Hook Quay

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 Hook Quay, an important element of the eighteenth century coal industry in Pembrokeshire. It is located between Hook Bight and Hook Reach in the inter-tidal zone on the S bank of the Western Cleddau. The stone built quay is mostly intact and located within the garden of a residential house. Caesar Mathias Junior of Hook constructed the quay in 1791 to serve Hook Colliery. Shallow draught barges transported anthracite from Hook Quay downstream to larger ports such as Milford Haven. The quay is visible as a substantial masonry wall with a wooden framework to the N and a raised area of made-up ground to the S. The quay measures c. 3m tall. The combined stone and wooden structure measures c. 40m N-S by 40m E-W.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of the early development of the Pembrokeshire coal industry, particularly concerning the local organisation of transportation systems. The quay's survival on the Western Cleddau is unique. The importance of the monument is further enhanced by the survival of historical documentation.

The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is rectangular and measures 52m NW-SE by 45m transversely. The scheduled area excludes the associated weigh house building.