The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Banwen Ironworks

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01566w
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Onllwyn
Unitary authority : Neath Port Talbot
NGR : SN86801045
Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL Iron works
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
Anthracite fuelled ironworks founded in the 1840s. Remains comprise two blast furnace with associated charging platform, engine house and chimney.


Description :
The Banwen Ironworks is a very significant
as being the most complete example of an ironworks to survive on the anthracite coalfield. Founded in the 1840s, the works was short-lived and generally unsuccessful;as a result the works at Banwen remained small-scale. The furnaces at the site, now scheduled were probably built to exploit local anthracite as fuel following the successful experiments of George Crane at nearby Ynyscedwyn in the 1830s. The site is of considerable interest because of the relatively
high level of preservation of standing and buried remains. The RCAHMW have undertaken
considerable recording work at the site, including the excavation of the weighbridge, which
revealed the intact mechanism in situ.
The scheduled area contains the well-preserved remains of two substantially intact blast furnaces
with their associated massive masonry charging platform, the engine house and the site of the
chimney (originally square in plan). The two furnaces are constructed of roughly coursed large
grey stone and archways on all four sides with pecked detailing to the quoins Roberts 2005).

Sources :
Yates, A. , 2001 , Coelbren Roman Fort, Duffryn Cellwen, Neath Port Talbot: Archaeological Survey

Events :
E000052 : Field visit, Banwen Ironworks (year : 2004)
E004470 : Coelbren Roman Fort, Duffryn Cellwen, Neath Port Talbot: SUR (year : 2001)

Related records
National Monuments Record NPRN 34701 http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/34701/details

Compiled date :


Images :



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