Nant y Foel 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 well-preserved long hut and an associated enclosure, probably dating to the medieval or post-medieval periods and situated in upland moorland on the S facing slopes of Penbryn-ci above and to the N of the Nant y Foel. The building is sub-rectangular on plan and measures 9.5m from NE to SW by 3.3m transversely within substantial boulder-built walls measuring 1m in thickness and up to 0.4m in height; it is terraced out above the slope on the SW. The building is situated in a sheltered SW facing hollow on the slopes immediately above the boggy basin. An associated enclosure extends to the E and a later drystone sheepfold has been constructed immediately to the W.

The monument is a well-preserved example of a long hut and presumably represents the remains of a seasonal hafod or more permanent lluest. 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 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 (such as the hafod system of summer pasture), 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 square and measures 40m from NE to SW by 40m transversely.