Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM551
Name
Deserted Rural Settlement North of Foel Fynyddau
Date of Designation
30/08/2001
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Neath Port Talbot
Community
Pelenna
Easting
278360
Northing
194395
Broad Class
Domestic
Site Type
House Platform
Period
Medieval
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument comprises the remains of a number of circular and sub-rectangular earthen building platforms, which probably date to the medieval period. Four earth platforms, set in pairs, are likely to represent the earliest phase of occupation. The smallest measures 9m by 5m and the largest 13m by 5m and all have been built at 90 degrees to the prevailing slope in order to provide flat bases for timber buildings. The fifth round platform has been set along the contour of the hill and retains the stone footings of a building apparently used as a barn during the 17th and 18th centuries. Two more sub-rectangular house platforms, abutting a relict field boundary, are located within the forestry.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval settlement. The monument forms an important element within the wider medieval context and the scheduled area may be expected to contain a wide range of archaeological information, including chronological detail and evidence in regard to construction techniques and agricultural methods. House platforms may be part of a larger cluster of settlement 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.