The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Camp, Blaen Cwm Bach

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 00616w
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Tonna
Unitary authority : Neath Port Talbot
NGR : SS79709878
Site Type (preferred type first) : Roman Marching camp
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Roman marching camp, lies astride the natural route followed by the trackway6 known as Cefn Ffordd.

Description :
Roman marching camp, lies astride the natural route followed by the trackway6 known as Cefn Ffordd. The camp is a long narrow rectangle c 908x295m, covering an area of about 26.7 hectares and big enough to hold a large battlegroup. It is it the largest Roman temporary camp in Wales. The defences do not extend all the way around. They are interrupted by gaps of various sizes, the biggest gaps being in the middle of the long sides. It is uncertain whether these were left because there were natural obstacles there at the time, such as thorn bushes, or whether they were the result of later ploughing. The best-preserved side is at the west, where the original gateway preserves its titulum.

Sources :
ST. Joseph J.K.S. , 1961 , Aerial Reconnaissance in Wales , Antiquity : 35 : 263-275
ST. Joseph J.K.S. , 1961 , Air Reconnaissance in Britain, 1958–1960 , Journal of Roman Studies : 51 : 119-135
Wilson D.R. , 1959 , Roman Britain in 1958: Sites Explored , Journal of Roman Studies : 49 : 102-103
Wilson D.R. , 1975 , Roman Britain in 1974
01/PM Note/Chouls SR & WH/1974/Arch in Wales no44 p24
02/Desc Text/Cadw/ Full Management Report/2006/Copy in further information file

Events :
E000450 : BLAEN CWM BACH CAMP, PARTIAL EXCAVATION, 1974 (year : 1974)
E002947 : Baglan Bay gas pipeline. DBA (year : 1999)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 301344 https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/301344/
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 875W

Compiled date :


March 29, 2025, 10:29 am - HTML file produced from GGAT HER Charitable Trust Ltd. Heathfield House, Heathfield, Swansea SA1 Tel. 01792 655208; Fax 01792 474469 website: www.ggat.org.uk  email: her@ggat.org.uk Registered Charity no. 505609
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