The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust
Historic Environment Record
 

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Ynysmeudwy Pottery/Bryn Tinplate Works

Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 01615w
Trust : Glamorgan Gwent
Community : Pontardawe
Unitary authority : Neath Port Talbot
NGR : SN74070570
Site Type (preferred type first) : POST MEDIEVAL tinplate works / POST MEDIEVAL Pottery works

Summary :
Built in 1844 next to a leat feeding the Swansea Canal. Used canal water for its power and over the 30 yrs of its life produced a wide range of ceramics from firebricks used in steelworks, tiles and chimney pots to fine domestic wares.

Description :
Built in 1844 next to a leat feeding the Swansea Canal. Used canal water for its power and over the 30 yrs of its life produced a wide range of ceramics from firebricks used in steelworks, tiles and chimney pots to fine domestic wares.
Two years after the pottery closed, in 1877, Bryn Tinplate Works opened on the same site. Used canal for transport until railway branchline opened in 1886. Works closed in 1939 but buildings not demolished until after 1973. Area subsequently landscaped destroying much of what remained of both pottery and tinplate works.
The 1st edition 1:2500 OS map shows the Brick & Terra Cotta Works at the site. By the survey of the 2nd edition a Tin Plate works is shown at the site, replacing the former Brick Works. The main range is an L-shaped building. A number of ancillary buildings and and an associated internal rail/tramroad system which links to both the Swansea Canal and to the M.R. Swansea Vale line. The 3rd edition shows the works largely unchanged apart from minor modifications and the tramway slightly extended in the area of the tips and to the north of the canal. The 3rd ed. 1:10560 OS names the site as the Bryn Tin Plate Works, and the 4th ed. 1:10560 OS map shows the works disused with its tramway rails lifted. (Roberts 2019).


Sources :
Geake H , 1990 , A4067 Swansea Valley Route Stage Three Pontardawe to Ynysmeudwy An archaeological Assessment. ( © GGAT)
Google Earth , 2014 ,
Ordnance Survey , 1st Edition OS map
Ordnance Survey , 2nd Edition OS map 1:2500
Ordnance Survey , 3rd Edition OS map 1:2500
Ordnance Survey , 4th Edition OS map 1:2500
Roberts, R. , 2019 , GGAT 152: Industrial Sites in South Wales: The Tinplate Industry. GGAT report no. 2019/057.
01/Pm Desc Text/Hughes,S/1980/Swansea Canal: Navigation and Power Supplier/*
02/Pm Desc Text/Harper,D/1973/SWWIAS Newsletter/Oct 1973/*
03/Mm Record Sheet/Letter/Maps/*

Events :
E001075 : A4067 SWANSEA VALLEY ROUTE PONTARDAWE TO YNYSMEUDWY (year : 1990)

Related records
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 2861W
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 01046.26w
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 01699.0w
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 01046.13w
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 02655w
GGAT Historic Environment Record (HER) 02656w

Compiled date :


April 1, 2025, 12:36 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
Data supplied by in partnership with Local Authorities, Cadw and the partners of ENDEX © GGAT HER Charitable Trust, 2025 (and in part © Crown, 2025).