Gorad Ddu Fish Weir

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument consists of the remains of a very impressive and well-preserved fish weir, dating to the post-medieval period. A fish weir is usually characterised by a foundation of stone topped with a fence or row of stakes, often with nets attached forming an enclosure within a river or harbour and used for catching, or holding, fish. Gorad Ddu Fish Weir is defined by well-built, dry-stone walls and incorporates modified natural features. The weir walls stand to a maximum height of approximately 3m and are 1.2 to 1.5m in width. The inner wall runs southwards at a right angle from the shore for 70m before turning through 90 degrees to the east and running for 96m towards a low rocky island. The wall then continues for another 80m to the east of the island. A well-defined sluice can be seen in the western angle of the weir wall. The weir is first recorded in Baron Hill Estate papers dating to 1602.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval or post-medieval maritime agricultural practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.