Monument Type(s):

• INCLINED PLANE (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1901 AD)

Summary

An inclined plane and tramway associated with Post Medieval quarrying, lime kilns and industrial activity on Llanymynech Hill is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs. This enters the site via two arched tunnels beneath the road. The site is protected by Scheduling.

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

• ESA5527 - 2003 Landscape archaeology assessment of the Montgomery Canal (English section) by CPAT
• ESA5650 - 2004 assessment in connection with the Llanymynech Heritage Area Development Project by CPAT
• ESA6959 - 2013 Evaluation trial trench and earthwork survey at Llanymynech Limeworks Transfer Wharf, Llanymynech by CPAT

Description

In damaged condition according to Montgomery Canal archaeology assessment <3>

The stone-revetted embankment, extending for c. 60m, was constructed for a tramway to carry coal onto the top of the Hoffman kiln via a timber bridge. It is depicted on the OS 2nd edition map revised in 1900. Vitrified bricks from the stocks which would have been used to seal the firing chambers in the Hoffman Kiln are to be found in the revetment, suggesting that the embankment postdates the kiln. Buried remains of the tramway may be preserved which could be affected by any groundworks within the area. One of the most impressive earthwork features on the Llanymynech site. The stone revetment should be reconsolidated after removal of debris. <4>

This site was included as part of an investigation of the 'canal transfer wharf', believed to be associated with the last major development at the Llanymynech industrial site, comprising the construction of the Hoffman Kiln sometime around 1900. ->

-> The evaluation revealed evidence for the remains of the main line railway siding, comprising the remains of timber sleepers, together with contemporary deposits of coal in and around the siding, and tramline retaining bolts from the top of the embankment, The results corroborate the belief that the siding was used as a coal transfer wharf for the Hoffman Kiln in the early years of the 20th century. The remains of a brick wall were also identified along the top of, and contemporary with, the tramway embankment, although its exact purpose, other than that of a revetment wall, is still unknown. Attention had previously focused on a shaped iron bar which protruded from the northern end of the embankment, which has now been identified as a stoker’s bar or rod which is likely to date from the late 19th or early 20th-centuries and would have been used by stokers on the main railway line. ->

-> A small area associated with the transfer wharf was subject to an earthwork survey. <5>

SJ 2678 2130. An inclined plane associated with Post Medieval quarrying, lime kilns and industrial activity on Llanymynech Hill is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs and has been mapped by RCHME's Marches Uplands Mapping Project. The path of the inclined plane is forked, defined by a bank and ditch, and is 400m long. Most of the industrial complex which it serves lies within Wales, and has not been recorded. <6>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.