![Craig y Bwlch](webphotos/craigybwlch.jpg)
CRAIG Y BWLCH
GRID REFERENCE: SN 719695
AREA IN HECTARES: 143.8
Historic background
In the Medieval Period this area formed part of Strata
Florida Abbey’s Mefenydd Grange. On the Dissolution abbey lands
were granted to the Earl of Essex, who in 1630 sold them to the Crosswood
estate. It is likely that this area has always been unenclosed upland
and was therefore considered Crown land. Aerial photographs show the remains
of what are probably 18th or early 19th century squatter settlements,
but the only large-scale manuscript historic map of this area, the tithe
map (Gwnnws Tithe Map and Apportionment, 1847), shows it unenclosed or
composed of very large enclosures.
Description and essential historic landscape
components
A small block of high, craggy unenclosed land ranging
between 270m and 330m in height. The unenclosed land was originally quite
extensive, but a large expanse of forestry plantation has been established.
The major historic landscape component of this area is the working Hendre
Quarry. The pit, spoil heaps and buildings of the quarry dominate this
landscape area and have a strong visual impact on the areas to the east.
Where the quarry has not affected this area, the main land-use is rough
pasture. There is evidence in the form of redundant boundaries for squatter
settlements on the open land.
Recorded archaeology consists of the deserted post-Medieval
settlements mentioned above and a minor metal mine. Time-depth to the
landscape is provided by a Bronze Age round barrow and a Bronze Age burnt
mound or hearth, indicating a possible settlement site.
To the north a block of forestry plantation presents
a clear border to this area. Elsewhere surrounding areas comprise landscapes
of large enclosures with improved pasture and rough grazing. There is
a fairly distinct boundary between this area and surrounding areas.
![Craig y Bwlch map](webphotos/craigybwlchmap.jpg)
Base map reproduced from the OS map with the permission
of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery
Office, © Crown Copyright 2001.
All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright
and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence Number: GD272221 |