Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
CD201
Name
Blaen Cwmsymlog Lead and Silver Mine
Date of Designation
27/12/2001
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Ceredigion
Community
Trefeurig
Easting
270515
Northing
283795
Broad Class
Industrial
Site Type
Lead Mine
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.
The monument consists of Blaencwmsymlog lead and silver mine, which was operated in conjunction with Cwmsymlog, immediately to its west. Together they were among the most important lead and silver mines in Wales, described by Lewis Morris in 1747 as 'the richest in lead and silver of any in His Majesty's Dominions'. The veins were probably worked in prehistoric or Roman times and the mine is well documented from 1585, when the Mines Royal Company began operating here, to its final closure in 1901. There are several well preserved surface remains and there is potential for important below ground evidence to survive. Features within the scheduled area include Taylor's shaft and waterwheel pit, a major reservoir dam built in 1848, several other shafts, and two ancient rock-cut levels.
The monument is of significance for its remains of a leading Welsh lead and silver mine, for its complex history, and for its excellent documentation. It is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of mining practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.