A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Land on and adjacent to St Maelog, Forge Row, Maesgwatha, Gilwern (NGR SO 2354 1404) Brecon Beacons National Park Planning Application No: 07/01276/Ful

PREPARED BY DR N PHILLIPS 29TH AUG 2008

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Summary

This report details the archaeological evaluation work undertaken by Dr N Phillips of A.P.A.C. Ltd in order to comply with planning conditions required for planning application BBNP 07/01276/Ful, on land adjacent to St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwatha, Gilwern. A written Scheme of Investigation for the work (WSI/MAE/08) was submitted to the Local Planning Authority and its design agreed before work commenced. The evaluation was contracted by Mr N. A. Perrin, of Forge Oak Ltd, in relation to proposed work to be undertaken at the above property. The proposed work involves the demolition of a modern bungalow St Maelogs, and the construction of three domestic dwellings. As part of the planning process, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) advised the planning department that the proposed work at the site would likely impact of archaeological resources pertaining to Clydach Ironworks (1800-1844). GGAT therefore recommended that in order for the work to progress, the client would need to engage an archaeologist to undertake preliminary evaluation work at the site. Dr N Phillips from A.P.A.C. Ltd began the work on 21st June 2008. Three of the four evaluation trenches revealed extensive archaeological resources still in situ. The archaeological resources are industrial in nature and related specifically to the known history of the site.

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CONTENTS Page
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 5 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE ........................................................ 5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ....................................... 5 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................... 7 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 7 RESULTS ................................................................................................................... 8 CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 16 PREDICTED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL ON KNOWN ARCHAEOLOGY....... 16 PROPOSED AVOIDANCE OR MITIGATION MEASURES ..................................... 17 ARCHIVE.................................................................................................................. 18 COPYRIGHT............................................................................................................. 18 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 19 AKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... 19

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List of Figures
Figure 01 Figure 02 Figure 03 Figure 04 Figure 05 Figure 06 Figure 07 Figure 08 Figure 09 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Location Map Site Plan Map progressions Plan trench A Stratigraphy trench A Plan trench B Stratigraphy trench B Plan trench C Stratigraphy trench C Plan trench D Stratigraphy trench D Impact assessment Mitigation proposal

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List of Plates
Plate 01 Plate 02 Plate 03 Plate 04 Plate 05 Plate 06 Plate 07 Plate 08 Plate 09 Plate 10 Plate 11 Plate 12 Plate 13 Plate 14 Plate 15 Plate 16 Plate 17 Plate 18 Plate 19 Plate 20 Plate 21 Plate 22 Plate 23 Plate 24 Plate 25 Plate 26 Plate 27 Plate 28 Plate 29 Plate 30 Plate 31 Plate 32 Plate 33 Trench A, General view Trench A, General view Trench A, General view Trench A, General view Trench A, West of building Trench A, Hand stamped bricks Trench A, Profile of curved channel Trench A, Feature [143] Trench A, Finds Trench A, Napoleon III stamped tiles Trench A, Jam pot base View of Old Forge c 1920 Trench B, General view Trench B, Maximum depth at culvert Trench B, Features [135] [136] Trench B, Features [134] Trench B, Iron pan [129] Trench B, Wall & culvert Trench B, Brick structures [130] [131] Trench B, Feature [139] Trench B, Masonry arch Trench B, Inside culvert Trench B, Northern section Trench B, Contexts [133] [140] Trench B, Waterwheel axle? Trench B, Waterwheel axle? Trench C, General view Trench C, Southern end of Trench Trench C, Pond? Trench C, Mid point, eastern section Trench C, Southern end Trench C, Finds Trench D, Southern section

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1.

INTRODUCTION

This report details the evaluation trenching undertaken by Dr Neil Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, in response to a proposed programme of works that will involve demolition of the bungalow, St Maelogs, Maesgwartha, (NGR SO 2354 1403), fig 01 and the ensuing ground works required for the construction of three detached residential properties on land believed to have once been occupied by The Llanelly Forge. The client, Mr N. Perring, Forge Oak Ltd., having submitted a planning application to Brecon Beacons Parks (07/01276/FUL), had been advised by the Curatorial Division of Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust, that the proposed works were likely to have significant impact on archaeological resources within the development area. Therefore, archaeological evaluation trenching would be required to inform the course of any planning permission. A Project Design WSI/MAE/08; formatted according to the recommended model detailed in the English Heritage document The Management of Archaeological Projects, Second Edition (1991), set out the methodology of the evaluation trenching based on information presented in the Archaeological Evaluation Brief prepared by The Curatorial Division of Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, (Parry 2008). The parcel of land to be investigated is not a scheduled ancient monument but is in close proximity to; c 300m NW of: (SAM BR160).

2.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE

The location of the site is north of the A465 Heads of the Valley Road at Clydach, Monmouthshire. The parcel of land to be investigated lies directly over the 19th century Llanelli Forge complex as noted in red fig 02. At present, the ground is edged to the SW and NW by a substantial dressed stone wall, whilst to the south and east the ground is bounded by the river Clydach. Most of the ground is scrub with some vestiges of garden plots pertaining to the bungalow. A dilapidated garage survives to the south of the bungalow, on the bank of the river whilst the remains of two other sheds stand to the north of the bungalow.

3.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Both the geology and topography of this area can probably account for the human interest afforded it; certainly from the period of the industrial revolution, although, there is evidence of earlier human impact such as various cairns or the Iron Age presence indicated by the forts of Craig y Gaer to the north of the gorge and possibly, Dinas, to the south. Industrial interest certainly focused on the exposed stratigraphy of coal, clay, ironstone and limestone, (BGS 1990), supplemented by the availability of exploitable power provided by the River Clydach and the tree clad slopes of the gorge Topographically, the steepness of the gorge provided an advantage to the early ironworking and lime-burning industries, in that blast furnaces and lime kilns could be efficiently built into the valley
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sides, facilitating the charging of materials from above and their withdrawal from below (Parry 2008). Today the gorge is the focus of an important communication route as evidenced by the expansion works currently in progress on the A465 Heads of the Valley road. Earlier evidence of the exploitation of this route can be seen from the rail link, tram roads and inclines dating from the industrial period, which cut into, and precipitously tower over, the gorge. Although it is not possible to entirely rule out, even earlier communication systems, the ruggedness of the gorge is unlikely to have offered itself as a prime candidate as a communication link between the fertile Usk Valley and the inhospitable upland of the South Wales Coalfields. Documentary evidence of industrial exploitation in the gorge dates from 1606 with the Hanburys of Pontypool establishing, amongst their other interests; The Clydach Furnace, a few hundred metres NW (Rees. 268 1968). It is however, possible that Hanbury had established a furnace in the area by 1590 (ibid). Although it is possible that The Llanelly Forge may have come into existence by 1615 to serve Llanelly Furnace, 1606 1860s; possible inference being drawn from the documentary evidence which records: 1693 Francis Lewis is the clerk of the works of which the forge and its pond are part, Rees suggests that the latter end of the seventeenth century would be more likely (Rees. 58 1969). In 1800 a tinplate mill had been built on the site (ibid). As well as the works buildings themselves, the industry owners provided accommodation and infrastructure for their employees and their families, all of which are greatly in evidence in the area. Not only in standing structures such as Forge House, Forge and Hammer, Public House (demolished), but also in street names such as Forge Row, adjacent to the specific interest of this evaluation. The 1880 OS map fig 02, clearly shows that the location of the development lays firmly within the footprint of the Llanelli Forge. To the south west of the site, the map shows a large holding pond which would have supplied water power to the forge. The retaining walls of this pond still remain. It is known that substantial rebuilding between 1797 and 1813 provided the forge with the power requirement to run two hammer wheels two charcoal powered fineries and a Capital Trevithic Steam Engine (Parry 2008). Further, considerable changes took place in the layout of the site between 1880 and 1903, as can be clearly seen in fig 03. Working from left hand maps P1 and P2, 1880-1903, it is possible to interpret considerable remodelling of the works. Notable is the: Disappearance of the wheel pit and leat (shown in 1880 as a small shaded rectangle and black line, north of the large eastern rectangle). Subdivision or possible demolition of the two dominant buildings into smaller areas (Shaded non shaded depictions). Loss of range of narrow buildings along south east edge.

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Working from left hand maps P2 and P3, 1903-1920, lack of enclosing walls and internal detail convey more of an impression of dereliction. As there has obviously been much activity at the site, the potential existed for the development to impact on substantial archaeological remains from the industrial period. It should be noted however, that there was an expectation that modern drainage works had already caused damage to the underlying archaeological integrity of the site.

4.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this evaluation was to: Elucidate the character, distribution, extent and importance of the known and potential archaeological remains, extant in the development area; allowing for the production of a sufficiently detailed report to be used to inform and mitigate any associated development. This will be realized through the following objectives: This evaluation report will provide sufficiently detailed information to allow informed decisions to safeguard the archaeological resource, to be taken on the basis of its contents. This evaluation will attempt to; specifically, establish the presence and extent of potential significant archaeological deposits, features and structures, which may be identified in the fieldwork. This evaluation will attempt to recover enough information to enable assessment of the archaeological implications of the study area. The archaeology of the application site as a whole; in its local and regional context has been considered through background research. Although, the evaluation trenching was confined to those areas that will be directly affected by the development or some aspect of it, all remains of potential interest were considered, whatever their date.

5.

METHODOLOGY

The evaluation trenching consisted of the excavation of four of trenches 10mx3m, fig 03 (parts of which were excavated to the base of the archaeological resource). Initial trenching, to reach the top of the archaeology, was undertaken using a mechanical digger with a toothless bucket. Further trenching was then continued manually with final archaeological resources being trowelled and brushed; where possible, for recording. Detailed records of the evaluation trenching works were made in order that this post-excavation report could be produced. This report also contains an analysis of the findings which can be used as the basis from which to inform further development work at the site. A topographical survey was undertaken of the site using a Topcon GR3, GPS unit to locate it to National Grid datum. Further survey using a Topcon GPT 3007 Reflectorless Total Station was also
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used to locate the boundary of the site, extant features, excavated features and levels to establish the layout of 10m site grid; to accurately, facilitate any future work. The survey data was processed in CivilCad 6, exported into AutoCad 2007 for publication. Documentary research was undertaken at the National Library of Wales, and the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales. Assessment and analysis of all data collected or compiled has been undertaken and included in this report. A complete archive of the work undertaken will be deposited with Brynmawr museum.

6.

RESULTS

Trench A, General description: Excavation of Trench A, by mechanical digger, proved to be extremely difficult as the archaeology was literally at surface level for most of its area. Only the two terminal ends allowed for any unobstructed depth to be reached. The trench measured 10m x 3m, aligned east/west and reached a maximum depth of 1.3m at the eastern end. The western edge butted against the wall of the pond dam, which stands some 4.64m above it. Excavation at the western edge of the trench, revealed no evidence of structure for up to 2m east of the dam wall so a decision was taken to batter the edge away from the wall so as not to disturb its foundation. Excavation at the eastern edge of the trench produced no further archaeological structure, so again the trench was left with a batter, although this time to aid access. The centre section of the trench was however, completely different, being taken up with the substantial remains of a brick and stone building: Plates 1-4. A plan and elevation of the excavated trench is given in fig 4, whilst fig 5 details the stratigraphic matrix: images relevant to this description can be found in the plates section. Detail description: The majority of the trench was occupied by the remains of a substantial building [148] standing on a 4.55m wide, dressed stone base, aligned at approximately 318 N. Only the east/west dimension is known as the north/south alignments extend beyond the trench edges. The maximum depth of the building, beneath ground level, was achieved at the eastern edge where a depth of 1.3m was reached. At this point, the excavation was hampered by a compacted iron pan surface, context [147] and so the base of the building could not be ascertained.

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At the western edge of the building, a similar iron pan surface [147] was encountered at a depth of 0.8m. This was excavated by hand to a further depth of 0.3m but flooding from an unknown source brought work to an end before the building base could be reached, Plate05. At approximately 0.5m below ground surface, the Masonry structure is replaced by course, yellow brick some of which bear the hand stamp MC CO, Plate 06. It has not been possible to trace this stamp mark. The brick structure uncovered; within the confines of the trench, consists of four brick lined corner pieces with masonry and stone cores, Plates 1-4. Each corner piece measures 1.52m east/west and are separated from each other by a brickwork area comprising two channels and a dividing wall. The centrally placed dividing wall measures 0.46m whilst the channels are 0.6m wide and curve upwards from the central wall at a radius of 0.95m, Plate 07. The entire structure is divided through the middle by a brick lined channel which has a large masonry block at each edge. The channel was found to contain lime mortar [151] to a height of the curved channels. Stratigraphy: The stratigraphic sequence is uniform north/south but not east/west, therefore, the north section, fig 4 gives the full sequence throughout the trench. The Harris matrix is shown in fig 05. [142] is represented by the masonry tie course of the dam wall to the west. As the dam wall appears to have been built, first, all the other deposits post date it. [143] is characterised as a single course of half bricks which abut [142]. These bricks are not mortared and stand proud of the topsoil [144]. They spread no more than 0.4 from the wall [142] and probably represent a drainage feature of some sort, Plate 08. [144] is a very sparse covering of black soil and surface vegetation. Though not noticeable at the time of excavation, various high parts of [148] may have stood uncovered by [144]. [145] is a deeper layer of topsoil with a large amount of root material. This context is deepest outside of the building structure but can be detected at a lesser depth within the two central channels. [146] is context which is evident only on the west side of building [148] and within the brick channels; which would have been internal to the building. The context comprises a black/grey soil with considerable rubble content; mostly brick. Some datable finds of glass were recovered from this layer. [147] is a very solid, compacted layer of ferrous material, Plate 05. The layer was breached with some considerable effort; at the west side of the trench, yielding a thickness of 0.3m before flooding ended further investigation. It would appear that [147] underlies [148] the building. [148] brick structure (see above). [149] is a layer of modern rubble packed into a red clay fill. The layer is separated from [150], which it overlays, by sheets of modern builders polythene, Plate 04. This layer, which reaches a maximum thickness of 0.4m, is only found east of [148].

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[150] is a layer that is identical to [146] and again similar finds were collected. The layer also appears to overlay a compact iron pan similar if not identical to [147]. Finds: Plates 9 and 10, show the sample of finds taken from context [146]/[150]. The sampling strategy was to collect readily dateable type finds. Two objects were researched in some detail and most of the glass ware tended to fall into the same broad time period of the late 19th early 20th century; as was clearly identifiable by their moulding techniques. A third source for dating, the embossed tiles, Plate 10 was also included. The earthen ware pot shown in Plate 9 bears the embossed label NOT Genuine UNLESS Plate 11. William Pickles Hartley, started jam production in BEARING W P HARTLEYS LABEL 1871 but in 1884 the company became William Hartley & Sons ltd. (Hartley Family 2008). The large Green bottle bears the embossed label: SMITH & Co LAMBERHURST LIMITED. Smith & Co were recorded as brewers at Lamberhurst since 1833 (wheasheafcrowborough) whilst record AMS5681/56/29 shows the company sold to The Dartford Brewery in 1921. This 88 year period can be narrowed however; the bottle has an applied lip with internal screw which came into use after 1872, (Fletcher 1975). The applied lip itself is the improved type and this has been added to a hinged embossing mould, probably datable between 1890-1910, (ibid). Four examples of stamped roof tile were collected, each bearing the head of NAPOLEON III EMPEREUM and two carrying an extra ring containing the words COLTHURST SYMONDS & CO BRIDGEWATER, Plate 10. The Napoleon medallions were awarded to the company in 1863 Paris and 1873 Vienna and so were incorporated into their stamp. (Wilson 2008. pers com). It wasnt until 1877 however that the company became limited and so bore the extra title (Murless 2000). Interpretation: The archaeological information collected for the structure would tend to suggest that it is a later build on the site as there would appear to be a compacted ferrous floor under the building. This interpretation is confirmed from the map progressions, fig 03: P1, 1880 shows the area of trench A as part of a large building. The position of Trench A is shown in the illustrations to the right. P2, by 1903 the larger building appears to have been demolished to make way for smaller buildings; one of which corresponds to the building found in trench A. The new architectural alignments and form of the buildings can be seen in Plate 12 and it would appear that there was a tall chimney stack in the immediate vicinity of Trench A. P3, by 1920, although structures at the site would appear to be disappearing fig 03, P3, the building in trench A is still solidly represented. Interestingly, the finds within contexts [146] and [150], have a corresponding terminus ante quem, c.1921, from which it seems logical to infer that the building had become derelict by this time.

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Trench B, General description: It proved to be impractical to excavate the complete 10 x 3m area of Trench B, by mechanical digger, due to the nature of the ground fill. The northern end was in the vicinity of an unrecorded service pipe, whilst the centre of the trench was bisected, diagonally by a masonry wall, Plate 13. Safety was the overriding concern in the southern section as the entire fill was made up of unstable rubble deposits. This consideration impacted on the clearing and recording work in this instance. The trench covered an irregular area 10m long by x 3m wide, aligned north/south and reached a maximum depth of 1.97m in the southern end at the culvert, Plate 14. The average depth throughout was 1.2m. Excavation at the southern section of the trench, revealed a brick lined drain, Plate 15, a masonry wall, Plate 16, a domed area of compacted ferrous material, Plate 17 and the culvert and wall Plate 18. Excavation at the northern edge of the trench produced the corner of a brick building and the brick arch of the culvert, Plate 19. A plan and portions of elevation of the excavated trench is given in fig 6, whilst fig 7 details the stratigraphic matrix: images relevant to this description can be found in the plates section. Detail description: The trench was bisected diagonally by a masonry wall [125] which itself was supported by a masonry arch made of substantial blocks of dressed stone [139], Plates 20 & 21. The alignment of the wall, 308 N matches that of the buildings of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map fig 03. The wall is extant from the surface at a depth of less than 0.05m whilst in the western section of the trench, the stone arch, Plate 21 lies at a depth of 1m below ground level and is constructed of dressed stone wedges. The sand bags in the picture were left by the water board from recent work on the culvert. This arch supports the weight of the wall [125] as the arch is of brick construction once the width of the wall has been passed. Plate 22 shows the internal structure of the culvert arch and the installed water board pipe. South and west of the arch is another section of masonry wall [134], Plate 16. This wall has only partially survived having been destroyed during recent work by the water board. What remains stands some 0.6m high with a length of 0.7m, terminating in a surviving corner at its south end. Within the wall is a square shaft with a depth into the wall exceeding 0.9m. The alignment of the wall is 304 N and may not therefore be associated with wall [125]. On the east section of the trench, opposite [134], is the partial remains of brick lined drain [135] with a stone floor [136] and possible stone top, Plate 15. It was not possible to excavate this further as the ground was very unstable.
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Between [134] and [135] is a very compact surface of ferrous material. The feature forms a dome aligned roughly east/west across the trench and runs under the wall [134]. In the eastern half of trench B, the structures are brick and mortar. They comprise, two partial remains of a wall [130], Plate 19; which align to each other at 90 and are aligned with wall [125] and the continuation of the brick arch [131]. Structure [131] lies at a depth of 0.85m beneath the ground surface Stratigraphy: The unstable nature of the ground being made up of episodes of fill made it unsafe to carry out in depth recording. The results of the work can be seen in fig 06 with the Harris matrix plotted in fig 07. [124] has been assigned to the topsoil which varied between less than 0.05m to 0.25m in the north west corner of the trench. [125] is the bisecting masonry wall discussed above. [126] is a deposit of clay with some rubble, shown to the right of plate, Plate 23. The layer tilts to the north and may be a cut; associated with unrecorded service pipe work in the immediate vicinity. [127] is a layer of fine ash and cinder, again probably cut by [126] but above structure [130] and bounded by wall [125]. [128] is similar to [126] but coarser in nature. It is possible that [127] and [128] are contemporary. [129] is a domed area of compacted ferrous material see above. [130] brick structures, see above. [131] brick arch, see above. [132] is a lens of lime rubble fill which appears to be localised to the wall [125] where it interfaces with the west edge of the trench in the northern half but is more wide spread above wall [134] in the southern half, see elevations fig 06. [133] is a dark brown humic layer of soil containing a large quantity of rubble; mostly pan tile, Plate 24. [134] stone wall, see above. [135] brick drain, see above. [136] stone drain liner, see above. [137] iron pan, see above. [138] cut associated with work undertaken by the water board to reinstate the culvert. The work has had serious impact on the site and may have destroyed the wheel pit shown in 1880 fig 03.

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[139] stone arch, see above. [140] is a very layer of large rubble fill containing sizable blocks of masonry. Starting at about 0.45m beneath ground level this layer extends beyond the depth of excavation achieved at 1.2m. [140] was only found in the south of the trench B. Finds: No finds were collected from this trench as the majority of the fill was obviously derived from fairly recent work by the water board. Of the deeper levels in the south of the trench, Plate 24 shows the type of building rubble that abounded. One find of interest was recorded; a large carved block of stone, Plates 25 & 26 which came from the exposed mouth of the culvert. It is possible that this may be the axle block for a water wheel, the wheel pit having been inadvertently destroyed by the work of the water board. Interpretation: The archaeological information collected for the structure would tend to suggest that wall [125] and culvert arch [139] are part of the original buildings identified in the 1880 OS map fig 03. As was mentioned above, the 1880 map shows the wheel pit in this vicinity and the presence of the culvert and possible wheel axle stone would tend to support this. Wall 134, may be associated with the wheel pit itself but insufficient information was gleaned to support this hypothesis. Trench C, General description: Trench C was excavated to its full 10 x 3m proposed area, by mechanical digger. It was possible to excavate to an average depth of 1m in the southern portion of the trench but the archaeological horizon was close to surface level in the northern portion. In retrospect, the differing level of archaeological survival was discernable prior to excavation as a slight break of slope. Within the trench were revealed the edge of a large masonry building, some linear brick features of at least two phases of construction, a modern, unrecorded service pipe and a raised garden pond, Plate 27. A plan and portions of elevation of the excavated trench is given in fig 8, whilst fig 9 details the stratigraphic matrix: images relevant to this description can be found in the plates section. Detail description: The majority of trench C was dominated by the remains of a masonry building [119] of which 7m by 2m was exposed within the trench area. The building was masonry faced along its eastern face but it southern face abutted the brick structure [120], Plate 28. The internal surface of [119] is made up of masonry rubble and mortar fill [122], Plate 27. The depth beneath ground level of [119], at its southern edge was about 1m, whereas at the northern end of the trench [119] is only 0.18m beneath ground level.
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The southern end of the trench has two brick walls [113] and [116] which run northeast/southwest and may be associated with the modern service pipe [115]. Beneath [113] is a masonry wall [114] and at the base of that is a brick surface [116]. The only other notable feature is a modern pond lining on a raised platform of stone blocks [122], Plate 29. Stratigraphy: The results of the recording work on this trench can be seen fig 08 with the Harris matrix plotted in fig 09. [109] has been assigned to the topsoil which varied between depths of 0.10m to 0.35m. [110] is a layer of rubble fill, mostly brick, Plate 29, which varies in depth at the north end from less than 0.15m to 1.2m in the south. It is possible that the brick has been used as a levelling exercise, possibly related to the construction of the pipeline [115]. [111] is a black greasy deposit of charcoal and clay, Plate 27. The deposit is bounded by [119] and [120] but extends beyond the excavation to the east and north. [112] is a layer of red sandy clay with masonry inclusions, Plate 30. Context [112] is confined to the break in slope around the mid point of the trench. [113] is a brick feature at the south end of the trench, Plate 31 comprising a double layer of yellow and red brick. [114] a length of partially exposed masonry wall underlying [113], Plate 31. [115] clay service pipe. [116] brick floor at base of [114] and depth of 1.40m below ground level. [117] compacted soil surface at limit of excavation. Confined space did not allow for further work. [118] compacted ash layer directly above [111], Plate 30. [119] stone wall, see above. [120 brick wall, see above. [121] brick pillar probably associated with [120]. [122] rubble and mortar fill of [119], see above. [123] fish pond, see above. Finds: No finds were collected from this trench but a sample of the fill was photographed for the record,
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Plate 32. As can be seen the fill relates to the demolition of the building varying from roof tile to melted brick. Interpretation: The archaeological information collected for the structure [119] would tend to suggest that it is the remains of a substantial building. This is borne out by its construction materials. Its position, when plotted on the 1880 OS map, fig 03, coincides with that of the original works plans and it is possible that the drop in level of the floor, noted above, is associated with a cross wall on the plan P1. If this is the case then the building went out of use between 1880 and 1903, fig 03 P1 & P2. There is no depiction of the brick structures to the south of [119] but it has to be noted that the service pipe is aligned remarkably well with the gap between the walls, Plate 28. It is possible therefore that the walls are contemporary with the service pipe rather than the service pipe being laid along a pre existing channel. This interpretation however, does not account for the masonry wall [114] or the brick surface [116]. A possible clue to the buildings within the trench may come from the c 1920 photograph, Plate 12, which shows a large brick chimney stack in this position. If this is the case then the substantial rubble layer [110] would have had to have been deposited after the demolition of the stack and therefore after the photograph was taken. Trench D, General description: Trench C was excavated to its full 10 x 3m proposed extent, by mechanical digger. As the majority of the trench was devoid of any features or finds; being a natural silt deposit, there was no need to resort to excavation by hand other than to clean a section for recording. The only features of note were episodes of deposition along the extreme south section of the trench. A plan and portions of elevation of the excavated trench is given in fig 10, whilst fig 11 details the stratigraphic matrix: images relevant to this description can be found in the plates section. Detail description: Trench D is an almost entirely natural deposit derived from riverside silting. The only exception to this is thin section of the south bank which has evidence of deposition; possibly in an effort to build up the river bank Stratigraphy: The results of the recording work on this trench can be seen fig 10 with the Harris matrix plotted in fig 11. [100] has been assigned to the topsoil, Plate 33.
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[101] is a layer of grey/black humic soil with small quantities of angular gravel and small stone. The context slopes downward, west/east from 0.1m 0.4m beneath ground level. [102] is a layer of red silty clay with occasional stones and rounded pebbles. This layer is of fairly uniform thickness and also dips to the east, reaching a depth of 0.5m beneath ground level. [103] again of uniform thickness and slope is now made up of heavy rubble inclusions derived from building demolition. This context reaches a depth 0f 0.74m to the south east. [104] is a thin band of dark brown humic soil with few stone inclusions however, there are a few yellow bricks to the west end. [105] is a coarse grey cinder deposit. [106] a red/black fine mix of ash and soil. [107] is another coarse grey cinder deposit but this time containing lumps of iron slag. [108] red clay with occasional pebbles. Finds: There were no finds from this trench. Interpretation: Trench D is by and large sited on a natural deposit of riverside alluvium. The only exception to this appears at the extreme south edge where various episodes of deposition have occurred, that seem to derive from the forge site as a whole. It may be that efforts had been made to build up the river bank or equally the deposit area may have been a handy and accessible spot just outside of the works, for tipping.

7.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation work at the site has revealed that there are considerable archaeological resources present; relatively close to the surface in most cases. It is probable that the archaeological resources remaining relate to the main 19th century complex of the forge site as depicted in the 1st edition OS map. As such, these resources are of regional importance. Later structures from the forge works, dating between 1880 and 1903 and possibly to the works decline by 1920 are also present.

8.

PREDICTED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL ON KNOWN ARCHAEOLOGY

The archaeological resources are concentrated around the area covered by trenches A, B and C and as such will be affected by the proposed plots for buildings B1 and 2 and garage G1 fig 12.

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Fig 12 shows projections for the archaeology based on measured surveys made of the large buildings uncovered in trenches A, B and C. The predicted lines assume that the edges of the buildings still exist and that they continue in a straight line. This assumption may be wrong as regards the predicted archaeological resources remaining north of both trenches A and B as it is known that the water board undertook extensive excavation in these areas, in the recent past. With the above caveat in mind, then proposed building B1 will have a serious impact on the archaeological resources predicted from trench A. The same must also be inferred for proposed building B2 and its impact on the archaeological resources predicted from trench C. Fig 12 also shows that proposed garage plot G1 should impact on the archaeological resources of trench B. In this instance, the evaluation trenching showed that there is every possibility that the archaeology has already been destroyed.

9.

PROPOSED AVOIDANCE OR MITIGATION MEASURES

In order to avoid any impact on the archaeological resources present at the site the following measures are proposed: Re positioning of the proposed building plots. Watching brief cover during excavation. In response to a request by the developer, the following suggestions for repositioning of plots 1 and 2 have been made based on the findings of this evaluation and documentation available. Fig 13 shows the new position for building plots B1 and B2 overlaid on the base plot of the site. Building 1 has been moved 1.4m west and 1.2m north. Building 2 has been moved2.2 m west and 1.5m north. No adjustment is required for G1. It should be noted that there are unavoidable margins of error: the inaccuracy of the Ordnance Survey base map. The building plot supplied by the developer shows the plot footprints at the eaves and not ground level and therefore they are marginally bigger. However, it is hoped that these errors should carry enough of a safety margin to ensure that the impact on the archaeological resources will be greatly minimised.

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10. ARCHIVE
Brynmawr Museum has been notified of the intention to deposit the project archive and this has been accepted The project archive will consist of all original records, artefacts, ecofacts/samples and all documentation that relates to the evaluation. Copies of the WSI and any relevant correspondence will be included. The Archaeological Contractor will endeavour to persuade the legal owner of any artefacts, to transfer them to Brynmawr Museum. The archive will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, Second Edition, (1991) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed. The archive will comply with the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (Archaeology Section) Guidelines for the Preparation of Excavation Archives for Long-Term Storage (1990) the Society of Museum Archaeologists Towards An Accessible Archive (1995) and to the reasonable requirements of Brynmawr Museum. The archive will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the evaluation and with the agreement of the landowner. A synopsis of the archive will be lodged with the Historic Environment Record. A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales while an academic report will be published in the Gwent Local History Journal.

11. COPYRIGHT
A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988 with all rights reserved. A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby give permission for Cadw and the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the project as described in this Project Design following a period of 12 months after the evaluation is completed.

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12. BIBLIOGRAPHY

BGS 1990.

British Geological Survey 1:50 000. England and Wales Sheet 232. Abergavenny. Solid and Drift Geology. Images of Wales Around Gilwern. Tempus. Bottle Collecting. Poole: Blanford Press. http://www.hartleyfamily.org.uk/Fame2SZ.htm

Edge. D., 2004 Fletcher, E., 1975 Hartley Family 2008

Hughes. S., 2005

SWB/JE/PER0201 St Mealog, Forge Row Gilwern.

Maylan, N.,2007

MON1159/CNM Replacement of one Dwelling and Two New Dwellings

Murles, Brian J,

Somerset Brick & Tile Manufacturers: A Brief History and Gazetteer, Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society, 2000 MON1159/JP LAND ON AND ADJACENT TO ST MAELOG, FORGE ROW, MAESGWATHA, GILWERN. BRIEF FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION Correspondence to GGAT 07/01276/FUL Industry Before the Industrial Revolution. University of Wales Press. V1. Mines Mills and Furnaces. Industrial Archaeology in Wales. London: HMSO. Somerset Brick & Tile Museum Bridgewater
http://www.wheatsheafcrowborough.co.uk/history.html

Parry J., 2008

Perrin N.A. April 2008. Rees, W., 1968 Rees, D. M., 1969

Wilson. P., Wheatscrowborough AMS5681/56/29

East Sussex Record Office

13. AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Wilson. P.,

Curator, Somerset Brick & Tile Museum Bridgewater.

A.P.A.C. Ltd, Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 7RG . 07734962919. Email: apac.philips@btinernet.com. Company Registration No 5041541. VAT Reg No 826 3628 19. www.apac.ltd.uk Director: Dr N. Phillips. D.Phil. BA (Hons). Cert Ed/FE. AIFA. AAI&S

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St Maelogs Forge Row, Maesgwartha

St Maelog

Fo rg eR

ow

A4

65

Fig 01: Location

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

Figure 02: 1880 OS map with site boundary

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

P1
A

Breconshire Sheet XLII. 13 1880. 1:2.500

P2
A

Breconshire Sheet XLII. 13 1903. 1:2.500

P3
A

Breconshire Sheet XLII. 13 1920. 1:2.500

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h
A B C D

Site Grid 10m

Promap 2008 SO 2354 1404

Fig 03. Map Progressions

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

ST Maelogs, Forge Row Maesgwartha

EVALUATION TRENCH A
142 144 145 0 1 M 3 143 2 M 147 151 151 1 0 0 1 142 143 144 Masonry tie course Brick drain? Black soil 145 146 147 Iron pan 144 145 145

NORTH WEST SECTION

0

146

146

149

148 147

Plastic sheeting 150

1 M Brick Stone

152 152

Iron Pan

Mortar 147

Lime mortar

Limit of excavation 152 Break of slope

10

PLAN VIEW
Black soil with root Black/grey soil with rubble 148 149 150 Building Red clay fill Modern rubble 151 152 Lime mortar Mortar

Fig 04. Trench A. Plan and section

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

142 Masonry tie course to dam 143 Brick drainage (half bricks) 144 Black soil 145 Black soil with roots 146 Black/grey soilwith rubble 147 Iron pan

148 Brick buiding 149 Red clay fill 150 Modern rubble 151 Lime mortar (yellow) 152 Mortar (grey)

Fig 05. Stratigraphy, Trench A

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

ST Maelogs, Forge Row Maesgwartha EVALUATION TRENCH B

A
0 132 133 134 138 140 1 M 128 1 M 0 1 M 0 1 M 2 125 127 132 126 3 2

WEST SECTION
Section
124 0

Section
124

N
Brick

UNEXCAVATED DUE TO INSTABILITY

138

B
UNEXCAVATED DUE TO MODERN SERVICES

Stone

A Se
M 134

Iron Pan

ct

ion

130 Mortar

Se A

cti

on B
129 131 139 125

Lime mortar

Tile

Limit of excavation Break of slope

135 0

10

PLAN VIEW
124 125 126 Top soil Masonry wall Clay with rubble 127 128 129 Cinder Coarse cinder Iron pan 130 131 132 Brick wall Brick culvert arch Lime /rubble fill 133 134 135 Dark brown humic/rubble Stone wall Brick drain 136 138 139 Stone slab floor Cut Stone Arch 140 Large masonry fill

Fig 06. Trench B. Plan and section

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

124 Top soil 125 Masonry wall 126 Clay with rubble 127 Cinder 128 Course cinder 129 Iron pan 130 Brick wall 131 Brick culvert arch

132 Lime rubble fill 133 Dark brown humic/rubble fill 134 Stone wall 135 Brick drain 136 Stone slab floor 138 Cut (Modern) 139 Stone Arch 140 Fill, Large masonry rubble.

Fig 07. Stratigraphy, Trench B

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

ST Maelogs, Forge Row Maesgwartha EVALUATION TRENCH C

3 123 Brick

PLAN VIEW

122 110

Stone

Iron Pan

Mortar

Charcoal

M 123 114 1 119 115

Red Soil Ash

Limit of excavation Break of slope

116

110 117 111

109

10

0 109 112 113 1 M 120 114 115 116 117 111 2 109 110 111 Black topsoil Rubble fill Black greasy charcoal 112 113 114 Red sandy clay based rubble Brick feature Stone wall 115 116 117 Pipe Brick floor Compacted surface 110 118

0 1 M

UN-EXCAVATED AREA

EAST SECTION
118 119 120 Compacted ash Edge of building Brick wall 121 122 123 Brick pillar Rubble and mortar fill [119] Fish pond

Fig 08. Trench C. Plan and section

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

109 Top soil 110 Rubble Fill 111 Black greasy charcoal 112 Red sandy clay rubble 113 Brick feature 114 Stone wall 115 Pipe 116 Brick floor

117 Compacted surface 118 Compacted ash 119 Masonry building 120 Brick wall 121 Brick pillar 122 Rubble and mortar fill (119) 123 Fish pond

Fig 09. Stratigraphy, Trench C

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

ST Maelogs, Forge Row Maesgwartha EVALUATION TRENCH D

0 101 102 M 1 105 106 107 108 103 104

SOUTH SECTION

0
Brick

Stone 100 101 Limit of excavation 102 Surface Grey/black, humic, small gravel Red silty/clay. Few stones and pebbles 103 104 105 Rubble, yellow brick, pan tile, stone, lime mortar Humic dark brown soil few stones Grey cinder deposit, coarse 106 107 108

Tile

Red/black fine ash/soil Grey cinder deposit with slag Red alluvium clay with river cobbles

Fig 10 Trench D. Section

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha

100 Top soil 101 Grey/black fill, humic, gravel 102 Red silty/clay, few stones & pebbles 103 Rubble, yellow brick, pan tile, stone & lime mortar 104 Humic dark brown soil, few stones 105 Grey cinder deposit, coarse 106 Red/black fine ash/soil 107 Grey cinder deposit with slag 108 Red alluvium clay with riverine pebbles

Fig 11. Stratigraphy, Trench D

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs Forge Row, Maesgwartha

Pat

h ( um)

G2

D B3

Proposed plots Trenches

Ar y og ol ae ch

G1 B

B2

St Maelog's

Ar ch ae ol og y

Archaeological projections

C
RIV

B1

ER

Crown Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Licence number 100020449

Ar ch ae ol og y

10m Grid

Fig 12: Impact assessment

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs Forge Row, Maesgwartha

Pat

h ( um)

G2

D B3

Proposed plots original positions Trenches

Ar y og ol ae ch

G1 B

B2

St Maelog's

Ar ch ae ol og y

Archaeological projections

C
RIV

B1

ER

Crown Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Licence number 100020449

Ar ch ae ol og y

10m Grid

Fig 13: Mitigation proposal

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC01908 DSC01907

Plate 01: Trench A, general view

Plate 02: Trench A, general view

DSC01909

DSC01910

Plate 03: Trench A, general view

Plate 04: Trench A, general view

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St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC01911 DSC01866

5: Plate 05: Trench A, west of building

CAN11

Plate 06: Trench A, hand stamped bricks

DSC01863

Plate 07: Trench A, pro le of curved channel

Plate 08: Trench A, feature [143]

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St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC02419 DSC02420 DSC02421 DSC02422 DSC02298

5: Plate 09: Trench A, nds

Scan logo

Plate 10: Trench A, Napoleon III stamped tiles

(Edge 2004)

Plate 11: Trench A, Jam pot base

Plate 12: Old Forge c. 1920

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC0169 DSC01902

5: Plate 13: Trench B, General view

DSC01898

Plate 14: Trench B, Maximum depth at culvert

DSC01896

Plate 15: Trench B, Features [135] [136]

Plate 16: Trench B, Feature [134]

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC0170 DSC0190

5: Plate 17: Trench B, Iron pan[129]

DSC0181

Plate 18: Trench B, Wall and culvert

DSC01899

Plate 19: Trench B, Brick structures [130] [131]

Plate 20: Trench B, Feature [139]

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC01912 DSC01900

5: Plate 21: Trench B, Masonry arch

DSC01905

Plate 22: Trench B, Inside the culvert

DSC01897

Plate 23: Trench B, northern section

Plate 24: Trench B, Contexts [133][140]

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/MAE/08

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC02355 Photomerge DSC01916, DSCO1917 & DSCO1918

Plate 25: Trench B, Waterwheel axle?

DSC02354

Plate 26: Trench B, Waterwheel axle?

Plate 27: Trench C, General view

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St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC01920 DSC01925

5: Plate 28: Trench C, Southern end of trench

DSC01921

Plate 29: Trench C, Pond?

DSC01927

Plate 30: Trench C, mid point, eastern section

Plate 31: Trench C, Southern end

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DSC02297

St Maelogs, Forge Row, Maesgwartha DSC01868

Plate 33: Trench D, Southern section

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Plate 32: Trench C, Finds