Copper slag abutment to former waste tip tramroad

Cadw's description

Location

Located on the west side of the former Swansea Canal near the centre of the former Hafod and Morfa copperworks site.

History

Hafod Copperworks was established in 1810 by John Vivian and continued to be owned by the Vivian family until 1924 when it amalgamated with the adjacent Morfa Coppperworks. It was subsequently operated by Yorkshire Imperial Metals until it closed in 1980. The abutment supported a works tramroad for carrying slag high above the Swansea Canal and served as a massive revetment wall above the canal holding back the slag tip to the west. It was built in the mid nineteenth century using copper slag blocks produced at the Hafod works, and is an exceptionally fine demonstration of the use of a material once common in the Swansea and Bristol areas.

Exterior

A very tall copper slag wall with a steeply battered profile and a ramped projecting bridge abutment, creating a complex geometry. The slag blocks are closely bedded and are 22cm deep, in two lengths, of 43cm and 20cm. Putlog holes for support of the bridge deck can be seen on the abutment.

Reason for designation

Listed as probably the most impressive surviving example of copper slag block construction in Wales and for group value with the listed buildings of the former Hafod and Morfa copperworks.