Waun Llechwedd Llyfn long hut

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a long hut, probably dating to the late-medieval or post-medieval periods and situated within enclosed moorland immediately below the steep slopes of Pen Craigypistyll. The building is subrectangular on plan and measures 15m from E to W by 4m transversely within a grass covered stony bank measuring 1.5m in thickness and 0.6m in height. There is a drainage hood visible around its upper end. A later drystone hut has been built within the footings of the long hut; this hut measures 4.7m from E to W by 4m transversely within drystone rubble walls 1m in thickness and 0.9m in height. There is a small internal aumbry within the N side, immediately adjacent to the entrance. The building presumably represents the remains of a seasonal hafod.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval and post medieval land use, settlement and economy. It is a relatively well preserved example of an upland settlement and retains great archaeological potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval and post medieval stock rearing practices in the upland zone, whether as permanent settlement, regular transhumance, or intermittent opportunistic expansion.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is rectangular and measures 30m from E to W by 15m transversely.