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

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Neath Abbey Ironworks Dam is a Post Medieval and Modern period dam situated in Wales, constructed to serve the water supply and drainage requirements of the ironworks operations at Neath Abbey. The structure dates from the industrial expansion period when the Neath Valley became a centre of iron production, and represents the infrastructure necessary to support large-scale metal manufacturing processes that demanded substantial quantities of water for cooling and power generation. The dam's engineering reflects the practical hydraulic solutions developed during the transition from medieval to modern industrial activity in South Wales. As a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw protection, the site preserves evidence of the industrial heritage and technological capability of Post Medieval Wales.

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 period dam situated in Wales, constructed to serve the water supply and drainage requirements of the ironworks operations at Neath Abbey. 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 Britain.

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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