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CASTLE MILL, NEWPORT,

PEMBROKESHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL BUILDINGS

APPRAISAL

Prepared by Dyfed Archaeological Trust For: M Baggott

DYFED ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST

RHIF YR ADRODDIAD / REPORT NO. 2011/35 RHIF Y PROSIECT / PROJECT RECORD NO. 102240

Gorffennaf 2011

July 2011

CASTLE MILL, NEWPORT, PEMBROKESHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL BUILDINGS APPRAISAL

Gan / By

Philip Poucher

Paratowyd yr adroddiad yma at ddefnydd y cwsmer yn unig. Ni dderbynnir cyfrifoldeb gan Ymddiriedolaeth Archaeolegol Dyfed Cyf am ei ddefnyddio gan unrhyw berson na phersonau eraill a fydd yn ei ddarllen neu ddibynnu ar

y gwybodaeth y mae’n ei gynnwys

The report has been prepared for the specific use of the client. Dyfed Archaeological Trust Limited can accept no responsibility for its use by any other person or persons who may read it or rely on the information it contains.

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Ebost: [email protected] Gwefan: www.archaeolegdyfed.org.uk

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Registered Charity (No. 504616)

CADEIRYDD CHAIRMAN: C R MUSSON MBE B Arch FSA MIFA. CYFARWYDDWR DIRECTOR: K MURPHY BA MIFA

Castle Mill, Newport, Pembrokeshire Archaeological Buildings Appraisal

Dyfed Archaeological Trust DAT Report No. 2011-35

CASTLE MILL, NEWPORT, PEMBROKESHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL BUILDINGS APPRAISAL

CONTENTS

SUMMARY 1

INTRODUCTION 2

Project background 2

Site Location 3

Scope of the Project 3

Report Outline 3

Abbreviations 3

Illustrations 3

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SUMMARY 4

METHODOLOGY 5

BUILDING DESCRIPTION 8

General 8

Roof 8

Exterior elevations 8

Western addition 10

Surrounding features 10

CONCLUSION 12

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK 13

SOURCES 14

FIGURES

Figure 1: Location plan of site based on the Ordnance Survey 6

Figure 2: Extract from the 1889 Ordnance Survey map 7

Figure 3: Annotated plan of Castle Mill, based on plans provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) 15

Figure 4: Annotated drawing of the eastern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) 16

Figure 5: Annotated drawing of the western elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) 16

Figure 6: Annotated drawing of the northern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) 17

Figure 7: Annotated drawing of the southern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) 17



PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1: General view of the mill building, taken from the southwest 18

Photo 2: Newport Castle 18

Photo 3: Mill Cottage, opposite Castle Mill 19

Photo 4: The interior of Castle Mill, taken from the northern end 19

Photo 5: The southeast corner, showing alternating slate and stone quoins 20

Photo 6: The eastern elevation 20

Photo 7: The eastern elevation, showing the doorway at the northern end 21

Photo 8: The doorway in the eastern elevation 21

Photo 9: The mill leat running towards the leat inlet in the eastern elevation 22

Photo 10: The leat inlet in the eastern elevation 22

Photo 11: The northern gable elevation 23

Photo 12: The doorway in the northern elevation 23

Photo 13: The southern gable elevation 24

Photo 14: The doorway in the southern elevation 24

Photo 15: The 1st floor window in the southern elevation 25

Photo 16: Tree growing out of the southern elevation 25

Photo 17: Western elevation, northern end 26

Photo 18: Western elevation, southern end 26

Photo 19: Leat outlet and wall collapse in western elevation 27

Photo 20: Ground floor window adjacent to leat outlet in western elevation 27

Photo 21: Northernmost of two 1st floor windows in the western elevation 28

Photo 22: Southernmost of two 1st floor windows in the western elevation 28

Photo 23: Possible chute opening within the single-storey addition 29

Photo 24: Stonework of the western gable wall of the single-storey addition 29

Photo 25: Northern elevation of the single-storey addition 30

Photo 26: Southern elevation of the single-storey addition 30

Photo 27: Window within the southern elevation of the single-storey addition 31

Photo 28: Void within the southern elevation of the single-storey addition 31

Photo 29: Western gable elevation of the single-storey addition 32

Photo 30: Internal face of the western elevation of the single-storey addition 32



Photo 31: Looking west along the overgrown mill leat 33

Photo 32: Looking north at the leat inlet overflow channel 33

Photo 33: Looking east at the stepped retaining wall to the higher ground 34

Photo 34: Looking northeast at the overflow and outlet channels around the southern end of the mill building 34

Photo 35: General view looking north down Afon Felin as it passes the mill 35

Photo 36: View north along possibly artificially created section of Afon Felin 35

Photo 37: Corbelled passage through the bridge (Pont Henrietta Mair) 36

Photo 38: Marker and date stone for the bridge 36


Dyfed Archaeological Trust DAT Report No. 2011-35 1



SUMMARY

A planning application was submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National

Park Authority for the conversion of Castle Mill, Newport, Pembrokeshire, a Grade

II listed structure, to a dwelling (Planning Application Numbers NP/05/596 and

05/597). Planning consent and listed building consent were granted, subject to a

condition requiring the preparation of a written scheme of investigation (WSI),

and implementation of a scheme of historic building recording, and an

archaeological watching brief to address the potential impacts of the proposed

building renovations on the building and any associated archaeological remains.

Mr Mark Baggott of Chartered Surveyors & Architectural Practice, acting on

behalf of the applicant commissioned Dyfed Archaeological Trust Field Services

(DAT-FS) to undertake the archaeological work. Following the preparation and

approval of the Written Scheme of Investigation, an initial phase of historic

building appraisal has been undertaken. The aim of the assessment is to make a

judgement on the character, date and significance of the mill building and its

immediate environs through limited documentary research and a photographic

survey of the exterior of the building. At present the interior of the mill is

inaccessible due to health and safety concerns. This appraisal would then be

used to inform the level of detail required for any future scheme of building

recording works. The initial Building Appraisal was undertaken by the author in

July 2011.

The main mill building appears to have been built in a single phase, with a

single-storey addition on the western side the only obvious later addition. The

building would appear to date from the late 18th or early 19th century, and was in

much of its present form by 1829 at the latest. The single-storey addition

appears to have been modified or rebuilt to accommodate a different roof

structure since 1829. There is likely to have been a mill on this site since the

medieval period, although no medieval features were identified during the course

of the survey.

The building was used as a water-driven corn mill, powered by water from

the nearby Newport Castle moat. The water entered via a leat at first floor level

and drove an integrated water-wheel within the main building. The leat outlet

emerged from a tall opening on the west side of the mill building, draining into

the adjacent stream. This stream (Afon Felin) clearly has long associations with

the mill and appears to have been modified, possibly when the adjacent bridge

was built in 1871.

There were two single-door entries into the mill, one giving access to the

waterwheel, the other giving access to the first floor milling floor, with a double-

door cart entrance on the northern side. Architectural embellishments appear to

have been incorporated into faces that would have been on display, namely the

eastern and northern face, and part of the western face. These include dressed

slate quoins, slate coursing and cambered slate voussoirs over window and leat

openings. There are several apparent beam slots in the external face of the

eastern wall, and southern face of the additional building, the functions of which

remain unclear. A possible grain chute within the single-storey addition to the

west suggests it may have originally been used as a cart shed and/or grain store.

The building and its environs are considered to be of relatively high

archaeological and historical significance. The mill is associated with the castle

and is likely to have had medieval origins. The internal machinery is no longer

present, although internal features are likely to still remain that will provide

evidence of its layout. Further detailed internal building recording work and a

watching brief during associated groundworks and clearance are considered to be

appropriate mitigation for the proposed conversion



INTRODUCTION

Project Background

A planning application was submitted to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for the conversion of Castle Mill, Newport, Pembrokeshire to a dwelling (Planning Application Numbers NP/05/596 and 05/597). The mill is a Grade II listed building (Ref. 12491). Planning consent and listed building consent were granted, subject to a condition requiring the preparation of a written scheme of investigation (WSI) and implementation of a scheme of historic building recording and an archaeological watching brief to address the potential impacts of the proposed renovations on the historic building and associated archaeological remains.

The conditions were placed in order to ascertain the historic significance of the mill, and provide a record of the structures in their existing state prior to renovation and conversion. By undertaking the survey at this stage, it is possible to ascertain previous functions of the structures and identify any remaining internal fixtures, fittings and features which may be removed or covered up during renovation works. Any such information has the potential to inform understanding of the history and development of Castle Mill.

The proposals comprise the conversion of the former mill building into a residential property, a light well and for groundworks to provide car parking for residents, and garden areas.

Following commission from Mr Mark Baggott of Chartered Surveyors & Architectural Practice, acting on behalf of the applicant, a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) was prepared by Dyfed Archaeological Trust Field Services (DAT-FS), and approved by the local planning authority. The WSI proposed that the archaeological works be undertaken in several stages. These comprise:

WSI - Provision of a written scheme of investigation (WSI) to outline the

methodology by which Dyfed Archaeological Trust will address the

planning conditions placed on the proposed development. (completed and approved)

Building Appraisal - Assessment of the character, date and significance

of the mill building and its immediate environs to be undertaken through

on-site photographic and limited documentary research as part of a san

initial historic buildings appraisal. Collation of data and preparation of an

initial Building Appraisal report (this document) to inform the level of detail required for any future scheme of building recording works needed for the

Mill.

Historic Building Recording – Further, more detailed scheme of historic

building recording to be undertaken following initial remediation works

allowing safe access to the interior of the structure.

Archaeological Watching Brief – An archaeological watching brief to be

undertaken during groundworks for the proposed conversion (drainage

etc) in order to identify the presence/absence of any archaeological

deposits and to appropriately investigate and record any such remains to

be affected by the groundworks. To establish the character, extent and

date range for any archaeological deposits to be affected by the proposed

groundworks.

Full Report - Preparation of a report based on the results of the above

detailed building recording and watching brief.

Archiving - Collation of data and preparation of an archive structured in

accordance with established guidelines.

The initial Building Appraisal was undertaken by the author in July 2011.



Site Location

Castle Mill is located at the southern edge of the town of Newport, Pembrokeshire, close to Newport Castle (NGR SN 05620 38908). The building is sited at the junction of Feidr Felin and Mill Lane, to the northwest of the castle.

The site consists of an abandoned stone-built building with walls surviving to their full height, but roofless and with internal levels having collapsed. An attached building to the west has recently been reroofed in slate and is currently rented out as garage space. Afon Felin runs down past the western side of the building, and a former mill leat feeds the site from the former castle moat to the southeast.

Scope of the Project

The Building Appraisal is designed to record the existing fabric of the exterior of Castle Mill through a combination of a photographic survey of the exterior, along with site notes, annotated architects drawings and historic research, which when combined will inform the level of detail required for any future scheme of building recording works required.

Report Outline

This report describes the location of the site, its archaeological and historical background, before summarising the results of the historic building recording programme and recommendations for further building recording works.

Abbreviations

Regional Historic Environment Record – HER; Primary Record Number – PRN; National Grid Reference – NGR; Scheduled Ancient Monument – SAM; Dyfed Archaeological Trust Field Services – DAT-FS; Written Scheme of Investigation - WSI.

Due to the regular use of compass directions and locations the following are abbreviated in the main body of the report: northeast – NE; southeast – SE; northwest – NW; southwest – SW; north-northeast – NNE; south-southeast – SSE; west-northwest - WNW etc.

Illustrations

Record photographs are included throughout the text. Printed map extracts are not necessarily reproduced to their original scale and are illustrative only.



ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SUMMARY

The town of Newport was established at the end of the 12th century by William Fitzmartin, as the new capital of the Marcher lordship of Cemais following his expulsion from his former base up river at Nevern by the Lord Rhys. The castle was first built in around 1191, and it appears the beginnings of the town were laid out by around 1197.

Castle Mill sits close to the castle, just 60m to the northwest, and unusually derived its water to power the waterwheel from the castle moat. This water source indicates close associations with the castle and may indicate the mill has an early foundation during the medieval period. It appears to have been used as the lords’ mill, grinding the corn from his surrounding estates.

The first recorded reference to the mill comes from George Owen’s account of the extent of Cemais in 1594 (Howells 1977). In his description of the town of Newport, Owen mentioned;

‘the lorde hath a mill adioyninge to the castell moate called the Castell Mill and valued at the rente of £7 18s. 4d. and so is it demised, and the

burgesses of the saide towne of Newporte are bownde by custome to

grinde at the saide mill.’

The current location of the mill is ideally situated downslope from the castle moat and close to what became known as Afon Felin, therefore it is assumed that that the current mill is located in roughly the same location as its medieval predecessor. There is some confusion about this site however as Owen also goes on to mention;

‘in ancient tyme there was a towre neere to the doore of the saide mill [Castle Mill] for keepinge of the lordes howndes. It is called Hunters Towre

and now is ruinowse’.

Both the First (1889) and Second (1907) edition Ordnance Survey maps mark Hunters Tower as standing on the southeast corner of the castle, some 120m away from the current mill site. More recent records however, such as the HER record for Newport Castle (PRN 1499), state that Hunters Tower actually stood on the northwest side of the castle ward, putting it closer to the current mill site. The exact location of Hunters Tower was not verified during the scope of these works.

As stated in the Listed Building description, the current structure appears to date from the late 18th or early 19th century. A drawing of Newport Castle by Henry Gastineau in 1829 clearly shows the mill building in the foreground, in much the same form that can be seen today. The western face of the building is shown, with the leat outlet of the integral waterwheel visible, as are the window openings that are also still visible today.

A brief search of available online census records and trade directories provide some indication of the people living and working at the mill. At the time of the Gastineau drawing the miller is likely to have been Caleb Hughes, recorded in the trade directory of 1830, who may even be the figure drawn standing in front of the mill. The 1844 trade directory lists Stephen James and David Owen as the millers in Newport. Stephen James is recorded as a 68 year old miller, and David Owen as a 35 year old miller in the 1841 census. Later census records were not examined.

The mill apparently continued in use grinding corn until 1934 (John 2008).



METHODOLOGY

The following sources have been used to provide information regarding the historical background of the farm:

• Dyfed Archaeological Trust Historic Environment Record;

• Walkover and photographic surveys of the building (undertaken July 2011); and

• Other background material (various internet sources).

The building appraisal included the following elements:

• Full photographic record of the exterior of all buildings and significant features (high-resolution digital photography). In addition measured sketch elevations and plans were produced where required;

• An assessment of the mill building for its original function and importance, based on external features;

• Provision of a basic brief report on the building, identifying key information sources (historic maps, HER search) and discussing any obvious phasing, chronology or other features of interest which were observed during fieldwork;

The survey followed the guidelines for a Level 2 building record, as described in Understanding Historic Buildings: A guide to good recording practice (English Heritage 2006).



Figure 1: Location plan of Castle Mill, Newport, based on the Ordnance Survey.

Reproduced from the 1995 Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 scale Landranger Map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright Dyfed Archaeological Trust Ltd.,

The Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6AF. Licence No AL5184



Figure 2: Extract from the 1st edition 1;2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1889, showing Castle Mill and Newport Castle.



BUILDING DESCRIPTION

General

Castle Mill comprises a late 18th or early 19th century two-storey mill building, built into sloping ground, with a later single-storey addition on the west side (photo 1; Figure 3). The walls stand to their full height, but the building is currently roofless. Due to health and safety concerns it is not yet possible to examine the interior of the building, although some detail could be observed through the door openings (photo 4).

The visible remains of the exterior of the main mill building suggest it is of a single phase of construction, the only clear later addition being the single-storey structure to the west, which butts against the main building. This extension is likely to be an early addition. It is possible that numerous sub-phases and repairs will have occurred throughout the life of the mill, but it was not possible to identify these within the current scope of this work.

The building is a stone-built, water-powered corn mill. The main structure being roughly rectangular, although with a slightly off-perpendicular north wall, 11.7m by 6.7m in size and aligned roughly north-south. The mill leat entered at first floor level on the eastern side where the building is built into the hill slope. This fed an integral water wheel within the southern part of the building, with the leat outlet at ground floor level on the western side feeding into the adjacent stream (Afon Felin). It is recorded as a corn mill, possibly from at least the 16th century, although there is no clear evidence of a 16th century structure being integrated into the current visible remains.

The dating of the structure is not precise, but appears to be of a general later 18th or 19th century style. It is illustrated on a drawing of Newport Castle made by Henry Gastineau in 1829, which shows several distinctive features that are still apparent on the western face of the mill building. This drawing also includes an addition on the western side, although a different roofline and window arrangement currently exists suggests this addition has been altered or rebuilt since that time.

Roof

Although the roof structure of the main mill building has collapsed, the listed building description of 1992 describes a pitched slate roof. This is also borne out by numerous roof slates visible on the ground around the building. The Gastineau drawing of 1829 shows this pitched slate roof with a dormer window in the western side of the roof, slightly off-centre to the north.

The Gastineau drawing also shows the western addition to have a slate lean-to roof. The current roof of the extension is a slate pitched roof, extending from the main mill building. This has recently been reroofed, although the wall structures suggest the previous roof was also pitched.

Exterior elevations

The main mill building is built is of a mix of roughly hewn and roughly squared rubble stone, including the occasional slate block and wooden infill. The walls are generally random coursed or uneven courses. Narrow slates have been used as levelling courses throughout. Greater care appears to have been taken in the eastern and northern elevations (photos 5 – 8), where the slate levelling courses are more visible, possibly intentionally as a decorative feature. The quoin stones on the southeastern, northeastern and northwestern corners all comprise large finely-dressed Teifi slate blocks alternating with large squared rubble stone



blocks (photo 5; Figures 4, 5 & 6). The narrow slate courses run the length of the eastern wall between the dressed slate quoins, less apparent on the northern elevation due to ivy cover, and more broken-up and less visible on the western and southern elevations. The southwestern corner does not include the finely dressed slate quoins (photo 34). This may indicate the northern and eastern elevations were perhaps the faces on show, they faced onto Feidr Felin to the north and the entranceway to the castle to the east. The stones are bonded in weathered lime mortar, largely washed out along the base of the southern end of the building by overflowing water from the leat.

The eastern elevation (photos 5 – 10; Figure 4) includes a doorway (photos 7 & 8) towards the northern end that would have entered at first floor level, presumably directly onto the milling floor. The doorway, which measures 2.1m by 1.07m, is currently boarded up, but the listed building description describes it as having a slate head. Towards the southern end of the wall the mill leat entered through a 0.8m wide opening set 1.22m below the roofline (photos 9 & 10). It has cambered rough-slate voussoirs with a wooden beam set 0.46m below that, and a second wooden beam sits directly behind it. The gap between the beams and voussoir has been partly blocked by rough lime-mortared stonework, below the beam the opening is covered in modern chipboard. The mill leat at this point is bounded by stone walls. To the north this butts against the mill building, but to the south it curves away leaving a gap of 0.4m between the wall and the mill (photos 32 & 33). The ground level begins to drop away to the south at this point, allowing any excess water to flow around the southern side of the building and into the stream to the west.

Roughly 0.2m below the roofline along this eastern elevation are three possible beam-slots, all within the southern half of the elevation (photo 9). The slots are roughly square, between 0.1 and 0.15m, and around 0.2m deep. They are spaced at regular intervals c.1.8m apart.

The northern gable elevation (Figure 6) has a wider cart entry door at a lower level, although still raised above the lower ground level (photos 11 & 12). The doorway is set a little off-centre by 0.65m to the west. It measures 1.7m wide, 1.86m high and is topped by a large horizontal wooden lintel 2.85m across. The opening still contains a wood panelled double door, the right side being formerly half-glazed, now boarded over. The upper reaches of this wall were ivy covered, obscuring a cambered central upper window with slate voussoirs and a slate sill (taken from listed building description).

The southern gable elevation (photos 13 – 16; Figure 7) also has an entrance at a similar level, giving access to the wheel pit. This doorway (photo 14), 1.8m wide by 1.85m high, is capped by a timber lintel topped by a row of three projecting slate slabs. Mortar covers the face of the stonework above the doorway, possibly indicating an area of repair. The opening is covered in chipboard. Above the doorway is a centrally placed upper window with cambered rough-slate voussoirs and a slate sill (photo 15). This contains a vertically split window frame, still partly glazed. This wall is part ivy-covered and a small tree has established itself in the upper reaches of the southwest corner (photo 16).

The western elevation (photos 17 – 23; Figure 5) has a tall narrow outlet for the mill leat, 1.05m wide and 2.98m high (photo 19). This is topped by cambered dressed-slate voussoirs, the opening itself is boarded up, but a channel c.1m wide runs out from the opening over a wide ledge and into the stream below. Mortar has been washed out of the stonework around the southern edge of this opening, leading to a partial collapse of its southern side. Adjacent to this opening is a small window, now boarded-up, 0.42m wide by 0.7m high with a slate sill and a timber lintel topped by projecting slate slabs (photo 20). There are two first floor windows, the northernmost being at a slightly higher level with



rough-slate cambered voussoirs and a slate sill (photo 21). This window is backed on its internal side by wooden shutters. To the south is a slightly lower and smaller window opening with rough-slate cambered voussoirs and a slate sill (photo 22). All of these openings are visible on the Gastineau drawing of 1829.

Now contained within the single-storey addition on the western elevation, there is tall narrow opening through the western wall of the main mill building (photo 23). The feature was photographed but not closely measured, c.1.5m high and c.0.8m wide. The western wall of the mill building appears to comprise two walls built against each other at this point. The opening opens out into the interior of the mill building, but set at a slightly higher level within the inner wall so only its upper half gives direct access to the interior. The opening is topped by a flat concrete lintel within the outer wall, clearly a later repair. The inner wall opening is boarded up and was not examined in any detail. Two sawn-off wooden beams are also set into the stonework down the sides of this opening, also possibly part of a later repair within the outer wall. The opening would appear to represent part of a chute from the interior of the mill into what may have been a cart shed and/or grain store.

Western addition

The single storey addition on the west side (Figure 3, 5, 6 & 7) is built of random coursed rubble stone with intermittent courses of slate to level off the walls, although they do not appear to be in a similar part-decorative style as seen on some of the walls of the main mill building (photo 24). The walls clearly butt against the mill building indicating a later structure, but there has been an additional structure on this side of the mill since at least 1829 as shown on the Gastineau drawing.

The northern face (photo 25; Figure 6) of this addition has clearly been remodelled, currently comprising two bays separated by a central pillar. Each opening has brick edging and is now infilled by wooden panelling and a double-fronted wooden door (this was described as open-fronted in the listed building description of 1992).

The southern elevation (photo 26; Figure 7) contains a central window just below the roofline with a wooden lintel and slate sill (photo 27). It contains a modern wood-framed plate glass window. There is an opening in the wall face on either side of the window, each one 0.2m high and 0.17m wide, narrowing towards the base (photo 28).

The western gable end contains a centrally placed splayed window with a wooden lintel and slate sill (photos 29 & 30; Figure 5). The window is unglazed and closed by a wooden shutter. Lime mortar covers much of the upper half of the interior face of this gable wall which may be an indication of later heightening or rebuilding consistent with the style of building depicted on the Gastineau drawing, but this interior face was not examined closely.

Surrounding features (Figure 3)

The mill leat enters the building from the east (photo 31). It emerges along a stone lined channel c.0.8m wide and occasionally topped by small stone slabs. This appears to run either beneath or adjacent to the castle driveway, but this area is heavily overgrown and the route of the leat could not be traced back to its source in the former castle moat. As previously mentioned, the northern side of the channel is bounded by a low stone wall that butts against the mill building. On the southern side the wall curves away just before the mill to form a



stepped and slightly curving retaining wall to the higher ground to the east (photos 32 & 33). The wall is built of coursed roughly hewn rubble stone.

The leat passes through an overgrown raised area c.8m by c.4m adjacent to the mill that may contain hidden structures or a small enclosure, but was covered in vegetation at the time of the survey.

A possible overflow channel for the mill leat runs around the southern edge of the mill as the ground drops away into the stream below (photo 34). The stream itself runs down a narrow deep ravine alongside Mill Lane, sections of which may have been artificially straightened, especially in the area where it runs past the 19th century baptistery to the south. As it emerges into the small clearing containing the mill, it curves around slightly, joined by the leat outlet and overflow channels, and drops down into a 1m wide channel that may have been widened directly to the west of the mill (photos 35 & 36). The stream then passes through a narrow corbelled channel under the road bridge (Pont Henrietta Mair), over a weir and on into Newport (photo 37).

Pont Henrietta Mair is marked by a standing stone (photo 38) on Mill Lane on which is carved ‘Y GWIR YN ERBYN Y BYD, PONT HENRIETTA MAIR, O.C. 1871’ (‘The truth against the world, Henrietta Mair bridge, AD 1871). Henrietta Mair was apparently the wife of Thomas Lloyd, the owner of Newport Castle, who built the bridge in 1871. No bridge is shown on the Gastineau drawing, which appears to show Mill Lane sweeping around as a continuation of Feidr Felin with a smaller off shoot curving off down the hill presumably representing the current continuation of Mill Lane. The stream at this point may therefore run along an artificial course created around the time the bridge was built. The Gastineau drawing also shows a treeless landscape at that time, with the mill occupying quite a prominent position overlooking the town.



CONCLUSION

The external building recording indicates that the main mill building appears to have been built in a single phase, with the single-storey addition on the western side the only obvious later addition. Internal elevations may provide more detail on phasing and rebuilds.

The building would appear to date from the late 18th or early 19th century, and was in much of its present form by 1829 at the latest. The single-storey addition to the west appears to have been modified or rebuilt to accommodate a different roof structure since 1829. There is likely to have been a mill on this site since the medieval period, although no medieval features were identified during the course of this survey.

The building was used as a water-driven corn mill, powered by water from the nearby Newport Castle moat. The water entered via a leat at first floor level and drove an integrated water-wheel within the main building, internal details of which could not be recorded during the current survey work. No in-situ surviving internal mill machinery could be seen during this survey, although access was not made into the building. From what was visible, it would appear that any such remains had been removed previously. The leat outlet emerged from a tall opening on the west side, draining into the adjacent stream.

There were two single-door entries into the building, one giving access to the waterwheel, the other giving access to the first floor milling floor. A double-door cart entrance on the northern side appears to have been the main entrance.

Architectural embellishments appear to have been incorporated into faces that would have been on display, namely the eastern and northern face, and part of the western face. These embellishments include dressed slate quoins, slate coursing and cambered slate voussoirs over window and leat openings.

There are several apparent beam slots in the external face of the eastern wall, and southern face of the additional building, the functions of which remain unclear. These could suggest the presence of former lean-to structures.

The single-storey addition to the west appears to have been remodelled slightly over the years – the current roof structure is different to that seen on a 1829 drawing, and the interior was described in 1992 as soot-blackened and open-fronted, but is now enclosed as garage and storage space. An opening connects it to the main mill, possibly used as a grain chute suggesting this addition may have been a cart shed and/or grain store.

Only a short section of the mill leat could be traced as it entered the mill from the east. This area is overgrown and may contain further features associated with the mill site.

A stream running to the west of the mill clearly has long associations with the mill, called Afon Felin, and it appears to have been modified in its vicinity. This modification may have taken place when the adjacent bridge was built in 1871.

The building and its environs are considered to be relatively high archaeological and historical interest, as indicated by it Grade II Listed status. The mill was evidently associated with the Castle and is very likely to have medieval origins. Even if no standing remains of a medieval structure survive, there is the potential for them to survive below ground, beneath and adjacent to the present structure. Although no in-situ internal machinery is present, there is still a good potential for remains of fixings and other internal features which will provide information on the layout of the machinery.



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK

The interior faces of the wall may reveal more detail about possible phasing or rebuilds within the mill, including lower levels that are covered on the exterior face. If the mill incorporates any elements of a pre- late 18th century structure, then they are likely to be more visible at these lower levels. Doorway and window coverings also appear to survive on the internal elevations. The listed building description states that no machinery remains within the mill, however some internal walls and floor levels do appear to survive which should reveal more clear detail about the layout and function of this mill building. The interior of the mill is also going to be the most affected by the proposed redevelopment works, therefore it is important that this element is recorded fully prior to the redevelopment works.

It is therefore recommended that a survey of the interior of the building is undertaken following guidelines for a Level 3 building record, as described in Understanding Historic Buildings: A guide to good recording practice (English Heritage 2006). This should include a full photographic record of the interior of all buildings, architectural and design features, as well as internal contents (high-resolution digital photography). In addition, measured sketch elevations and plans should be made of the interior.

This work will only be possible following remediation works to make safe the interior of the building. Remediation work will comprise the initial stabilisation of the collapsing stone frames of some of the openings and the addition of a roof structure to make the building watertight.

The interior clearly needs some degree of clearance to allow access, however it may contain structures, artefacts and so on of relevance to the interpretation of the mill and therefore an archaeologist should be present to examine the material as it is removed.

The excavations of the light well and parking spaces along the eastern side of the mill building are both likely to reveal extra detail about the walls, but also any additional structures or associated features hidden in the undergrowth on this side, therefore an archaeological watching brief is important to record any of these remains as they are revealed and prior to their potential disturbance or destruction.



SOURCES

Map

Anon 1845 Newport Parish Tithe Map

John, H 1758 An exact map of several tenements of land in the Town of Newport in the County of Pembroke

Ordnance Survey 1889 1:2500 1st edition Pembrokeshire V.11 & 12

Ordnance Survey 1907 1:2500 2nd edition Pembrokeshire V.11 & 12

Published

Cadw 1992 Listed Building Description, ref 12491.

Fenton R 1903 A historical Tour through Pembrokeshire. Dyfed County Council

Howells BE & KA (Eds) 1977 The Extent of Cemais. Pembrokeshire Record Society

Pigot & Co 1830 South Wales Directory

Pigot & Co 1844 South Wales Directory

Internet

John, Dr B 2008 http://www.newport-pembs.co.uk/cmb/lang-cy/history/newport-town-trail



Figure 3: Annotated plan of Castle Mill, based on plans provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) at 1:100 scale, but not necessarily reproduced to scale here.



Figure 4: Annotated drawing of the eastern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) at 1:100 scale, but not

necessarily reproduced to scale here.

Figure 5: Annotated drawing of the western elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) at 1:100 scale, but not




Figure 6: Annotated drawing of the northern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) at 1:100 scale, but not


Figure 7: Annotated drawing of the southern elevation, based on drawings provided by the client (drawn by Julian Bishop Architect) at 1:100 scale, but not




PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1: General view of the mill building, taken from the southwest

Photo 2: Newport Castle



Photo 3: Mill Cottage, opposite Castle Mill

Photo 4: The interior of Castle Mill, taken from the northern end



Photo 6: The eastern elevation, 1m scales

Photo 5: The southeast corner, showing alternating slate and stone quoins



Photo 7: The eastern elevation, showing the doorway at the northern end, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 8: The doorway in the eastern elevation, 1m scales



Photo 9: The mill leat running towards the leat inlet in the eastern elevation, 1m scales

Photo 10: The leat inlet in the eastern elevation. 1m scale.



Photo 11: The northern gable elevation, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 12: The doorway in the northern elevation, 1m scales at 2m intervals



Photo 14: The doorway in the southern elevation, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 13: The southern gable elevation, 1m scales at 2m intervals



Photo 15: The first floor window in the southern elevation

Photo 16: Tree growing out of the southern elevation



Photo 17: Western elevation, northern end, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 18: Western elevation, southern end, 1m scale



Photo 19: Leat outlet and wall collapse in western elevation, 1m scale

Photo 20: Ground floor window adjacent to leat outlet in western elevation



Photo 21: Northernmost of two first floor windows in the western elevation

Photo 22: Southernmost of two 1st floor windows in the western elevation



Photo 24: Stonework of the western gable wall of the single-storey addition

Photo 23: Possible chute opening in western elevation within the single-storey addition



Photo 25: Northern elevation of the single-storey addition, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 26: Southern elevation of the single-storey addition, 1m scales at 2m intervals



Photo 27: Window within the southern elevation of the single-storey addition

Photo 28: Void within the southern elevation of the single-storey addition



Photo 30: Internal face of the western elevation of the single-storey addition

Photo 29: Western gable elevation of the single-storey addition



Photo 31: Looking west along the overgrown mill leat from the castle driveway towards Castle Mill

Photo 32: Looking north at the leat inlet overflow channel against the eastern elevation, 1m scales



Photo 33: Looking east at the stepped retaining wall to the higher ground on the east side of the mill, 1m scales at 2m intervals

Photo 34: Looking northeast at the overflow and outlet channels around the southern end of the mill building



Photo 35: General view looking north down Afon Felin as it passes the mill

Photo 36: View north along possibly artificially created section of Afon Felin, 1m scales



Photo 37: Corbelled passage through the bridge (Pont Henrietta Mair), 1m scale

Photo 38: Marker and date stone for the bridge, at the junction of Mill Lane and Feidr Felin




RHIF YR ADRODDIAD / REPORT NUMBER 2011/35

Gorffennaf 2011

July 2011

Paratowyd yr adroddiad hwn gan / This report has been prepared by Philip Poucher Swydd / Position: Archaeologist

Llofnod / Signature ........ ......... Dyddiad / Date 15/07/11 Mae’r adroddiad hwn wedi ei gael yn gywir a derbyn sêl bendith This report has been checked and approved by ar ran Ymddiriedolaeth Archaeolegol Dyfed Cyf. on behalf of Dyfed Archaeological Trust Ltd. Swydd / Position: Llofnod / Signature .............…....…………....... Dyddiad / Date Yn unol â’n nôd i roddi gwasanaeth o ansawdd uchel, croesawn unrhyw sylwadau

sydd gennych ar gynnwys neu strwythur yr adroddiad hwn

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castle mill, newport, pembrokeshire archaeological buildings … · 2018. 5. 21. · dyfed...

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