in Garth ST1182782315 Recorded on 1882 OS 25 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, 1920 3rd ed. Shaft, Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood described as old shaft in 1920. Associated buildings lay to north west and south west of the shaft, one of which may have been an engine or winding house. The 1880 survey shows only one of the small buildings present (ie that on the north west side), and there is no sign of the shaft itself, although the small enclosure around the shaft in the 1920 survey is also shown in 1882. It appears then that this was a feature that was still developing between 1873/4 (when the 1882 plan was surveyed) and the closure of the mine in 1884/5. None of these structures are now visible they appear to have been sealed by the modern quarry bund on the west side of the quarry access lane past pit (A23).
72 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
- A26 Shaft, Garth Wood ST1168082325 A shaft (described as ‘disused shaft’ on Steetley 1/2500 plan). This Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval feature does not appear on the earlier OS sheets and it is unclear how it may have connected with the earlier underground mine workings, which lay to the north-east of the shaft. The western side of these mine workings, however was the least satisfactorily surveyed and Tyler’s sketch plan suggests that the workings mah jhave been more extensive on this side than other surveys have indicated. No longer extant. 06171m Shaft in Garth ST1182782315 Shaft, described as old shaft in 1920. Associated buildings lay to Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood north west and south west of the shaft, one of which may have been an engine or winding house. The 1880 survey shows only one of the small buildings present (ie that on the north west side), and there is no sign of the shaft itself, although the small enclosure around the shaft in the 1920 survey is also shown in 1882. It appears then that this was a feature that was still developing between 1873/4 (when the 1882 plan was surveyed) and the closure of the mine in 1884/5. None of these structures are now visible they appear to have been sealed by the modern quarry bund on the west side of the quarry access lane past pit (06168m). 06172m A27 Garth Mine no 3 ST1197582385 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed Garth Mine ‘No 3 Shaft’. The Mine Industrial Post-Medieval shaft second largest surviving opencast pit (after (06168m). 06173m A28 Adit Entrance in ST1165582375 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed. Adit entrance to the Garth Mine. Adit Industrial Post-Medieval Garth Wood Consists of a narrow-revetted entrance cutting adjoining tramroad: Not certain how much of this is in its 1840s condition. 06174m A32 Garth Mine no 2 ST1202482383 Garth Mine 'No 2 Shaft'. Well-preserved surface shaft similar to the Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval shaft inclined shaft at the base of opencast pit (6173m).This also appears to be an inclined shaft following the northward dip to a similar depth of c. 100m. 06175m A33 Quarries in Garth ST1204082413 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, 1920 OS 25' 3rd ed, Quarry Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Tyler 1988). Described (among group) as 'quarries, ironstone' in the 1882 plan and as a 'disused shaft' in the 1920 plan. Not shown in the 1884 Abandonment Plan, but its location on the line of the other shafts further west suggests that this, too, may have been an inclined heading from the surface to the underground workings to the north, as (06172m) and (06174m). This may also indicate that the full extent of the underground workings continued further east than has been suggested in the existing surveys. This shaft appears to have been recently sealed and there is no surface evidence of it. 06176m A34 Shaft in Garth ST1193482557 Shallow surface shaft, c. 5m across and 2m in depth. The slope of Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood the shaft appears (peculiarly) to be southwards, against the dip of the strata. Waste tips immediately to the north of the shaft.
73 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06177m A35 Shaft in Garth ST1177582526 Surface shaft or pit, c 16m length (north-south) and 11m width (east- Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood west). Wedge-shaped pit, c 5m in depth, tapering to the north. At the northern end, the rock-cut face is quarried into an apparent open vertical shaft (at ST 1176382536)' above a heading driven underground from the base of the pit northwards. 06178m A36 Shaft in Garth ST1174382506 Small trial surface shaft or pit, c 5m across and 2m in depth. Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Adjacent waste tip on the south side. Located c 8m NW of trackway. 06179m A37 Quarry in Garth ST1170382506 Shallow surface quarry, 21m (north-south) X 7.5m (east-west) and Quarry Industrial Post-Medieval Wood up to 2.8m in depth. This quarry, like others on the outcrop, forms a shallow linear surface pit, cutting into the slight hillslope from the west. Evidence of a possible barrow exit run on the west side, about half way along the quarry. Some protruding un-quarried rock on the east side at this point. Slight waste tips to the west of the quarry. (A37) is located c. 18m north west of trackway (B11). 06180m A38 Pit in Garth Wood ST1168082495 Surface pit, c 16.5m width (eastwest) and c 20m length (north-south) Pit Industrial Unknown and at least 5m in depth. The pit has been largely infilled with modern calcined waste from the south and can be seen only at its north end. The sides of the pit, where not sealed by modern infill, are sloping and masked by clay. No rock-cut faces are visible. Extensive overgrown waste tips on the west side, between the pit and trackway. 06181m A39 Pit in Garth Wood ST1218682605 Surface pit close to the modern quarry access road along the Surface pit Industrial Unknown northern lip of the present quarry. An oval or wedge-shaped pit, 17m in length (north-south), c 8m in width and up to 3m in depth. The pit has recently been partly backfilled with quarry waste from the southeast; only the northwest sides are now visible and the original depth of the pit is uncertain. 06182m A40 Pit in Garth Wood ST1211082745 Small rock-cut open pit on the northern hillslope, to the northeast of Pit Industrial Unknown platform. The pit is 2m in diameter and c lm in depth, with waste tips on its downslope side, to the north. Other areas of disturbance were noted in the vicinity, within a radius of about 10m, and there are more widely-scattered small hummocks of debris. Possibly a test-pit. 06183m A41 Pit in Garth Wood ST1193882743 Open rock-cut pit on the northern hillslope, north of trackway. This is Pit Industrial Unknown a substantial pit, rectangular in plan, 5.8m (east west) X 2.9m and c 3m in depth, with near vertical sides. A step, c lm in width, has been left on the northern (downslope) side. The quarried waste has been tipped on the downslope side, immediately north of the lip of the pit, creating a raised platform.
74 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06184m C1 Storage Bays in ST1162482778 Recorded on Modern OS 25” Sheet. Storage bays erected on Structure Industrial Modern Garth Wood embanked waste tip in front of the adit entrance to the Garth Mine. Tyler refers to these having been built by the West of England Ochre and Oxide Co. Ltd. after their acquisition of the mine in 1926, viz, 'we built a shoot for the storing of the material on the side of the road, where the old bridge crossed, and laid a tramroad into the mine to bring out the material' (Tyler 1988, 50). Structure consists of a row of four concrete bays measuring altogether 10m X 15m, set at a steep angle between the terrace of the main tramroad and the Heol Goch road. Each bay is 2.90m in width with concrete divider walls c lm in height. A tinplate b e 1 at the bottom of each shoot directed the flow of quarried material to the waiting carts or trucks below. The shoots were subsequently used by Fred Watkins and Co. who took over the Garth Mine in around 1936, viz '...some of the ore that they produced can still be seen in the shoots that were built on the side of the Pentyrch Road ...' (Tyler 1988,54). 06185m C2 Powder Magazine ST1167582768 Recorded on 1882 OS 25' 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, RCAHMW (Iain Structure Industrial Post-Medieval in Garth Wood Wright) photographs. Powder Magazine. Colloquially known as 'Smokey Joe'. Vaulted structure, c 4.40m X 3.20m, set into the hillslope on the south side of tramroad. Tyler refers to this among Victorian features at the mouth of the Garth Mine, viz '...a building to store explosive powder. This was known as a powder magazine, the ruins of which can still be seen' (Tyler 1988, 50). Consists of a single stone-built barrel-vaulted cell, whose vault is capped with refractory (?) clay and sealed with tar or pitch (?). Behind (ie south of) the structure is a shallow stone-lined recess, 1.90m in width, running the full width of the magazine. A narrow brick-lined flue (?) leads fiom the back of the magazine into the rear recess, with an iron pipe above this through the thickness of the magazine rear wall. The magazine was apparently largely demolished in late 1990, though the RCAHMW photographs taken earlier in the year provide a record of it. To the east of the magazine is a rubble-revetted platform, c 9.50m in length (east west) and c 5m in width (north-south). 06186m C3 Ore Sorting Bay in ST1180082850 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed, Sheet 36.16 Ore Sorting Bays. Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Garth Wood This appears on the 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873-4) as a long, narrow structure, c 38m X 4m, terraced into the hillslope on the north side of the tramroad.
75 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06187m C4 Limekiln in Garth ST1223882965 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Limekiln located off Limekiln Industrial Post-Medieval Wood the Heol Goch on the northeast corner of Lesser Garth Hill, downslope from Quarry-Glas. This kiln is also located within about 25m of a tramroad, which may have still been active at the time of the 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873/4). A two-pot kiln, whose forepart structure has largely collapsed leaving only the back visible; the kiln pots are stone-lined and are c 1.5m in diameter; the distance from the further edges of one pot to the other is 5.5m. The entire rectangular external structure of the kiln shown on the 1882 plan is c 12m in length, but no trace of the external face is now visible. The collapsed forepart of the kiln is overgrown and covered with debris; it appears to have issued on to a small yard just off the road. This kiln is similar to others built at intervals around the foot of the hill. 06188m C5 Limekilns in Garth ST1241082695 Recorded on Modern OS 25" Sheet, Steetley Drg T6P316. Limekilns Limekilns Industrial Post-Medieval Wood and crushing works foundations. Set into a slight terrace located between the quarries (06164m) and (06163m). Occupies a general area of c 85m X 25m. Crusher chute from modern quarry behind the kilns at ST1238382701. 06189m C12 Minepit Cottage in ST1181082300 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Minepit Cottage. Cottage Domestic Post-Medieval Garth Wood Located near a group of buildings (C15) centred around shaft (A25). Ruins of the cottage were seen in 1990 to survive to a maximum height of c 2.5m, though encroached upon by a modern bank to the west and by concrete slurry waste to the south. Earlier OS surveys show adjacent gardens/allotment to the south (0.593 acres), of which part of a drystone field enclosure and other walls are visible. Access trackway to the south west. Smaller structures (outhouses?) at ST 1 1780- 82275. No longer readily visible. 06190m C15 Structures in Garth ST1182082313 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Structures adjacent Structure Domestic Post-Medieval Wood to shaft (A25/06170m). The 1882 plan shows only the northern structure (and no shaft), though both structures are shown (in a disused state) in the 1920 survey. These structures appear to lie beneath the modem bank. 06191m C16 Structure in Garth ST1184082358 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 26.16. Structure adjacent to Structure Domestic Post-Medieval Wood shaft (A24/06169m). This consists of a rectangular stone building, 8m (north-south) X 4m, with walls up to 0.5m in height. An iron bar projects through the floor at the south end. On the east side of the building is an enclosed levelled area that is also shown in the 1882 plan. 06192m C17 Shaft in Garth ST1197082390 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Remains of a square Shaft Industrial Post-Medieval Wood sectioned stone shaft at the northern end of pit (A27/06172m). The masonry is just beneath the modern pump head on the lip of the pit, perched above the great inclined mine shaft directly below.
76 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06193m C18 Building in Garth ST1184082335 Remains of a stone building perched on the north-west edge of the Building Industrial Post-Medieval Wood largest opencast pit (A23/06168m). In the 1882 plan (surveyed in 187314) this structure is shown as a covered building measuring c 8m (east-west) X 6m (north-south). The building was formed by two rooms, terraced into the hillslope. In 1991 it stood to a height of c 0.50m, with an adjoining wall connecting this group with the pumping airshaft complex on the north side of the pit. No longer extant. 06194m C19 Limekiln in Garth ST1243381945 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 37.13. Remains of a lime Limekiln Industrial Post-Medieval Wood kiln adjacent to quarry on the south side of Lesser Garth hill. The 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873/4) shows this in a disused state as 'old limekiln'. The kiln itself it a two-pot example on the north east side of the Garth built into the low bank below trackway. Its forepart structure has collapsed and only the rear of the stone-lined pots is visible, though it is likely that considerably more of the base of the kiln survives. 04103s C20 Limekiln ST1277882133 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 37.1. Remains of a limekiln Limekiln adjacent to Ty-Nant Quarry on the east side of Lesser Garth hill. In the 1882 plan (surveyed in 187314) this kiln is shown lying below the south quarry, whose quarry entrance leads directly to the kiln. A further north-south trackway (T-1) (Yates 1998) also runs immediately above the kiln. 06195m C21 Limekiln on Lesser ST1276282153 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 37.1. Remains of a limekiln Limekiln Industrial Post-Medieval Garth Hill adjacent to Ty-Nant Quarry on the east side of Lesser Garth hill. In the 1882 plan (surveyed in 187314) this kiln is shown lying mid-way between the north and south quarries. 06196m C22 Limekiln on Lesser ST1274182185 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 37.13. Remains of a lime Limekiln Industrial Post-Medieval Garth Hill kiln adjacent to Ty-Nant Quarry on the southeast side of Lesser Garth hill. In the 1882 plan (surveyed in 187314) this kiln is shown lying below the north quarry, whose quarry entrance opens almost directly onto the kiln via the north-south quarry trackway (T-1). 06197m C23 Platform in Garth ST1175882514 Small platform, c 5m in length, with slight evidence of rubble walling, Platfrom Industrial Post-Medieval Wood lying on the west side of pit (06177m). This feature is hard to interpret but it appears to be an enclosure or possible structure. 06198m C24 Structure in Garth ST1175782526 Small structure with drystone rubble walls, c 2m X 2m, surviving to c Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood 0.75m height. This feature is located adjacent to the northern end of platform (C23), with which it shares a slight revetted terrace. Both features are on the west side of pit (A35/06177m), and are presumably associated with the pit. Note that the west tip on the western side of the pit appears generally to respect the two apparent structural platforms.
77 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06199m C25 Structure in Garth ST1167082788 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16.Tyler 1988, 50. Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Structure on the line of tramroad, close to the Garth Mine adit entrance. Shown in the 1882 plan as a roofed building, c 9m X c 5m, on the north side of the tramroad opposite the Powder Magazine (see also the adjacent building). Tyler states that the buildings outside the Garth Mine entrance included 'horse stables, several work shops and a building to store explosive powder'. The demolished remains of 06199m are located between a red brick wartime guard house and the tramroad (B3). Wall foundations are visible on the east side, immediately in front of the guard house. 06200m C26 Structure in Garth ST1165082777 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, Tyler 1988, 50). Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Structure on the line of tramroad, close to the Garth Mine adit entrance. Shown in the 1882 plan as a roofed building, c 12m X c 5m, on the north side of the tramroad directly opposite the mine entrance (06173m). No remains of the demolished (06200m) were visible, though the site has been buried by a general build-up of debris. 06201m C27 Structure in Garth ST1163582770 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16, Tyler 1988, 50). Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood Structure on the line of tramroad (B7), close to the Garth Mine adit entrance. Shown in the 1882 plan (surveyed in 187314) as a small, square structure, c 2.5m across, near to the larger building (0622m). No surface evidence of the remains of this structure (06201m) was visible, but the area has been covered by a general build up of debris. 06202m C28 Structure in Garth ST1160782772 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Structure on the line Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood of trarnroad at the foot of the waste tips in front of the Garth Mine adit entrance. Shown in the 1882 plan (surveyed in 1873/4) as a small rectangular structure, c 1.5m X 3m, located about 2m from the west side of tramroad. It is possible that the tramroad may have included some form of inclined plane to negotiate the steep gradient from the top of the bank to the level of the Heol Goch bridge. No evidence of either structure was visible. 06203m C29 Structure in Garth ST1169482814 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed, Sheet 36.16. Possible rubble Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood structural foundations to the rear of waste tips, close to trackway. 06204m C30 Platform in Garth ST1158582705 Levelled platform close to trackway on the northern hillslope. The Platform Industrial Post-Medieval Wood platform is roughly oval in shape, c 4.5m X 6m, and terraced into the hillslope. A short trackway extends from the western edge of the platform to the main trackway. Probably a charcoal-burning platform.
78 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06205m C31 Linear feature in ST1134982632 Linear earthwork close to the former line of Heol Goch. Consists of a Platform Industrial Post-Medieval Garth Wood slight terrace into the hillslope, c 2.5m in width and c 24m in length. A broader oval-shaped levelled platform at the eastern end of the terrace is c 6m across. This is possibly the feature (A3/06142m) described as a 'small, slightly damp depression' (WA Survey Drg 7lW3385). The oval-shaped levelled platform is similar to the charcoal-burning platforms (C34) and (C35). - C32 ST1218082710 Rubble heap on line of trackway (B25), short linear bank/revetment Rubble mound Industrial Unknown adjacent to trackway, and amorphous rubble spreads, all set at junction of trackways (B25) and (B26). (see Lawler and Marvell 1999, 32) - C33 ST1213582710 Rubble heap, 1m in height and c.6m across, set in terraced hollow at Rubble mound Industrial Unknown apparent western terminus of trackway (B26). (see Lawler and Marvell 1999, 32) 06206m C34 Platform in Garth ST1210082720 A levelled platform terraced into the northern hillslope, at c 145m Platform Industrial Post-Medieval Wood OD. A well-defined, oval-shaped platform, 14m (east west) X 9.5m, and raised by c lm. The surface, beneath the leaf litter, is a humic soil containing much small roundwood charcoal. This appears to have been a charcoal-burning platform and is one of the largest of these features on the wooded slopes of the Garth. 06207m C35 Platform in Garth ST1203082737 A levelled platform terraced into the northern hillslope, a c 140m OD. Charcoal Industrial Post-Medieval Wood An oval-shaped platform, 9m (east west) X 8m, and raised by c burning platform 0.50m. The humic black soil of the surface contains frequent pieces of roundwood charcoal, c 0.02m in diameter. This is probably a charcoal-burning platform; the surrounding woodland is made up of old coppiced beechwood mixed with larger timber trees. 06208m C36 Structure in Garth ST1193882743 A small rectangular structure on the northern hillslope built on the Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood summit of the waste tip, which forms a platform on the downslope side of the pit. 06209m C37 Structure in Garth ST1234082815 'L'-shaped stone ruins on the line of road or tramway. This structure Structure Industrial Post-Medieval Wood is set in a terraced recess on the western (upslope) side of the trackway. 06210m C38 Building in Garth ST1210082945 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1'' ed, Sheet 36.16. Small building, 4m Building Industrial Post-Medieval Wood (east-west) x 2m, on the line of tramroad. No remains of this feature were found during survey. It is possible that it may have housed a brake for the incline, though its location so far from the line of the incline would pose problems for this. 06211m C39 Platform in Garth ST1169082635 A levelled platform terraced into the northern hillslope at c 140m OD, Platform Industrial Post-Medieval Wood located some 15m to the north of trackway. An oval-shaped platform, approximately 10m X 5m and raised by approx 0.50m. Possibly a charcoal-burning platform. 06212m D1 Waste Tips ST1167082800 Recorded on 1882 OS 25” 1st ed, Sheet 36.1 6. Waste tips in front Waste tips Industrial Post-Medieval of the Garth Mine adit mouth (A28), to the north of tramroad (B3).
79 GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
06213m D2 Waste Tips ST1178082340 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" 1" ed, Sheet 36.16. Waste tips occupying Waste tips Industrial Post-Medieval an area of over 10,000m2. There are two main types of waste tips represented here; small, very overgrown hummocks of tip material that are associated with sunken barrow runs and very large conical heaps that survive on the southwestern rim of the tip area. It seems likely that these represent different periods of working the Garth Mine. More than half of this tip area on its northwestern side has been removed or sealed by modem gravel stocks. 06214m D3 Waste Tips ST1190082410 Recorded on 1882 OS 25" IS' ed, Sheet 36.16. Waste tips probably Waste tips Industrial Post-Medieval associated with pit (A27/06172m) (they appear to have originated from the deep shaft at he northern end of this pit). The tips formerly occupied an area of some 5000m2 along the northern side of trackway (the modem quarry access road). They appear to have been completely removed and replaced by modem stock heaps.
80 Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd (Projects Division)
QUALITY CONTROL
Report Title: GGAT 120: Early Extraction in Glamorgan and Gwent
Report Date: February 2013
Report Number: 2013/003
Report prepared by: Richard Roberts
Position: Project Manager
Date: 22/02/13
Illustrations prepared by: Richard Roberts
Position: Project Manager
Date: 22/02/13
Illustrations checked and authorised by: Paul Jones
Position: Senior Illustrator
Date: 28/02/13
Report checked and authorised by: Andrew Marvell
Position: Chief Executive
Date: 28/02/13
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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]