![RHOS RHYDD](webphotos/rhosrhydd.jpg)
RHOS RHYDD
GRID REFERENCE: SN 697753
AREA IN HECTARES: 281.3
Historic Background
The early history of this small block of upland pasture has not been
researched, but by the 18th century it was divided between the Crosswood
and Nanteos estates. Late 18th and early 19th century estate maps (NLW
Crosswood Deeds No.5, Ser IV, Vol 1, 16; NLW Vol 45, 41 and 42; NLW Nanteos
348 and 349) show this area as unenclosed sheep-walk with isolated, minor
enclosures at its fringes. By the tithe survey of 1847 (Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn
parish) the area had been sub-divided into a few very large enclosures,
but aerial photographs of the 1940s record it as having reverted back
to unenclosed sheep-walk.
![RHOS RHYDD](webphotos/rhosrhydd2.jpg)
Description and essential historic landscape components
This landscape area is located at the western end of a rounded ridge
that achieves a maximum height of 310m. To the west, north and south the
land falls away steeply down to c. 100m, into the valleys of the Newidion
and Magwr. Included in this area is the ridge crest and sides. There are
no occupied settlements. Most of the land is now improved grazing, though
pockets of rough pasture and patches of bracken are present on steep slopes.
Wire fences now divide the area. Some of these fences follow the lines
of old, low earth banks - these can be equated with those recorded on
the tithe map - though others are on new lines. Medium-sized conifer plantations
have been established on steep south-facing slopes, and these are interspersed
with stands of old established hardwoods.
The recorded archaeology includes the major site of Castell Gareg-wen
Iron Age hillfort, and a small earthwork enclosure of unknown date. Other
sites are minor: a sheepfold and cultivation ridges; the latter indicating
arable farming across this area in the Medieval or post-Medieval period.
To the north, west and south this area is well defined by enclosed and
settled valley land. To the east definition is less obvious, and this
area tends to merge with its neighbour.
![RHOS RHYDD MAP](webphotos/rhosrhyddmap.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 |