Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM516
Name
Machen Forge and Tinplate Works
Date of Designation
11/06/1998
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Caerphilly
Community
Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen
Easting
320346
Northing
188873
Broad Class
Water Supply and Drainage
Site Type
Water Power System
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 a water power system originally serving Machen Forge. The forge was associated with Caerphilly Furnace in 1717 and may have been established in the 17th century, making it early in Wales. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries it was part of the Harford family empire of ironworks and was managed by one of the Harford brothers living nearby at Gelliwastad. The forge expanded into tinplate manufacture in 1826, and was subsequently run in conjunction with the Waterloo Tinplate Works before closing in 1886. Remains of the water power system include a dam, sluices, culverts and waterwheel pits.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of water management systems. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.