Scheduled MonumentsWalesGilwern Embankment
Post Medieval/Modern · Aqueduct

Gilwern Embankment

Wales
Cadw SAM MM251
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Aqueduct
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Gilwern Embankment is a Post Medieval and Modern period aqueduct structure located in Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference MM251. The embankment was constructed as part of the industrial infrastructure serving the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, reflecting the canal transport systems that were essential to moving goods and raw materials during the industrial development of South Wales in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The structure exemplifies the engineering approaches of the period, with the embankment designed to carry the canal waterway across the landscape whilst maintaining the necessary water level for navigation. This monument represents a significant element of Wales's industrial heritage, demonstrating the considerable earthworks and construction techniques required to establish canal networks in areas of challenging topography.

Gilwern Embankment is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM251. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Gilwern Embankment?

Gilwern Embankment is a Post Medieval and Modern period aqueduct structure located in Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference MM251. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM251.

What period does Gilwern Embankment date from?

Gilwern Embankment dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a aqueduct. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Gilwern Embankment?

Gilwern Embankment 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 MM251.

What other scheduled monuments are near Gilwern Embankment?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pwll Du Tunnel (4.5 km), Brake Engine on Hill Pits Tramroad Incline (4.6 km), Blaenavon Upper Brick Yard (4.8 km).

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