Scheduled MonumentsWalesClydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge
Post Medieval/Modern · Ironworks

Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR161
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Ironworks
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Clydach Ironworks is a post-medieval and modern industrial site located in Breconshire, Wales, that represents the region's significant contribution to iron production during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The remains comprise substantial masonry structures associated with ironworking processes, including furnace bases and ancillary buildings, alongside Smart's Bridge, which facilitated access and transport across the site. The works operated during the height of South Wales's industrial expansion, when the Clydach Valley became an important centre for iron smelting and manufacture. The surviving physical evidence, though fragmentary, demonstrates the scale and technological organisation of contemporary ironworks and reflects the industrial heritage of the broader Brecon Beacons region.

Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR161. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge?

Clydach Ironworks is a post-medieval and modern industrial site located in Breconshire, Wales, that represents the region's significant contribution to iron production during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR161.

What period does Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge date from?

Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a ironworks. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge?

Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge 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 BR161.

What other scheduled monuments are near Clydach Ironworks (remains) and Smart's Bridge?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Engine Pit, Blaenavon (4.5 km), Blaenafon Ironworks (4.5 km), Aaron Brute's Level and Iron Bridge (4.8 km).

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