Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
MM284
Name
The Platform, Piercefield
Date of Designation
04/08/2000
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Monmouthshire
Community
St. Arvans
Easting
353288
Northing
195357
Broad Class
Gardens, Parks and Urban Spaces
Site Type
Folly
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 folly, dating to the 18th century. A folly is a structure, often found in 18th century landscape gardens, that demonstrates eccentricity or excess rather than practical purpose. They can take many forms - ruins, sham castles, towers, hermits' cells or grottoes. This is an elevated viewing platform 7.5m wide by 2.8m deep built out over a natural rock outcrop. The Platform was one of the principle viewing structures constructed along the length of the Piercefield Walk.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of 18th century settlement organisation. 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.