Cwm Clydach settlement

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 small settlement, probably dating to the late-medieval or post-medieval periods and situated within open moorland on a terrace on the steep sheltered W-facing slopes above and to the E of the Afon Clydach. The settlement comprises a main building and a smaller building situated immediately to the N. The larger building is subrectangular on plan and measures 8m from NW to SE by 2.6m transversely within rubble walls measuring 1m in thickness and 0.5m in height. It has two compartments: that to the NW is larger and better defined, although it is overlain by a later drystone enclosure or shelter. There are two possible opposing entrances into the NW compartment, obscured by the later construction. The smaller building is subrectangular on plan and measures 4.2m from ESE to WNW by 2.2m transversely within rubble walls measuring 1.1m in thickness and up to 0.4m in height. An internal wall with passage forms two compartments and there is an entrance in the SSW side into the smaller compartment. The settlement presumably represents the remains of a seasonal hafotai.

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. Areas of boggy ground surround the settlement, greatly enhancing the potential for the survival of environmental and organic evidence.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is square and measures 45m from N to S by 45m transversely.