Scheduled MonumentsWalesCharcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn
Post Medieval/Modern · Blast Furnace

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn

Wales
Cadw SAM MM250
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Blast Furnace
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn is a substantial stone structure dating from the late eighteenth century, representing an important phase in Welsh iron production during the early Industrial Revolution. Built to exploit local iron ore and charcoal resources in the Sirhowy Valley, the furnace demonstrates the technological adaptation of ironmaking processes in South Wales before the widespread adoption of coke-fuelled smelting. The surviving stonework of the furnace stack and associated casting house remain significant evidence of charcoal iron production methods and the industrial landscape that emerged in this region during the post-medieval period. The site is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, recognised for its archaeological and historical importance as a monument to Wales's industrial heritage.

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM250. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn?

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn is a substantial stone structure dating from the late eighteenth century, representing an important phase in Welsh iron production during the early Industrial Revolution. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM250.

What period does Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn date from?

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a blast furnace. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn?

Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MM250.

What other scheduled monuments are near Charcoal Blast Furnace at Abercarn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St. Michael's Churchyard Cross, Machen (6.9 km), Gwern-y-Domen Castle Mound (8.1 km), Ruperra Hillfort and Motte (8.2 km).

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