Scheduled MonumentsWalesNeath Abbey Ironworks Dam
Post Medieval/Modern · Dam

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam

Wales
Cadw SAM GM395
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Dam
Broad class
Water Supply and Drainage
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam is a Post-Medieval and Modern structure associated with the industrial development of the Neath Valley in South Wales. The dam was constructed to serve the water supply and drainage requirements of the ironworks that operated in the vicinity of the medieval Neath Abbey, reflecting the adaptation of the landscape for industrial purposes from the eighteenth century onwards. The structure represents the practical engineering solutions employed during Wales's industrial expansion, when water power and management became essential to iron production. As a scheduled ancient monument, the dam forms part of the broader archaeological and industrial heritage of the Neath Abbey complex and its surrounding industrial landscape.

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM395. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam?

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam is a Post-Medieval and Modern structure associated with the industrial development of the Neath Valley in South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM395.

What period does Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam date from?

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a dam. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam?

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam 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 GM395.

What other scheduled monuments are near Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of Brunel Dock, Briton Ferry (5.3 km), Craig Ty-Isaf Camp (5.7 km), Buarth y Gaer, Mynydd y Gaer (5.8 km).

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