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Latitude: 51.548 / 51°32'52"N
Longitude: -3.6001 / 3°36'0"W
OS Eastings: 289146
OS Northings: 184450
OS Grid: SS891844
Mapcode National: GBR HC.FP51
Mapcode Global: VH5HB.KC44
Plus Code: 9C3RG9XX+6X
Entry Name: Lift Tower at Tondu Ironworks
Listing Date: 9 November 1998
Last Amended: 9 November 1998
Grade: II*
Source: Cadw
Source ID: 20817
Building Class: Industrial
ID on this website: 300020817
Location: Set in the hillside between the company housing of Derllwyn Road and Park Terrace above and the levelled area below where the Engine House stands, against the old furnace bank and opposite the Calcini
County: Bridgend
Community: Ynysawdre
Community: Ynysawdre
Locality: Tondu
Built-Up Area: Sarn
Traditional County: Glamorgan
Tagged with: Building
Sir Robert Price developed ironworking here from 1837. This structure appears to belong to the second stage of development under John Brogden who purchased the ironworks in 1854. The lift was used to hoist materials to the charging platforms and was possibly worked by water balance, water-filled tanks beneath the tram cars being used as counter-balance, with the water being discharged as required by weight. Possibly powered by steam, as was more common in later years, but this would be a unique survival. Only other ironworking site in Britan still retaining a hoisting tower is Blaenafon in Gwent.
A tall 3 sided tower of yellow brick with stone basement and dressed stone buttresses rear right; inner ledge, holes and grooves for machinery, metal fittings survive in base left; rectangular openings in rear wall. Ivy covered.
Included at grade II* for its special importance in the history of ironworking in Britain. Group value with the Calcining Kilns.
Scheduled Ancient Monument ref. GM 433 (BRI).
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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