Iron Ore Scours at Upper Race, Pontypool

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument consists of extraction features, excavations made in the earth for the purpose of digging out metallic ores. The process of scouring used flowing water released from dammed water courses to expose ores. This area has been used for the extraction of iron ore since the 16th century, under the Hanbury family. The place name Upper Race derives from scouring activities on the site. The excavations form a deep scar down the hillside, supplied with water via extensive watercourses, holding ponds and hushing dams. The main scour contains smaller scours and dams, levels, small pits, and spoil heaps. The whole landscape has remained almost unaltered since at least the 1870s.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of mineral extraction practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.

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