Anti-invasion Defences 2000m NE of Cwmrhwyddfor Farm

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument consists of anti-invasion defences, dating to the early period of World War II (AD 1940-41), that formed part of Western Command Stop Line No. 21, which ran from Rhyl to Machynlleth. The defences are located on the Cwm Rhywddfor pass on the A487 trunk road between Cross Foxes and Corris, where the local topography forms a steep-sided, narrow and easily defended gorge. They are aligned NW-SE and defend an upward position to the NE. The structure consists of three in situ anti-tank cubes built of concrete and faced with local stone and an associated roadblock on the verge to the S side of the road. The anti-tank cubes are irregular in shape and measure on average 1.4m NW-SE, 1.8m NE-SW and 1.6m tall. The roadblock consists of bent Rolled Steel Joists embedded into the ground.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of World War II anti-invasion practices. The monument is well preserved and is an important relic of actions taken against the perceived threat of a German invasion from Ireland. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is rectangular and measures 26m NE-SW by 18m transversely.