Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM460
Name
Cwmdu Air Shaft & Fan
Date of Designation
26/07/1994
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Merthyr Tydfil
Community
Cyfarthfa
Easting
303157
Northing
205193
Broad Class
Industrial
Site Type
Air Shaft
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 an air shaft, probably dating to the 18th or 19th century. Cwmdu Air shaft is a small colliery ventilation fan and shaft associated with nearby 19th and 20th century workings. The air shaft consists of a low spoil mound with a narrow circular shaft at its centre, lined in brick and stone with foundations and mountings for the fan engine. The fan box itself is still in place, with a sheet metal inlet tube and box, with small evasee. The axle of the fan carries a strengthening framework and the remains of a number of blades.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of the development of the mining industry in Wales. It retains significant archaeological potential, with the strong possibility of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. An air shaft 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.