Harbour Watch-Tower, Margam Moors (Gweunydd Margam), Neath Port Talbot

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.5823 / 51°34'56"N

Longitude: -3.8034 / 3°48'12"W

OS Eastings: 275145

OS Northings: 188593

OS Grid: SS751885

Mapcode National: GBR H3.CD1X

Mapcode Global: VH5H1.1H5B

Plus Code: 9C3RH5JW+WJ

Entry Name: Harbour Watch-Tower

Listing Date: 31 March 2000

Last Amended: 31 March 2000

Grade: II

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 23155

Building Class: Maritime

ID on this website: 300023155

Location: On the S side of the mouth of the River Afan, just to the W of the Harbour Master's Office.

County: Neath Port Talbot

Town: Port Talbot

Community: Margam Moors (Gweunydd Margam)

Community: Margam Moors

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Tagged with: Architectural structure

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Port Talbot

History

Probably mid C19. The watch-tower pre-dates the major redevelopment of the docks by the Port Talbot Railway & Docks Company from 1894-8.

Exterior

Two-storey octagonal watch-tower with battlemented parapets. Constructed of stone, the lower storey of coursed rubble with quoins, the upper storey of dressed stone. The parapets consist of a moulded coping supporting dressed crenellations at the angles. The front faces W towards the sea and contains a doorway with segmental head of voussoirs and a wooden door frame. Window opening above with similar head, and 2 matching windows to the flanking faces. Two further upper storey windows to S and NE faces, tall and rectangular with flat heads. The door and glazing do not survive.

Interior

Four cast iron I-section beams formerly supported a low floor between the ground and upper storeys. Further cast iron beams support the ceiling above the upper floor. To the N side at ground level is a circular hole in the wall lined in cast iron, possibly for a telescope. Blocking in wall above, beneath a cast iron lintel, possible for a fireplace?

Reasons for Listing

Listed as the well preserved shell of a C19 harbour watch-tower, a prominent feature in the coastal landscape, and of historic interest.

External Links

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.

Recommended Books

Other nearby listed buildings

II Plate-Girder Bridge
Spanning the River Afan just upstream of the navigable section, and linking Sandfields with the docks. The bridge is set at an angle to the river.
II Plate-Girder Bridge
Spanning the River Afan just upstream of the navigable section and set at an angle to the river. Roads and tracks branch out to the E to buildings on the wharfside.
II Former Harbour House
Located on the N side of New Dock and accessed by a narrow road which lead S along the River Afan from Dock Road.
II War Memorial
Located in the centre of the park and the focal point. The main avenue approaches from the E.
II Church of St Joseph
Fronting the street, which continues as a path to the Aberavon shopping centre. The entrance is to the E and the chancel to the W.
II Harbour Court
Located at the corner of Oakwood Road and Cramic Way, to the S of the main railway line.
II Church of St Mary
Located in a quadrangular churchyard, encircled by the high-level A48. Just to the S of Aberavon shopping centre.
II Bethany Chapel
In a prominent position in the centre of Port Talbot. The square is at the junction of Station Road and Forge Road.

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History in Structure

Harbour Watch-Tower

A Grade II Listed Building in Margam Moors (Gweunydd Margam), Neath Port Talbot