Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM417
Name
Cefn Cribwr Ironworks
Date of Designation
15/07/1980
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Neath Port Talbot
Community
Margam
Easting
285100
Northing
183454
Broad Class
Industrial
Site Type
Ironworks
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument consists of the remains of a blast furnace and associated buildings. Started in 1773, the furnace continued production until around 1834. The furnace itself is well preserved, the end wall of the casting house survives almost intact, the side walls are ruinous but still traceable. The furnace stack is stone-cased, with front arch intact and survives to a length of 5.5m. The hearth area is still intact and behind are the remains of the charging house. The blast engine house is situated at a right angle to the furnace.
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.