Cwm Elan Lead Mine

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 a 19th century lead mine including its water-management and transport systems, extraction and dressing processes with their power systems. Cwm Elan lead mine represents impressive structural and earthwork remains, including several masonry structures, including two impressive water wheel pits, a crusher house, a smithy and an office, in exceptionally complete condition. There are also substantial remains of jig platforms and buddles, settling pits, ore bins, a powder magazine, leats, shafts and adits. Earthwork channels at the south of the site probably represent early workings in the eighteenth century.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge and understanding of mining technology from a single period. Lead mines may be part of a larger cluster of industrial monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is bounded by the 350m contour on the west, and a fence line and stream on the south. The derelict red brick house forms the north east corner of the scheduled area, and is excluded from it.