ME250

Anti-invasion Defences 630m E of Cae'r-tyddyn  

08/06/2006  

Designated  

Gwynedd  

Brithdir and Llanfachreth  

279554  

317263  

Defence  

Anti-tank Obstacle  

Post Medieval/Modern  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument consists of anti-invasion defences, dating to the early period of World War II (AD 1940-41), that formed part of Western Command Stop Line No. 21, which ran from Rhyl to Machynlleth. The defences are located on the Bwlch Oerddrws pass on the A470 trunk road between Dolgellau and Dinas Mawddwy, where the local topography forms a steep-sided, narrow and easily defended gorge. Twenty-five in situ anti-tank cubes are aligned N-S and defend an upward position to the E. The structure measures c. 72m long and is bisected by the A470. Fifteen cubes lie to the N of the road in a NNW-SSE alignment c. 36m long and ten lie to the S in a N-S alignment 25m long. They are built of concrete and faced with local stone. The anti-tank cubes are regular in shape and measure c. 1.6m wide, 1.6m tall and 1.6m deep. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of World War II anti-invasion practices. The monument is well preserved and is an important relic of actions taken against the perceived threat of a German invasion from Ireland. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The area scheduled comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Area 'A' is centred on Item 'A' (NGR SH 79552 17281). It is an irregular rectangle in shape and measures 40m NW-SE by 9m transversely. Area 'B' is centred on Item 'B' (NGR SH 79556 17240). It is an irregular rectangle in shape and measures 28m N-S by 9m transversely.