Scheduled MonumentsWalesSite of Hirwaun Ironworks
Post Medieval/Modern · Ironworks

Site of Hirwaun Ironworks

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR157
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Ironworks
Broad class
Industrial
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

The Site of Hirwaun Ironworks is a post-medieval and modern industrial monument located in Breconshire, Wales, representing the substantial ironworking operations that developed in the region during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The ironworks operated as part of the broader industrialisation of South Wales, contributing to the area's emergence as a major centre of iron production during the Industrial Revolution. Physical remains at the site include structural features and archaeological deposits associated with the iron-smelting and forging processes, though the extent of surviving above-ground structures reflects the dynamic and sometimes destructive nature of industrial development and subsequent land use. The monument is protected as a scheduled ancient monument under the Cadw designation SAM BR157, recognising its importance to understanding the archaeological and historical record of Welsh industrial heritage.

Site of Hirwaun Ironworks is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR157. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Site of Hirwaun Ironworks?

The Site of Hirwaun Ironworks is a post-medieval and modern industrial monument located in Breconshire, Wales, representing the substantial ironworking operations that developed in the region during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR157.

What period does Site of Hirwaun Ironworks date from?

Site of Hirwaun Ironworks dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a ironworks. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Site of Hirwaun Ironworks?

Site of Hirwaun Ironworks 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 BR157.

What other scheduled monuments are near Site of Hirwaun Ironworks?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Garn Bica (5.5 km), Castell Nos (5.7 km), Rhos-Gwawr cairn cemetery (6.6 km).

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