Scheduled MonumentsWalesMerthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section
Post Medieval/Modern · Tramroad

Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section

Wales
Cadw SAM GM594
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Tramroad
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

The Merthyr Tramroad, Morlais Castle section is a post-medieval industrial tramroad located in Wales that formed part of the pioneering horse-drawn railway network serving the ironworks of Merthyr Tydfil. Dating from the late eighteenth century, this section represents an important phase in the development of industrial transport infrastructure during the early Industrial Revolution. The tramroad was engineered to connect iron foundries and collieries with distribution routes, utilising a combination of stone sleepers and cast iron rails characteristic of early tramway construction. The survival of physical remains along this route, including sections of trackbed and associated infrastructure near Morlais Castle, preserves evidence of the technological and commercial innovations that underpinned South Wales's emergence as a major iron-producing region.

Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM594. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section?

The Merthyr Tramroad, Morlais Castle section is a post-medieval industrial tramroad located in Wales that formed part of the pioneering horse-drawn railway network serving the ironworks of Merthyr Tydfil. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM594.

What period does Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section date from?

Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a tramroad. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section?

Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section 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 GM594.

What other scheduled monuments are near Merthyr Tramroad: Morlais Castle section?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Graig-y-Gilfach round cairn and earthwork (6.5 km), Carn Castell y Meibion ring cairn (6.7 km), Merthyr Common Round Cairns (7.1 km).

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