Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Bee Boles at Blackhall Farm
St. Bride's Major, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Agriculture and Subsistence
- Date of designation
- 3 March 1999
- Locality
- Castle-upon-Alun
- Community
- St. Bride's Major
- Unitary authority
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 51.46141, -3.57526
- Cadw reference
- 21798
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1636 "Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ..." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Cadw's description
Location
Located on the N side of a lane which runs from St. Brides Major to Castle-upon-Alun, adjoining Blackhall farmhouse.
History
Prior to the developement of bee hives in the late C19, bees were kept in skeps made of wicker-work or coiled straw. In exposed areas the skips were given some protection from the elements by placing them in purpose built recesses known as bee boles. The majority of surviving bee boles in Wales are built of stone and are very difficult to date. It is thought that these at Blackhall farm are probably C18.
Exterior
Three tiers of 4 bee boles, each designed to take a single skep. Built of stone on a random rubble base, with stone slab sills. Adjoining Blackhall farmhouse to R.
Reason for designation
Listed as a very good example of bee boles which probably date from the C18. Notable for their state of survival and unusual design.
Group value with Blackhall farmhouse
Nearby in the register
- Blackhall FarmDomesticunder 1 mi
- Cart shed at Castle-upon-Alun HouseAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Former Byre at Castle-upon-Alun HouseAgriculture and Subsistenceunder 1 mi
- Castle-upon-Alun House including attached stone walls enclosing garden, and outbuildingDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.