Scheduled MonumentsWalesGlynneath Gunpowder Works
Post Medieval/Modern · Gunpowder Works

Glynneath Gunpowder Works

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR230
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Gunpowder Works
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Glynneath Gunpowder Works is a post-medieval industrial site located in Breconshire, Wales, which represents the development of gunpowder manufacturing in the region during the early modern period. The works exploited the local water resources and geography to support the production of gunpowder, a commodity of considerable strategic importance during successive periods of conflict and military activity. The site comprises the physical remains characteristic of gunpowder manufacture, including the dispersed layout typical of such dangerous industrial processes where separate buildings were deliberately spaced to contain accidental explosions. The Glynneath works forms part of the broader picture of Welsh industrial heritage and represents the application of local natural resources to meet national defence and manufacturing requirements.

Glynneath Gunpowder Works is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR230. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Glynneath Gunpowder Works?

Glynneath Gunpowder Works is a post-medieval industrial site located in Breconshire, Wales, which represents the development of gunpowder manufacturing in the region during the early modern period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR230.

What period does Glynneath Gunpowder Works date from?

Glynneath Gunpowder Works dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a gunpowder works. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Glynneath Gunpowder Works?

Glynneath Gunpowder Works 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 BR230.

What other scheduled monuments are near Glynneath Gunpowder Works?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Foel Chwern Round Cairn (4.6 km), Craig y Bwlch round cairn (5.4 km), Tarren y Bwlch round cairn (5.9 km).

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