Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Monastic Baths
Margam, Neath Port Talbot, Wales
A Grade II* listed building in Cwm Bach, Port Talbot, Margam, Neath Port Talbot, designated on 25 April 2000.
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II*
- Broad class
- Religious, Ritual and Funerary
- Date of designation
- 25 April 2000
- Locality
- Cwm Bach
- Town
- Port Talbot
- Community
- Margam
- Unitary authority
- Neath Port Talbot
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 51.56845, -3.72840
- Cadw reference
- 23274
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 LibrariesNational Library of Scotland
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1636 map "Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ..." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1636 · Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ... (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1637 · The fourth table of England. Cornub. Devonia, Somerset etc. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1865 · England and Wales. England No. 6. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1907 · 248 Pontypridd (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1930 · OS Popular Edition 1919-1947 (National Library of Scotland)
Cadw's description
Location
Located on the W bank of the Afon Cwm Bach, on the E side of a track. To the N, the track bends round sharply to the E, over the river, and on to Cwm Maelwg Farm.
History
A complete medieval bath house, probably C14-15. Though probably connected with Margam Abbey, it is most likely to have been a baptistry for the local population who worshiped at the nearby Hen Eglwys. However, it is also known as Fynnon Gyffyr (medicinal spring) and it may have been used in earlier times for healing.
Exterior
Rectangular structure of rubble stone with keeled vaulted roof covered in vegetation. The N and W sides are built into the bank, while the S and E sides are free-standing. The ground slopes down sharply to the E towards the Afon Cwm Bach which finally leads into the abbey fishpond (now lake). Shallow pointed arched entrance to S end. Head of narrow raked stones and a triangular keystone, resting on impost blocks. Sockets at spring level, probably for a door or gate. One small lancet window to E side.
Interior
The E window has wide splayed reveals and a stone sill. Wide recess in W wall and bench to N end. L-shaped pool surrounded by paving and with steps leading down from the S end. Water inlet channel to the N.
Reason for designation
Listed grade II* as an unusual and complete survival of a medieval baptistry and holy well.
Nearby in the register
- Margam Medieval Bath HouseBath Houseunder 1 mi
- Half Moon CampEnclosureunder 1 mi
- Hen Eglwys Chapel and Defended EnclosureEnclosure - Defensiveunder 1 mi
- Hen EglwysReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.