A465 section 5 and 6: archaeology on the site

Parc Hensol, eastern Hirwaun

Site 1: remains of small cottage

The site is located on an old farmstead.

The sandstone cottage was built before 1844 on the site of an old industrial mill.

The remains include:

• gable walls, 1.8m and 2m high
• two rooms  
• evidence of remodelling, including brick and mortar repairs.

Stairs to the second storey were in the western gable wall, built alongside the chimney. A fireplace and oven were located beside the stairs.

Site 2: remains of a rope or wire bridge

The site is located on the hillside behind site 1 next to the Cynon River.

The remains include a:

• 1.3m upright wrought-iron bar
• 1m horizontal bar attached to the upright post
• 0.8m bar set into the upright post.

The bridge likely relates to an earlier industrial site below the cottage.

Western Baverstock

Site 1: Fairfield House

The house was likely built during the Victorian era. There are no visible remains above ground.

The digs included:

• excavation of a large room revealing a series of under floor drains
• a cobbled yard surface
• 2 drains that ran around the outside edge of the building
• the remains of a stone lined well.

The house was occupied during the 18th century.

Site 2: small settlement

The remains include:

• a small cottage with evidence of remodelling and extensions
• small fields with earthwork banks
• yard area with animal pens.

The cottage was occupied in the early 18th to 19th centuries.

Next steps

Archaeology Wales will do 4 more digs at nearby sites. These will include:

• a second enclosure
• the remains of another cottage
• a tramroad that was part of the Winch Fawr Colliery
• remains of an undocumented building.

Find out more

Find the latest information on the A465 section 5 and 6 Dowlais Top to Hirwaun project. Visit the A465 Facebook and Twitter channels.