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A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
REPORT
By: Dr N Phillips.
A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Summary
APAC Ltd was contacted by the client in order to undertake a level II building
recording survey on a disused property under proposed development.
APAC Ltd produced a project design for the work, which was approved and the
survey was undertaken.
Copyright Notice:
A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains
otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Contents
Summary .........................................................................................................................................1
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
Appendix .........................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................4
Site location.....................................................................................................................................4
Brief archaeological and historical background..............................................................................4
Aims and Objectives .......................................................................................................................5
Methodology ...................................................................................................................................5
Data Presentation.............................................................................................................................5
General external description of Brook Farm, Barn. ........................................................................6
External detail: ................................................................................................................................6
General internal description ............................................................................................................6
Internal detail: .................................................................................................................................7
Phasing. ...........................................................................................................................................8
Interpretation summary ...................................................................................................................8
Archive ............................................................................................................................................8
Acknowledgements: ........................................................................................................................8
Staff: ................................................................................................................................................8
Copyright.........................................................................................................................................8
References: ......................................................................................................................................9
Figures
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Appendix
3
A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Introduction
A planning application to convert a redundant barn to residential use was submitted to Monmouthshire County
Council, (MCC), pl.app.nos DC/2013/00944, by Mr B Spenser (agent) for R. P. Traffic Management, (client).
The redundant building is Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad, Monmouthshire, NP4 0JG.
Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) advisors to the council in relevant planning matters identified a
possible archaeological issue with the proposed work and suggested that the council impose the following
conditions to any approval:
No development shall take place until the applicant or his agents or successors in title has
secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a
written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and approved in writing by the
Local Planning Authority.
Reason: To identify and record any features of archaeological interest discovered during
the works, in order to mitigate the impact of the works on the archaeological resource.
Reason: As the building is of significance, the specified records are necessary to mitigate
the impact of the proposed development.
MON1888/~JBHD
APAC Ltd., was contracted to produce the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for a programme of
archaeological work which was compiled, based on information provided by the client’s agent and MCC Planning
Portal, (WSI:BSWB/MAH2/13).
The WSI was approved as ‘fit for purpose’ and the Building Survey was subsequently undertaken in July of 2014.
This document; prepared by Dr Neil Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, is the report of the building survey.
Site location
The location of the site can be gained from the A4042, Abergavenny-Pontypool Rd, fig 01.
When travelling NE from the Pontypool direction, along the dual carriageway, take the first left ‘Old Abergavenny
Rd’ at the roundabout, after the Waun y Clare Inn.
Continue along the road for around 1.6 km, passing the Star Inn to the left.
Brook Farm complex is on the right just before the incline to the canal bridge over the Monmouthshire and Brecon
Canal, NGR: 330610 204044.
Initial information concerning the background history of the farm complex was supplied by GGAT at the start of
the project and was confirmed by their online site; www.archwilio.org.uk
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
The farm complex is noted in the Historic Environment Record (HER) as having originated in the medieval
period.
One of the buildings within the complex is protected PRN 03754g, as ‘a typical corn barn; it has two large
opposing doorways with projecting ‘cheeks’ intended to protect the threshing floor’.
Although all the buildings have undergone developments, it is noted that the current ground plan is little
altered to that recorded on the 1882 first edition Ordnance survey Map.
(MON1888/CG)
A building survey conducted on Brook Farm House was undertaken by APAC Ltd in April of 2014 and includes a
brief on the known historical and archaeological background of the farm, BS/MAH/13.
In summary, although a farm complex is shown on the 1831 1st series ordnance survey map the barn which is the
subject of this survey does not appear until 1882, and then with its current footprint.
The aim of the level II survey was to preserve by record the structure of the building, prior to refurbishment and in
so doing’ provide a facility for understanding the building’s historic development.
The record produced can then be used to guide the determination of the planning condition as to the final design of
refurbishment.
Methodology
The building survey followed the methodology defined in 5.2, Understanding Historic Buildings; A Guide to Good
Recording Practice (English Heritage 2006). The methodology employed was also guided by the Standards and
Guidance for the Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings or Structures (IFA 1996,
revised ed 2013).
All photographs were taking using a Sony DSC F828 Digital camera mounted on a tripod, with images recorded at 8
mega pixels, in RAW format.
The photographic record of the site includes general views of the exterior, the overall appearance of principle
structure and circulation areas, external and internal detail relevant to the property’s design and development.
Photographs illustrative of the survey are produced as annotated ‘photo cards’ in the report.
All photographs from the survey are included as a contact sheet in appendix I.
Measurements were made during the survey using both hand steel tape and a Lecia Disto 510 and these were used to
supplement supplied paper drawings.
The paper drawings themselves were scanned into AutoCAD for ease of interpretation using provided, on plan,
measurements.
This report also comprises a written element as defined in 4.5 Understanding Historic Buildings; A Guide to Good
Recording Practice (English Heritage 2006).
Data Presentation
Data referred to within the text is included in the Figures (fig##), Photo-cards. (PH##).
Room names used in the text are derived from the annotated plans supplied by the clients architect figs 03.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
The building presents as a two storey, west facing building; easily identifiable as two separate phases with the
northern portion (left) added to the southern one (right), figs 03.
Both buildings have a single ridge roof of slate but the northern building is 1.3m wider than the original southern
building and therefore has an extended roof to the rear, fig 03.
The original building is shown in P02, of symmetrical aspect, whitewashed, coursed masonry construction with
brick segmented arches over windows and doors; with the exception of the loft access door which at present is open
to the eaves.
External detail:
The added northern building by contrast is re-pointed coursed masonry; possibly recently restored, open on the
ground floor with a single squared window on the 1st floor, P03.
The northern gable of the added building, has a flight of stone steps to a 1st floor door; unfortunately obscured by
vegetation at the time of the survey for any detailed observation, however the photograph shows an extended roof
towards the rear as well as illustrating a probable ‘extent of recent renovation’ denoted by the lack of whitewash,
P04.
The external stair is brick construction with stone steps and it has a small store/shelter under its rise as shown in
P05.
A photograph of the steps, P06 was taken during the survey of the main house in December of 2013 and this has
been included here as it shows the steps clear of overgrowth.
The survey photograph in P07 shows the same view with a ranging rod for scale, the third step, two below the
ranging rod, is missing.
The rear of the barn is obscured by the vegetation and a new adjacent metal barn but P08 gives a reasonable view of
the roof line which is extended towards the rear.
The southern gable end of the original house would appear to lack any features of note at first glance although the
coursed masonry is quite well laid, P09.
On closer inspection however, a drain or vent can be seen in the bottom left corner and a segmental double course
brick arch can be seen at 1st floor level, P10.
At the rear of the original building, a modern metal barn has been added to roof level, with the space used for
internal storage.
The photograph in P11 shows an extension roof in corrugated sheets metal, from the original building.
To the rear of the photograph is the butt jointed extension of the additional building which has the full slate
extension roof.
The rear of the original building has no sign of blocked openings but the added building has a brick lined window
set into the ground floor and a small window to the first floor, P12.
The building consists of two ground floor rooms; cart room and stable with no internal access and two loft areas
with internal access and an external stair.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Internal detail:
The ground floor in the room called a cart room is devoid of any features with the exception of the single casement
window to the rear, P13.
The floor was a mixture of rubble with a few areas of cement washed concrete.
The ceiling is planked board over planed timber binders set on two north/south joists with a front wooden lintel
supporting the entire 1st floor elevation see P01 and P03.
The stable which forms the ground floor of the original house has a single alcove to the north and a blocked window
centrally placed in what would have been the northern gable, P14.
The ceiling is of hewn timber joists running east/west and binders braced with herringbone strutting as can just be
seen in the photograph.
Clear access to the rear and south wall was not possible due to the room being used for storage, as the photograph in
P15 shows, but there were no identifiable features visible and the floor appeared to be cement washed concrete.
The first loft area, accessible from the external stair, opens into a single room with a small rear window and a larger
front window, P16.
The floor is planked but covered with plywood sheets beneath an open beam room supported from the wall plate by
a collared truss of sawn timber with staggered purlins P17.
The collar is bolted to the truss with iron bolts but the ridge has a pegged lap joint; a former mortise hole in the truss
suggests that the collar is a replacement, P18.
All the staggered purlins have a through tenon with a face peg.
The internal access between loft 1 & 2 is through an opening in the adjoining wall which has been caped with a
segmented brick arch, and a flagstone threshold inserted, P19.
In relation to loft 1, the entry is centrally placed in the south wall whilst from loft 2 it is off centre towards the east,
fig 03.
The photograph in P20 taken from loft 2, shows the view through the internal doorway to the external doorway in
the northern gable, both of which are centrally placed in loft 1.
P20 shows that on the southern side, the doorway has a wooden lintel and the wall has been re-pointed and left as
natural stone.
The roof construction has is similar to that of loft 1 with the same use of tenon and face peg construction and the
same iron bolting of the collar, P21.
The gable wall of loft 2, P22, shows the scar of an old window under a wooden lintel; the external scar retaining its
original segmented brick arch see P10.
The floor of loft 2 has non regular width planking some of which seems reasonably sound however, the edges are
rotting and so have been covered with plywood for safety, P23.
The last photograph shows the 1st floor window and the central loft door of the western elevation, P24.
The photograph also shows the repair along the top of the western elevation in order to secure the roof structure but
it does throw some doubt as to the original height of the loft door.
7
A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
Phasing.
A construction period for the complete present barn lies between 1831 and 1882 as suggested by evidence from the
1st series and 1st edition ordnance survey maps.
In general, working from the plan with in conjunction with observations from the survey, it seems that the earliest
relative phase of the house was southern building, stable and loft 2, fig 03.
Judging by the two gables ends, the original building probably started as two storeys, although as the roof has been
built as one with the new extension there is no evidence for any internal divisions.
Similarly, there are neither clues to previous divisions on the first floor nor indeed any reason to suggest usage of
the rooms as stable and cart shed.
The second phase of construction saw the addition of the northern building; slightly wider than the original with a
butt jointed return wall at the rear and requiring an extended roof.
The loft area of the new building clearly dictated the position of the inner door and made redundant the loft access
in the southern gable.
Interpretation summary
The building is a mid Victorian construction with little in the way of detail left to suggest intended use.
Archive
Secondary archives consisting of a hard copy of the report with a digital copy of the complete data and photographs
be deposited with the County Records Office in Ebbw Vale and with The Royal Commission on Ancient and
Historical Monuments Aberystwyth.
A digital copy of the report will be forwarded to the HER, held by Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust.
Acknowledgements:
I would like to thank the client and his agent for the supplied information.
Staff:
Copyright
A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act of 1988 with all rights reserved.
A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby gives permission for the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the
project as described in this Project Design.
8
A.P.A.C. Ltd Brook Farm, Barn, Mamhilad BS/MAH/14
References:
APAC Ltd, 2013. Written Scheme of Investigation for a Programme of Archaeological Work, Brook
Farm, Mamhilad.
B.S. Technical Solutions Farm house & Barns, Brook Farm, Mamhilad, Pontypool. NP4 0JG.
Drawings:
David & Charles. 1980. 1831. First Series Ordnance Survey, Sheet XXXVI .
Institute for
Archaeologists. Code of Conduct and the Code of Approved Practice for the regulation of
Contractual Arrangements in Field Archaeology. 2014.
Google Maps
9
Brook Farm, Barn Mamhilad
1mi
2km
Google Maps
6”:mile
1831 1882
100m
Cart Room
North loft store
0 5 10
metres
Plans. A.O.Phillips
Direction of view:
South East
o 5 10 Reason for image North west elevation general view. Original building right, addition left
metres
P01
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 3264x2448 DSC06721 External
Direction of view:
South East
P02
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 3264x2448 DSC06722 External
Direction of view:
South East
o 5 10
Reason for image North West elevation South
metres
P03
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 3264x2448 DSC06723 External
Direction of view:
South
o 5 10 Reason for image Northern gable end, offset roof and external 1st floor door with stair.
metres
P04
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 3264x2448 DSC06724 External
Direction of view:
South
P05
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC05768 External
Direction of view:
South east
o 5 10 Reason for image North gable end external stairs, December 2013, BS/MAH/13
metres
P06
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06725 External
Direction of view:
South East
P07
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06726 External
Direction of view:
P08
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06727 External
Direction of view:
North east
P09
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06728 External
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10 Reason for image South gable end, blocked 1st floor window with brick segmental arch
metres
P10
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06729 External
Direction of view:
North
o 5 10 Reason for image South east elevation showing butt joint of extension building
metres
P11
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06730 External
Direction of view:
North west
o 5 10 Reason for image South east elevation. Roof extended to accommodate extension building and carried
metres
across original
P12
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06732 Internal
Direction of view:
East
o 5 10 Reason for image Extension building internal view (with ranging rod)
metres
P13
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06733 Internal
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10 Reason for image Stable inner north gable. Central blocked window and alcove to left
metres
P14
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM, BARN, MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06734 Internal
Direction of view:
South east
P15
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06735 Internal
Direction of view:
South
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Northern loft store, rear window and internal door, sawn timber collar, truss and purlins.
P16
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06736 Internal
Direction of view:
South
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Northern loft store roof detail showing wooden peg joints to truss and staggered purlins.
P17
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06737 Internal
Direction of view:
North
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Northern loft store roof detail showing collar has iron bolts. Re used truss or original,
tenoned collar replaced.
P18
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06739 Internal
Direction of view:
South west
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Northern loft store. Original gable cut through for internal doorway with segmented brick arch
P19
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06740 Internal
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Southern loft store internal doorway. Collared truss roof with iron bolt connectors. Purlins
wooden pegged
P20
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06741 Internal
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10
metres
P21
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06742 Internal
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Southern loft store blocked south gable window
P22
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06743 Internal
Direction of view:
North east
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Southern loft floor with non standard width planking
P23
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid Ref: Camera Format Dimensions Image no: Area
BROOK FARM MAMHILAD BS/MHA/14 330610 204044 Sony DSC F828 RAW 2448x3264 DSC06744 Internal
Direction of view:
South west
o 5 10
metres
Reason for image Southern loft floor with non standard width planking
P24
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix I Digital photograph list BS/MAH/14