The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Giant's Cave, Piercefield

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 07832g
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : St Arvans
Unitary authority : Monmouthshire
NGR : ST5245796283
Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL Rock cut chamber
Status : Scheduled Monument

Summary :
The Giant's Cave is a curving tunnel, cut into the rock-face through which Piercefield Walk passes via a large opening in the southern side, and a smaller rectangular portal in the northern. Part natural feature, part hand-made.

Description :
The Giant's Cave is a curving tunnel, cut into the rock-face through which Piercefield Walk passes via a large opening in the southern side, and a smaller rectangular portal in the northern. The cave comprises a main chamber, partially natural with subsidiary chambers to the east. At the southern entrance is a bastion defined by low walling. Contemporary descriptions refer to the statue of a giant above the entrances but this no longer survives. The Giant's Cave has national importance as a principal feature of the famous 18th century Piercefield Walks. This partly natural feature was adapted in line with 18th century views of landscaping and aesthetics to produce a Romantic experience for the contemporary visitor. The bastion outside the cave gives added interest as the point from which echo effects were created using mounted guns to fire across the Wye Valley.

Sources :
Desc Text/Cadw/Full Management Report/2005/ Copy in further information file.
Desc Text/Cadw/New entry to the schedule of monuments/2000/ Copy in further information file.
Letter/Cadw/Application for ancient monument consent/2007/ Copy in further information file.
04/Desc Text/Cadw/Application for Grant Aid/2008/Copy in further information file.

Events :
E005378 : Piercefield Walks, St Arvans, Chepstow (year : 2005)
E005401 : Piercefield Walks, St Arvans, Chepstow (year : 2005)

Related records

Compiled date : 11-06-2001


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