The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Neath Abbey Ironworks Engine Manufactory

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01556w
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Dyffryn Clydach
Unitary authority : Neath Port Talbot
NGR : SS7380097700
Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL Works
Status : listed building II, Scheduled Monument

Summary :
The engine works at Neath Abbey Ironworks consist of two buildings in line, with their eastern facades slightly staggered. The northern building was probably constructed between 1800 and 1810; the southern one was probably added in 1823. There is evidence of a water supply for water-powered machinery.

Description :
Building in which were constructed the beam engines and other engines for which Neath Abbey Ironworks was famous in 19th century. Early 19th century construction, in two sections.

Northern, original, section thought to date from 1800-10; two storeys; originally with iron roof trusses. Eastern facade is now totally destroyed, but was descrbed in 1983 as having a wide cambered-headed (segmental arch) opening and a cambered-headed window on the ground floor, and 6 cambered-headed openings with segmetal arched heads on upper floor. Six bays in rear (north) elevation. Possibly the building described in the 1817 sales catalogue as 'commodious buildings now employed making steam engines on the most approved plan furnished with an excellent steam engine, turning lathes and all the necessary apparatus'.

Southern extension probably added in 1823; two storeys, iron roof trusses. Eastern facade set slightly forward on the northern section, with first floor windows set higher. Ground floor has a series of six wide semi-elliptical arches. Nine cambered-headed openings with voussoirs and keystones on first floor; doorway in centre opening and others adapted for modern windows. Ten bays in rear (north) elevation.

Across the north elevation of both buildings of the engine works, just below first floor level, are the brackets for a water-trough supplying water to a wheel at the south end.

At the southern end of the southern building is a lean-to, still in use, with coursed sandstone east elevation. It has a wide arched opening that appears to cut through a circular window on its north side, both of them with sandstone dressings.


Sources :
Ince, L , 1977 , The Neath Abbey Ironworks
The Handley Partnership , HAAbase built heritage assessment system: Buildings at Risk database

Events :
E005456 : Neath Abbey Ironworks (year : 2017)

Related records
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 00854w

Compiled date :


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