DOCUMENT NO 252 Oct 2014

A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

REPORT

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

Planning Application No: 14/10369

Prepared for:
Mr A Graham

By: Dr N Phillips.
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Summary

This document comprises the report for an archaeological watching brief

undertaken during ground work at a site identified as having potential
archaeological resources that may be impacted by any development.

The development of concern is reinstatement of a former building for storage

purposes.

A planning application was submitted to Brecon Beacons National Parks (BBNP)

and as part of the planning process, the Heritage Officer advised the planning
department that the proposed work at the site could likely impact on
archaeological resources.

The client acting on the guidance from (BBNP) Heritage initiated a program of
archaeological work to be undertaken during any groundwork.

The watching brief recovered a few fragments of ceramics dating from 17th to 20th
century.

Partial remains of the earlier building may remain abutting the west of the site
which is outside of the proposed area of development.

Copyright Notice:
A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains
otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.

Cover Photograph: DSC06780. Site, prior to excavation.

1
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Contents

Summary .........................................................................................................................................1
Figures.............................................................................................................................................3
Plates ...............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................4
Site Location and Description .........................................................................................................4
Geology and Topography................................................................................................................4
Brief archaeological and historical background..............................................................................4
Aims and Objectives .......................................................................................................................5
Methodology ...................................................................................................................................5
Data Presentation.............................................................................................................................6
Watching Brief Results ...................................................................................................................6
Finds ................................................................................................................................................7
Discussion and Interpretation..........................................................................................................7
Acknowledgements .........................................................................................................................7
Staff .................................................................................................................................................7
Bibliography and References: .........................................................................................................8

2
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Figures

01 Site Location map

02 Former building & 2004 existing plan
03 Map progression

Plates

01 General view of plot prior to excavation. Trench depths and positions set out in
blue paint
02 Excavation south east end, first scrape, [100] [101]
03 Excavation south east end, first scrape, [101]
04 Completed eastern end excavation for level reduction.
05 South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible remnant of former
building
06 South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible remnant of former
building
07 West end of building, exposed course of masonry below concrete, left in situ
08 West end of building, exposed course of masonry below concrete, left in situ,
Modern drystone to bottom right.

3
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Introduction

A planning application was submitted to Brecon Beacons National Parks by Mr A. Bevan (agent) for Mr A Graham
(client) for the proposed ‘reinstatement of a former building for storage purposes 14/10369/FUL.

The former building is Haulfryn, Cwmdu, Powys NP1 1RT, located at NGR 318988 225888, fig 01.

As the former building was identified as ‘within an area of archaeological sensitivity’; (BBNP Heritage,
22/07/2014), an archaeological watching brief requiring a Written Scheme of Investigation was advised and
included in the Notice of Decision, (BBNP Planning).

The decision cited Planning Policy Wales 6th ed 2014:

The desirability of preserving an ancient monument and its setting is a material

consideration in determining a planning application, whether that monument is scheduled
or unscheduled. Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or
not, and their settings are likely to be affected by proposed development, there should be a
presumption in favour of the physical preservation in situ. In cases involving lesser
archaeological remains, local planning authorities will need to weigh the relative
importance of archaeology against other factors, including the need for proposed
development.

At the client’s request, a program brief was prepared and submitted to BBNP Heritage prior to the commencement
of ground disturbance work.

The brief was approved as fit for purpose and the resultant watching brief was undertaken on the 2nd of September
2014 during which all ground disturbances was completed.

Site Location and Description

The property, Haulfryn, Cwmdu, Powys, NP18 1RT can be reached from the A479, Crickhowell to Talgarth Rd.

At the village of Cwmdu, turn east between the public house and the church and continue straight up the narrow
lane for approximately 2.2km where a right turn leads directly to the property.

At the beginning of the watching brief the site to be excavated was an area of flat ground with sparse grass covering
which had been ‘set-out’ for the work, PL01.

Geology and Topography

The site occupies a position on the western side, above the Rhiangoll Valley, its solid geology comprises: St
Maughan’s Formation - Argillaceous Rocks And [Subequal/Subordinate] Sandstone, Interbedded, (BGS2014).

Brief archaeological and historical background

The design brief supplied by BBNP Heritage informs us that the property to be reinstated is an early 17th century
long house derivative, which is depicted; with a corresponding footprint to the present property, on the 1st edition
Ordnance Survey map of 1887.

The house of this earlier period was called Pen-yr-Heol, although as a possible solution for the change of name, the
present house Haulfryn was actually the barn belonging to Pen-yr-Heol.

4
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

The earlier house is afforded a description in Jones & Smith 1966/7: which describes its original cross passage
entrance, shared by byre and house, later being incorporated into the byre as a farm building; whilst the house itself
acquired a separate entrance.

The sequence plan is shown in fig 02.

The earliest cartographic record of Pen-yr-Heol is the 1832 1st series Ordnance Survey Map, fig 03a, which shows a
collection of 4 buildings at ‘Pen r heol’, unfortunately not very distinctively drawn

A second record of Pen-yr-Heol is the 1834 Tithe which records two possibly three buildings at ‘Pennyrhewl’,
apportionment 444, leased by John Johns from the Ashburnham Estate, fig 03b (CDAC).

The later 1887 is much clearer in its depiction, fig 03c, showing house and barn in a squared enclosure with an
outbuilding lower to the west.

The house is the centre building shaped like a flattened ‘T’.

This configuration of buildings remained to at least 1913 when the Ashburnam Estate sold some properties one of
which was ‘Penrheol’ Farm.

The Sale notice reads Lot11:

Barn (three Bays) with loft above, stone built and tiled.
Part of Old House, Three Rooms used as a Potato Stores, with loft over for Hay, one room
has lean-to at back used as a Store Room. Lean-to at End Used for Poultry House.

These buildings are stone-built and slated.

Accompanying plan is shown in fig03d.

The description establishes that the building was out of use as a habitation by 1913.

The 1948 OS map, fig 03d, suggests that the building had gone into complete disrepair having lost its roof.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the watching brief was to preserve by record, within the resources available, any archaeological deposits
uncovered during groundwork.

The watching brief also ensured that: in the event of archaeological resources of significance, being discovered and
requiring treatment beyond the remit of the watching brief, that steps would be implemented to ensure that their
treatment would be undertaken within the standards recommended by the IFA.

Methodology

Groundwork at the site involving the excavation of a single trench to contain a building raft foundation entailed a
single period of excavation on 2nd September 2014.

The entire excavation was undertaken with a tracked mechanical digger driven by the site owner Mr Graham.

During excavation, the stratigraphic record and initial contexts were noted, with a brief description given where
appropriate.

5
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Measurements were taken using a steel hand tape and a Leica Disto 510.

Photographs were taken throughout the watching brief and recorded with a unique number in the appendix.

A full set of photographs are included in the archive and selected illustrative images appear in the plates
accompanying this report.

There were no finds of any archaeological significance.

Data Presentation

Data referred to within the text is illustrated in figs #, and Plates PL # with stratigraphic contexts identified in
brackets [].

Appendix I presents a list and description of stratigraphic contexts revealed and recorded during the excavation.

Appendix II presents in spreadsheet format, details of all the photographs, including those not used in the text.

Appendix III presents in spreadsheet format, details of all the photographs, including those not used in the text.

Watching Brief Results

Soils and ground conditions

The site conditions during the excavation were good and caused no problems.

Description

(refer to fig 02) and appendices I, II & III

Excavation began at the south eastern end of the trench, reducing the ground level by 400mm, PL02.

The main stratigraphic sequence consisted of a surface of redistributed and compacted dark brown sandy soil
≤80mm, context [100], over a deposit of red/brown soft sandy soil, ≤150mm, [101], beneath which was a natural
surface of red sandy clay with a large proportion of rounded stone, PL03.

The levelling continued across the site; PL04, with no change in the stratigraphy.

An isolated piece of masonry was uncovered at roughly mid point of the southern edge of the trench which may be a
survivor from the original building PL05.

Its position was roughly in the area where the internal gable and the cross-passage would have met but in the
absence of any other features, it was not possible to confirm its provenance.

Levelling continued to the western end of the trench, stopping at the edge of the modern concrete surface [106],
PL07.

At this point, a section of wall was exposed which had obviously served as the end point for the concrete, PL08.

As the wall was beyond the proposed excavation it was not possible to examine it in any great detail but the edge
was cleared with a trowel to reveal the additional sequence [103], wall which had been cut into [102] and had
accumulated a fill of black sandy soil [104].

6
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Finds

The entire excavation produced a surprising lack of finds with only ten items completing the assemblage from the
approximate 40m³ of soil disturbed.

Of these, one possibly had a 19th century origin and two were 20th century.

The wall fill [104] by comparison, provided seven pot sherds from a few scrapes of the trowel.

These by comparison were more representative of the period of the house habitation with two sherds (refit) of late
17th century earthen ware and five sherds of assorted 18th century ceramics.

Discussion and Interpretation

The stratigraphy of the site was very straightforward sequence; landfill/levelling over natural deposits of sandy soil
and sandy clay.

The former house it would appear did not extend to the depth of the foundation of the proposed new build with the
exception of the western gable.

As the western gable would have been slightly lower (the byre) and possibly more structurally substantial than the
two side walls it may explain its survival.

This wall however is outside of the proposed work development.

The work covered by this watching brief had no impact on any archaeological resources.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Andrew for his careful and efficient handling of the work.

Staff

Dr. Neil Phillips, AIFA.

Mr A.O Phillips (finds)

Mr S Clarke (finds specialist)

The copyright for this report shall remain with the A.P.A.C. Ltd.

7
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Bibliography and References:

Anderton Planning
and Conservation Photographic Record, Haulfryn Cwmdu Crickhowell. 2104.

APAC Ltd DB:WB/CDU/14. Design for an Archaeological Watching Brief, Haulfryn, Cwmdu

British Geological
Survey. http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html

BBNP (Heritage) 14/10369/FUL. Brief for an Archaeological Watching Brief at Hauffryn, Cwmdu.
Ward, N. 22/07/2014.

(Planning) 14/10369/FUL. Delegated Decision Report. Reinstatement of former building for storage
purposes. Haulfryn, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. NP8 1RT.

14/10369/FUL. Notice of Decision. Reinstatement of former building for storage

purposes. Haulfryn, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. NP8 1RT.

14/10369/FUL. Site Location Application Plan.

Bevan. A., 2014. Design, Planning and Sustainability Statement for Proposed Reinstatement of
Curtilage Building to Provide Outbuilding for Storage Purposes.

CDAC Crickhowell District Archive Centre

1843 Llanfiangle Cwmdu Tithe

Ashburnham Estate Sale October 24-25 1913. Lot 11, with plan. A/C.39 Box1A 10 7.
Jones S.R., &
Smith J.T., The Houses of Breconshire Part IV. Brycheniog XII. 1966/7.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

IFA Standard and Guidance an Archaeological Watching Brief. 2013.

Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation

Standard and Guidance for the Collection, Documentation, Conservation and

Research of Archaeological Materials. 2013.

Code of Conduct and the Code of Approved Practice for the regulation of
Contractual Arrangements in Field Archaeology. 2014.

English Heritage Management of Archaeological Projects 2006.

Powell Design Ltd.

Plans: 11/11/2013 Proposed floor plans, Site Plan and Elevations GP/AG/02

11/11/2013 Existing Plans, Elevation, Sections and Block/Location

Plan GP/AG/04

Institute for
Archaeologists,
Standard and Guidance for an archaeological watching brief. 2013.

Standard and Guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of
archaeological materials, 2013.

By-Laws Code of Conduct 2014.

8
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Haulfryn, Crickhowell. WB/CDU/14

Code of Approved Practice for the regulation of Contractual Arrangements in Field

Archaeology. 2014.

Ordnance Survey. OS OpenData 2014. http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/opendata/viewer/index.html

1st Series, Sheet 42. 1832
Breckonshire Sheet XXXV NE 1887 (survey 1886)
Breckonshire Sheet XXXV NE 1905 (survey 1903)
Breckonshire Sheet XXXV NE 1952 (survey 1948)

Welsh Office Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology. WOC Circular 60/96.

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 7RG.

Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 5041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil. M. Phil. BA (Hons).Cert Ed/FE. AIFA. AAI&S.

9
 WB/CDU/14

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Haulfryn, Cwmdu

A.P.A.C. Ltd
Fig 01: Location
 Haulfryn, Cwmdu

Existing walls
2004

Representation with phasing by from Powell GP/AG/04

Jones, S.R., & Smith, J.T., 1966/7

Fig 02: Pen-yr-heol

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14
 Haulfryn, Cwmdu

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
a 1832 OS

b 1834 Tithe

c 1887 OS

d 1913 A/C39

e 1948 OS

Fig 03: Map progression A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14

 Haulfryn, Crickhowell

DSC06781
DSC06780
101

100

100
102

Plate 01: General view of plot prior to excavation. Trench depths and Plate 02: Excavation south east end, first scrape, [100] [101]
positions set out in blue paint

DSC06785
DSC06782
102

Plate 03: Excavation south east end, first scrape, [101] Plate 04: Completed eastern end excavation
A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14
for level reduction.
 Haulfryn, Crickhowell

DSC06787
DSC06786
100

101

102

102

Plate 05: South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible Plate 06: South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible remnant
remnant of former building of former building

DSC06789
DSC06788
106

106
103
104

102

Plate 07: West end of building, exposed course of masonry below concrete, Plate 08: West end of building, exposed
A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14
left in situ course of masonry below concrete,
left in situ, Modern drystone to bottom
right.
 A.P.A.C. Ltd. Appendix I Context Sheet Index 1

Site: Haulfryn Cwmdu Grid Ref: Site No: Alternate No: 1

Crickhowell 318998 225888 WB/CDU/14
CONTEXT AREA FEATURE DESCRIPTION FINDS PHOTOGRAPHS
100 All Surface Sparse lawn cover recent DSC06780, DSC06781,
DSC06783, DSC06784,
DSC06785, DSC06786,
DSC06787, DSC06789
101 All Deposit Red sandy deposit limited grits {1} DSC06781, DSC06784,
DSC06785, DSC06786,
DSC06787, DSC06789
102 All Natural Red sandy deposit with large % of rounded stones DSC06781, DSC06782,
DSC06783, DSC06784,
DSC06785, DSC06786,
DSC06787, DSC06788,
DSC06789
103 West wall Masonry wall DSC06788, DSC06789
edge
104 West Fill Black sandy clay associated with wall {2} DSC06788, DSC06789
edge
105 West Cut Cut for [103]
edge
106 West Concrete Concrete floor above 103 DSC06788, DSC06789
edge
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix II Digital photograph list WB/ABG/14

Photo no Date Camera Size View Description Plate

DSC06780 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 W General view of plot prior to excavation. Trench depths and positions set out in blue paint PL01
DSC06781 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 E Excavation south east end, first scrape, [100] [101] PL02
DSC06782 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 V Excavation south east end, first scrape, [101]
DSC06783 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 W Site cover context [100] recent grass PL03
DSC06784 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 W Excavation of east end complete [100] [101] PL04
DSC06785 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 NE Completed eastern end excavation for level reduction. PL05
DSC06786 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 V South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible remnant of former building PL07
DSC06787 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 SW South west corner of trench, single masonry stone, possible remnant of former building PL06
DSC06788 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 N West end of building, exposed course of masonry below concrete, left in situ
DSC06789 02/09/2014 DSC F828 3264x2448 S West end of building, exposed course of masonry below concrete, left in situ, Modern drystone to bottom right.
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix 3 WB/CDU/14
Finds Index CWMDU

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

1 101 1 sherd white ware china with embossed black design 19th 02/09/14
1 fragment of building material (tile) painted black 20th
1 shard aqua green glass
7 fragments of white plaster
2 103 2 sherd (refit) internal glazed earthenware (Clarke) Late 17th / 02/09/14
1 sherd internally glazed red earthenware
1 sherd yellow glazed stoneware rim
2 sherds mocha ware Late 18th /
1 sherd pearl ware 18th /
 Cwmdu Appendix III FINDS

DSCO7209
1
101
Find no Area Context Description Period Date
1 101 1 sherd white ware china with embossed black design 02/09/14
1 fragment of building material (tile) painted black
1 shard aqua green glass 19th
7 fragments of white plaster 20th

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14

 Cwmdu Appendix III FINDS

DSCO7210
2
104
Find no Area Context Description Period Date
2 103 2 sherd (refit) internal glazed earthenware Late 17th / 02/09/14
1 sherd internally glazed red earthenware
1 sherd yellow glazed stoneware rim
2 sherds mocha ware Late 18th /
1 sherd pearl ware 18th /

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CDU/14