Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
MM250
Name
Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn
Date of Designation
24/10/1995
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Caerphilly
Community
Abercarn
Easting
321622
Northing
194866
Broad Class
Industrial
Site Type
Blast Furnace
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of an Industrial blast furnace, dating to the 18th century and fuelled by charcoal. The remains include a square stone stack on the bank above the river, stone charging house, waterwheel pit and wireworks. The charging house was later used as a forge. The furnace is probably the successor of an earlier furnace situated some distance to the east up the valley of the Nant Gwyddon.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of the development of the iron industry in Wales. It retains significant archaeological potential, with the strong possibility of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. A blast furnace may be part of a larger cluster of industrial monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.