Tramroad at Ystradgynlais

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of the well preserved tramroad at Ystradgynlais. It was built c. 1832-7 as a 6.44km link line to the Brecon Forest Tramroad to enable limestone to be brought directly down to the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks. The proprietor was Joseph Claypon and the engineer's contractors were John and Robert Brunton. The whole length remains an impressive monument - the track runs through large cuttings and over impressive stretches of embankment on the expanse of Mynydd y Drum. At the canal end, Brunton's Incline, 1.2km long rising through 210m is among the most impressive tramroad inclines surviving in south Wales. The squared rubble masonry engine house and cable tunnel runs are located at NGR SN8013 0942.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of the development of the raw materials supply and transportation network associated with nineteenth century iron industry. It is well preserved and retains significant archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to layout, building techniques and functional detail.

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