Gelli-groes Millhouse and attached Barn

Cadw's description

Location

Reached by a side road running SE. from Newport Road (A4048); the Millhouse faces the minor road bridge over the Sirhowy River.

History

Probably mid C19. Home of Artie Moore, radio enthusiast. The Moore family purchased Gelli-groes Mill in 1874 and as well as millers became suppliers of animal feed and, following installation of generators in the early 1900s, provided a battery charging service and a radio repair workshop. In 1912 Artie Moore picked up the distress call of the Titanic and also later heard Italy's Declaration of War. Many experiments were made from the Mill with radio transmitters. A scheme by the family to install a turbine to supply the Sirhowy Valley with power failed; Artie Moore died 1949. Mill continued in use as well as providing seed, pet food and undertaking bike repairs until 1970s.

Exterior

Long range set at angle to road comprising a 2-storey 3-window range house in centre, a 2-window range cottage to right sharing the same ridge, to left a single storey barn range now a workshop, wide extension to rear. Of roughcast rubble with Welsh slate roof, red brick end and ridge stack; corrugated roof to workshop. Central unit has 9-pane horned sashes to first floor and 12-pane to ground floor with cambered heads; central doorway with 4-panelled door. Cottage unit to right has replacement casement windows to upper floor and retains a 6-pane sash to ground floor with boarded door to side. Workshop of limewashed rubble has low double doorway with brick relieving arch flanked by doorways.

Interior

Barn now a candlemaker's workshop.

Reason for designation

Included mainly for group value with the Mill and Bridge.