DBA No.

DB/STI/12 March 2012

A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

Archological Desk Based Assessment

LAND ADJOINING CHURCH FARM, ST ILLTYDS, ABERBEEG, ABERTILLERY. BGCBC:C/2011/0009

Prepared for Mr I. R. Davies (Client) By Dr N Phillips

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1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Contents ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT.................................................................. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................3 Scope and Objectives of the Study ...............................................................................................3 Methodology .................................................................................................................................3 Geography and Topography..........................................................................................................6 Archaeology and History ..............................................................................................................6 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions ............................................................................8 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on known Archaeology ..........................................................9 Summary and Recommendations..................................................................................................9 Appendix 1 ..................................................................................................................................11

Figures Figure 01 Figure 02 Figure 03 Figure 04 Figure 05 Figure 06 Figure 07 Site Location Map Location Plan 1833 Map Resistivity Survey St Illtyds, Coxe Plan 1801 1843 Tithe Map 1880 Ordnance Survey 1:2,500. 1st edition

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SUMMARY This Desk Based Assessment (DBA) has been prepared prior to commencement of proposed work on land adjoining Church Farm, St Illtyds, Aberbeeg. The desk based research was undertaken to establish any known records relating to land use both at the immediate site as well as in its close vicinity. As limited information currently exists on the area, this desk based assessment has been requested; in order to best protect the areas potential archaeological resources. Such new information arising, will serve to inform Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council about any possible effect of the development on the archaeological resource, during the determination of the planning application.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
1 Introduction

The proposed development to construct a dwelling for an agricultural worker is being put forward for planning by Mr I. R. Davies of Hafodarthen Farm PL.App.No: C/2100/0009. The proposed site adjoins Church Farm, St Illtyds, fig 01. When travelling south from Abertillery to Newport, on the A467, the first turn off the roundabout at Aberbeeg is the 4471 which leads through the village. At the T junction, turn right onto Church Road and then a hard left and up the steep gradient which leads to St Illtyds, (signposted). (proposed area centred on OS NGR: SO 2169 0195). This desk based assessment (DBA) details the results of the archaeological assessment for the proposed single dwelling construction, with respect to the projects development and the establishment of issues relevant to Archaeological Impact Assessment. The location of application: PL.App.No: C/2100/0009 can be seen fig 02. A.P.A.C. Ltd, were contracted by the client, Mr I. H. Davies of Hafoarthen Farm, St Illtyds, to carry out the archaeological assessment of the proposed area. The desk-based study took place in April 2012.

2. Scope and Objectives of the Study

The main scope and objectives of the archaeological assessment were to reveal by desk-based study, the nature, significance and, where possible, the chronology of the archaeology within the area of the proposed development. The purpose of the desk-based assessment, in accordance with standards and guidance as laid down by the Institute of Field Archaeology, is to gain information about the known or potential archaeological resource within the given area (including presence or absence, character and extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and relative quality of the potential archaeological resource), in order to make an assessment of its merit in context, leading to one or more of the following: the formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation or management of the resource. the formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether or not intrusive, where the character and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response to be devised. the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.

3. Methodology
For the purposes of the archaeological desk based study, the following repositories were consulted: A.P.A.C. Ltd. Archive material Archaeology Data Service (ADS) Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (GBCBC) British Geological Survey (BGS) British Listed Buildings (BLB) Cadw Monmouthshire County Record Office, Ebbw Vale. (CRO) Abertillery Museum. (AM) Tredegar Public Library, Records. (TPL) Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales Aberystwyth. (RCAHMW) (Coflein) Historic Environment Record (HER) Gwent Glamorgan Archaeological Trust (GGAT) (Archwilio).

The assessment methods used, followed that detailed in Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment, IFA 2011. The significance of the impact on the cultural heritage has been assessed with regard to the category of the individual site or landscape, based on the following criteria: No impact: No impact to sites or landscapes.

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Minor impact: Slight damage to sites or landscapes. Moderate impact: Small loss due to damage of sites or landscape. Major impact: Significant damage or destruction of sites or landscapes. Severe impact: Total destruction of sites or landscapes.

4. Geography and Topography

The solid geology of the site falls within the Upper Carboniferous period, Westphalian D, giving a stratigraphy of coal, sandstone, mudstone, ironstone: Pennant series, (BGS 232). This is confirmed in the borehole reports at SO20SW34 & SO20SW29 http://scans.bgs.ac.uk/ whilst evidence of coal also spurred the open cast interest in the area: 070073 & 070090 http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/ The topography of the site location is a roughly east/west spur of land above and east of the Afon Ebwy Valley and the land is mostly pasture.

5. Archaeology and History

The general archaeological and historical background to the area is fairly sparse as can be shown in the records of ADS and RCAHMW as well as the database kept at the HER. Human influence has been at work in the area from prehistoric times; however, at the time of writing; the spread of known archaeological evidence for the designated area belongs mostly to the medieval, post medieval and industrial periods, (Appendix 1). The friends of St Illtyds (FSI) have put together a lengthy document on the history of the church and surrounds, which is available to view at the TPL. It begins: Historically, Christianity first arrived in Gwent in AD. 58 and it is believed, from legend that St Paul preached at Llanilleth during the Roman occupation. Adding some circumstantial credence to the possibility are suggestions of a Roman road over the mountain, believed to have been used as pilgrim route connecting Caerleon-Caerwent-Llantarnam-Trevethin-Mamhiledd-LlanhillethMynyddislion-Gelligaer to the shrine at Penrhys in the Rondda, (ibid). An early map of 1833 shows a fairly straight line marked running from St Illtyds to the direction of Mamhilad, fig 03 (OS. 1833). The HER carries two records for a Roman road 08666g and 08667g, (appendix 1); resulting from work by TRANSCO 2002-3. However, a later GGAT desk based assessment in 2004 stated: Section of ridgeway Llanhilleth-Abersychan-Mamhilad is an antiquarian proposal (EH 1872), followed by Bradney (1906, 463). Examined by OS fieldworkers who rejected it as being too angular and meandering, and having no traces of Roman consrtruction. RCAHMW 1944, 42, (GGAT 2004). A small 40m x 20m, trial resistivity survey was undertaken of an area of trackway, north east of the village, which revealed a linear feature with a ditch to one side, fig 04 but the project was not pursued, Phillips and Olding, 2009, (A.P.A.C. Ltd). The local belief of Roman connection for the immediate area may have been inspired; or inspired by, the view of Rev. Edmund Jones; writing in 1779, about two tower bases behind the village public house. He wrote that their name Castell Taliorum had been derived from Castrum Italorum, translated as the fort of the Italians (Jones 1988), and therefore of Roman origin. Archedeacon Coxe considered the same two years later; with some possible disquiet, not quoting a source for the translation and instead suggesting that that the surviving remains, were probably, ostensibly Norman, fig 05, (Coxe 1801). A later writer; Joseph Bradney, returned to the Roman link with his statement that Mr John Storrie; then curator at the Museum in Cardiff, found several Roman coins on the mound, when the two mounds (castle bases) were being levelled, (Bradney 1906). These Roman finds are mentioned in the RCAHMW record but denoted as possible Roman pottery and a 3rd century coin (Coflein NPRN 91965).

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The report also states the two towers are later than the Norman motte beside the church; which it suggests may have been destroyed in 1233 (Coflein NPRN 306241). Interestingly, no Roman evidence was reported from the archaeological excavation of the tower bases undertaken in 1924-5 (Lewis 1924&1925). Castell Taliorum is described in Newman as a circular medieval tower and a keep like structure of irregular Greek cross plan, (Newman 2000). Returning to the church, the FSI report continues further with the account that: in the 5th century a wooden church was built on the site of the present one and that this was then replaced by a simple stone one in AD 893, to commemorate the death and burial of Ithel son of Arthwys; slain in a battle between the men of Gwent and Breconshire (FSI). It has been suggested; (BG 8034), that the reference to Ithel has been taken erroneously from the Brut Tywysogyon Peniarth MS which actually translates as: 848 four years after that, the battle of Ffinnant took place and the men of Brycheiniog slew Ithal, king of Gwent, Jones, (1952). Both The Red book of Hergest (Jones 1955) and the Brenhinedd Y Saesson (Jones 1971) concur but offer less. A further confusion with Ithael and Illtyd may have arisen from the association in Liber Llandavensis where after a fall whilst out riding, King Ithael granted the church of Elidon to God calling for witnesses one of whom is Abbot of Illtyd, (Rees 1840). An arguably more reliable mention of the church is reported in BG8034: the earliest written reference to the church is found in a poem of the ninth and tenth century in Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin (The Black Book of Camarthen),(Jarman 1982,LIX). This is a small Welsh manuscript written about 1250. The RCAHMW record for St Illtyds Church puts the present church as early 16th century; built on an earlier twelfth century, and mentions the possible ninth century connection outlined in Jarman, above, (Coflein NPRN 12897). Also mentioned in Jarman is a burial mound of a 6th century hero, Owain son of Urien which is believed to be the mound beside the church. Coxe, whilst visiting the ancient gothic church, noted the 12 old yew trees of the churchyard and the tumulus with circular entrenchment, (Coxe 1801), fig 05. A survey of the mound in 2002 as part of a PhD thesis into Norman mottes showed no evidence of a bailey for the motte although, a ditch was still discernable along the western side, (Phillips 2004). It is possible that the ditch recorded by Coxe had been destroyed with the erection of a barn which has cut into the structure along the east side. The ditch may have been part of an earlier burial mound or part of the defences of the Norman motte although the thesis suggests that the mound was a watch tower rather than a castle, (ibid). Possibly the two towers replaced this earlier structure as the requirements for land use, ownership or strategic defence changed. In addition to the three above mentioned archaeological resources, here are two listed buildings within close proximity; Upper Hafod-arthen Farm, II* Cadw Ref. 1867 AC and Ty-llwyd II Cadw Ref: 22672 AD. Upper Hafod-arthen is a dual farmstead, two houses one yard dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, both properties having been built by the same hand (Fox & Raglan 1951-54). Upper Hafod-arthen is described as one of four Monmouthshire long-houses being exceptional in being all of one build (Smith 1963). A second of the four long-houses is Ty Llwyd (ibid.) of a similar date. Other buildings given a post medieval origin are listed for the immediate vicinity and the list has been included in Appendix 1. Some of these buildings can are listed because they can be seen on the 1834, Tithe Map fig 06. The 1843 Tithe Map, (GRO D.1163), is useful in providing a plan of land use at the time. A relevant section can be seen in fig 04. Unfortunately, the map is very large and in poor condition which makes copying quite difficult. The map

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which is orientated NE/SW, clearly shows the Church with its circular church yard, Church Farm, and the Carpenters Arms Inn along the central road. Interestingly, neither the motte nor the twin castle mounds are depicted, which is quite a telling indictment of the cartographers, clients interests; highlighting the potential for unrecorded structures. Other structures, un-annotated can also be seen relating to those listed in the HER, Appendix 1. A later map, the 1:2500 1880 1st Edition Ordnance Survey, fig 07, shows an almost identical field layout to that of the Tithe Map with the exception of an adjusted north orientation. Major differences are that the motte and twin castle mounds have been recorded and the church yard has been truncated along the west side. The information shown on the 1880 has changed little on the present 1972-1989 OS map. There is also a point of interest comparing the 1833, fig 03 map and the 1880 map, fig 07; as regards the line of the possible Roman Road. On the 1880, map the road takes a southern looped path across fields 235 and 234, however a suggestion of a remaining straight path is shown. The change of direction is possibly to do with the spoil heap and/or access to Ty Llywyd. The 1833 map, unfortunately not very clear and of larger scale, does however appear to show the road as straight at this point. The only other information for the area comes in the form of small finds held at the National Museum and Galleries of Wales and listed in Appendix 1. The finds are all associated with the Castell Taliorum site and all bar 3 medieval finds are post med.

6. Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions

A.P.A.C. Ltd, holds a limited amount of reference material on Monmouthshire in its library and in this instance was able to provide copies of antiquarian books relating to the known archaeology. A.P.A.C. Ltd has also undertaken two archaeological events at the site which have an interest to this DBA. The Archaeology Data Service http://ads.ahds.ac.uk, was accessed online for archaeological resources recorded within a 5km area of the site. The online link allowed access to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales Collection which gave listings of archaeological resources from the area. This was useful in providing a larger picture of land use in the vicinity and therefore the potential for further discoveries. However, caveats are evident. The British Geological Survey, web site, www.bgs.ac.uk, was accessed online for Geo-technical data. The search was able to show that there has been some geological work done in the area designated for this (DBA). Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council was accessed online http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/ This search produced much of the detail on the church, castle and motte, as well as a record of listed buildings in the area. British Listed Buildings, again an online search archive http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/ was able to add some detail to the listed buildings within the search area. Cadw was accessed online for confirmation of known archaeological resources within the area. Monmouth County Record Office was able to supply relevant cartographic documentation. Abertillery Museum was contacted but was unfortunately undergoing refurbishment; however, conversation with the curator was able to reveal that they would be unlikely to add to the information sources that had already been accessed Tredegar Public library archive was able to supply documentation from the Friends of St Illtyd a valuable body of work put together by local volunteers. It also carries a wealth of information already accessed elsewhere. Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales was accessed through the ADS database, see above and Coflein. Historic Environment Record, held by GGAT was accessed through Archwilio, the searchable database of the Welsh Archaeological Trusts. This was used to cross reference detail with other sources and also provided background resource material for the area.

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7. Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on known Archaeology

With regards to predicted impact on archaeological sites and features recorded during the desk-top assessment the findings show that no damage will be caused to any known sites. However, the proximity to known archaeological resources and access ways to them; recorded in the 19th century and implied in documentary evidence from earlier times, suggests that unknown archaeological resources may be impacted upon by the proposed work. Proposed Avoidance or Mitigation Measures The development may impact upon unknown archaeological and historical resources therefore; it is recommended as a general mitigation measure that no groundwork should be undertaken without archaeological watching brief conditions being in place. This will help build up a better historic and archaeological understanding of the development of this industrial landscape.

8. Summary and Recommendations

The Archaeological Assessment of the area proposed for the development of the St Illtyds development has revealed that the current proposal can be undertaken with no threat to known archaeology.

A.P.A.C. Ltd Bibliography

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Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. BG8030. St IlltydsMotte. http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/8030.asp BG8033. Llanhilleth Castle. http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/8033.asp BG8034. St Illtyds Curch. http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/8034.asp C/2011/0009, Land adjoining Church Farm St Illtyds, Aberbeeg, Abertillery Bradney, A. J., 1992 (rep) A History of Monmouthshire. The Hundred of Abergavenny Vol 1 pt 2. 1906. Coxe, W., 1995 (rep) An Historical Tour of Monmouthshire 1801. Merton Priory Press. English Heritage, 2010. PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide. GGAT, 2004., Report 2004/073. Project no: GGAT 75. Roman Roads in Southeast Wales. GRO D.1163. Gwent Record Office. 1843 Tithe Map llanhilleth Parish. Institute of Field Archaeologists: Standard and Guidance for Historic environment desk-based assessment, 3rd rev, 2011. Jones, E., 1988 (rep) A Geographical Historical & Religious Account of the Parish of Aberystruth 1799. Brown & Sons Ltd. Cowbridge & Bridgend. Jones, T., 1952. Brut Y Tywysogyon. Peniarth MS 20. University of Wales Press. Jones, T., 1955. Brut Y Tywysogyon. Reb Book of Hergest. University of Wales Press. Jones, T., 1971. Brenhinedd Y Saesson. University of Wales Press. Lewis, T., Excavations at St Illtyds, Monmouthshire. Archaeologica Cambrensis Lxxix 1924 & LXIX 1925. Newman, J., 2000. The Buildings of Wales Gwent and Monmouthshire. Penguin. Phillips, N., 2004, Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050 -1250. University of Wales Colledge Newport. BAR 420. 2006. Rees, W.J., 1840. Liber Llandavensis. Llandovery. Smith, J.T., 1963 XVI The Long-house in Monmouthshire: a Re-appraisal (in): Culture and Environment, Essays in Honour of Sir Cyril Fox. Foster, I. LL., & Alcock, L., (eds). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

Cartographic sources
British Geological Survey. Geological survey of Great Britain (England and Wales). Abergavenny. Sheet 232. Solid and Drift Edition. 1:50 000 Series. Crown Copyright 1990. Geological survey of Great Britain UK South Sheet. Solid Geology 4th Edition.

British Geological Survey, 1:625 000 Series. H.D. Williams Ordnance Survey

Proposed plan for C/2011/0009. 1833, Sheet 67 Cardiff. (rep) 1980. Trowbridge: Redwood Burn Ltd. 1840, Llanhilleth, Monmouthshire 1:2,500

Internet sources
www.promap.co.uk http://ads.ahds.ac.uk www.bgs.ac.uk

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A.P.A.C. Ltd 9. Appendix 1 Listed buildings.

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Cadw ref: 1867. Hafod-arthen 322034 201884. Grade II. Cadw ref: 1866. St Illtyds Church 32179 20196. Grade II*. Cadw ref: 22672. Ty Llwyd

Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Cadw ref: SAM no: MM141. Motte, Medieval, secular 321692 201954. Cadw ref: SAM no: MM141. Motte, Medieval secular 321692 201954.

Historic Environment Record.

HER ref: 02101g Building, Med. 32179 20190 HER ref: 02102g Churchyard Cross, Med. 32179 20199 HER ref: 02103g Castell Taliorum (Llanhilleth Castle. 32181 20203 HER ref: 06296g Church Farm, Post med, 321756 201934. HER ref: 06294g Ukn Barn, Post med, 32157 20161. HER ref: 06299g Ukn Tramway, Post med, 321994 201779. HER ref: 06297g Green Cottage, Med, 32178 20190. HER ref: 06302g Upper Argoed Cottages, Post med. 32188 20202 HER ref: 06393g Building, Post med. 32193 20199 HER ref: 06398g Building, Post med. 32202 20203 HER ref: 08219g Churchyard, Med, 32179 20196. HER ref: 08666g Road, Roman, 323100 202500. HER ref: 08667g Road, Roman, 324080 202890.

National Museums & Galleries of Wales Collections.

Accession Code: 25414. Iron chain, Post med. 16/03/1995 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Glass sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Pot sherd, Post med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Cooking pot, Med. 21/07/1999 Accession Code: 25414. Stone column, Med. 21/07/1999

A.P.A.C. Ltd, Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 7RG . 07734962919. Email: apac.philips@btinernet.com. Company Registration No 5041541. VAT Reg No 826 3628 19. www.apac.ltd.uk Director: Dr N. Phillips. D.Phil. BA (Hons). Cert Ed/FE. AIFA. AAI&S.

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Fig 01: Location

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Plan supplied by: H.D.Williams Ltd Tonypandy

Fig 02. 1880 Location of proposed application

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St Illtyds, Llanhilleth

Ma

mh

ilad

Roman road?

The Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Fig 03. 1833 Ordnance Survey Map

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St Illtyds, Llanhilleth

metre

20

20 metre

40

Fig 04. Resistivity plot, trackway

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from

Coxe 1801

Fig 05. Motte, St Illtyds Church & Llanhilleth Castle

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St Illtyds, Llanhilleth

GRO D.1163

Fig 06. 1843 Tithe Map

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St Illtyds, Llanhilleth

The Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Fig 07. 1880 Ordnance Survey Map

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