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A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
REPORT
By: Mr A Phillips.
A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Summary
The client was instructed by RCTCBC to arrange for a Level II building recording
survey.
APAC Ltd was contacted by the client to undertake the level II building recording
survey.
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.
1
A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
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............................................................................................................................. 6
General description.......................................................................................................................... 6
Phasing. ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Interpretation summary ................................................................................................................... 8
Archive ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Acknowledgements: ........................................................................................................................ 8
Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Bibliography and References: ......................................................................................................... 9
Figures
2
A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Plates 01-16
Appendix
3
A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Introduction
This building survey report has been prepared by Mr A. Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, in response to the proposed:
Conversion of church to residential dwelling including new access, external alterations and part demolition St
Illtyds Church, Ton-Coch Terrace, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash Pl.App.No.: 16/0216/10
The proposed alterations, and demolition work will involve changes to the standing fabric of the existing
buildings, all of which may impact on any archaeological resources present.
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RCTCBC) were advised in this matter by |Glamorgan Gwent
Archaeological Trust (GGAT) Archaeological Planning Services (APS):
No works to which this consent relates shall commence until an appropriate programme
of historic building recording and analysis has been secured and implemented in
accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and
approved in writing by the local planning authority
Reason: As the building is of significance the specified records are necessary to mitigate
the impact of the proposed development.
RCTO429/RD
APAC Ltd was contracted by the client, Ms Lianne Clapham, to undertake the programme of building recording and
analysis and in accordance with CIFA Standards and Guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of
standing buildings and structures, 2014, drew up a Written Scheme of Investigation, WSI:BS/MAC/17.
The written scheme of investigation was approved by GGAT as ‘fit for purpose’ allowing the survey work to
proceed.
This document; prepared by Mr A Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, is the report of the building survey.
Site location
The location of the church is in the village of Cefnpennar, CF45-4DT, NGR: 303784 200546.
The site occupies land at around 270m on the north eastern side of the Cynon Valley; easily accessed by travelling
south from Merthyr Tydfil, on the A470 towards Pontypridd, then take the third exit onto the A4059 at the
roundabout just before Abercynon.
Follow the A4059 some 4 miles through Mountain Ash and opposite the Cwm Cynon Hospital (Ysbyty Cwm
Cynon), take a right turn onto Mill Rd.
At the “T” junction turn left and then take the next left leading to Cefnpennar, The Avenue and eventually after 0.6
miles the former St Illtyds Church.
In 1870-72, Cefnpennar is described as a hamlet in Aberdare parish, Glamorgan; on the river Cynon. (Vision of
Britain).
The village came into existence through the need of housing and associated buildings due to the developing coal
mining infrastructure in the 19th century.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
The GGAT advisory document, (RCTO429/RD), noted information from the Historic Environment Record,
(HER) stating:
St Illtyds Church was built in 1894 at a cost of £900, and has 240 sittings. There is also
an attached reading room. A review of historic Ordnance Survey mapping of the area
notes that the structure is depicted on the 2nd edition map of 1900 and the 3rd edition
map of 1919 with a similar footprint to the current building. The mapping also depicts
the hall and toilets scheduled for demolition.
RCT0429/RD
The chapel is thought to have been built with funding from donations of the local populace, although as the
numbers of worshipers dropped in modern times the chapels upkeep became unsustainable, which lead to its
closure approximately four years ago, (design and access statement, RCTCB Pl App: 16/0216/10.)
An Historic Environment Report (HER), 5520, report was requested for a 500m search around the area centred on
Grid ref 303780 200544.
The search produced no information of relevance to the church’s history and only mentioned one event; undertaken
between 2005-2010 by GGAT to investigate the ongoing threats faced by industrial remains of Southeast Wales,
PRN: E000954, HER 5520, Fig 02.
Inspection of the early 20th c map progressions of the location confirm information given by GGAT, RCT0429/RD.
However, the 1844 Tithe Map, fig 03a. clearly shows that at this earlier date, nothing much of Cefnpennar exists;
only two buildings being represented at the time in the forms of “Ton Coch Cottage”, and “Cefnpennar House”;
with only the former being in the direct vicinity of the site in question.
Then first evidence of the church appears in the 1901 map, Fig 03b. clearly marked as “St Illtyd’s Church” and the
last map notation still to use this name was in 1951, Fig 03c.
The current map no longer states the name of the church but does still mark it “PW” (place of worship) which does
not record its closure in the present century.
The aim of the level II survey is 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).
Photographs were taking using tripod mounted, digital camera: a Sony DSC F828 and a hand held Nikon AW130,
with images recorded in in Jpeg & 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.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Photographs illustrative of the survey are produced as annotated ‘photo cards’ in the report and all photographs are
included on contact sheets in Appendix III.
Measurements were made during the survey using both hand steel tape and a Lecia Disto 510 and these were used to
produce a scaled plan fig 04.
Some areas of the site were inaccessible at the time of the survey and so outlines of those areas have been adapted
from the proposed design plans available on the planning portal.
This report also comprises a written element as defined in 4.5 Understanding Historic Buildings; A Guide to Good
Recording Practice (English Heritage 2006).
In order to provide a brief background to the property the following sources of information were used:
GGAT HER.
Various online sources.
Data Presentation
Data referred to within the text is included in the Figures (fig##), & Plates, PL##.
General description
The church formerly known as St Illtyd’s comprises of four adjoined buildings, fig 04:
A the church
B former caretaker’s cottage and now the current accommodation; not surveyed
C the former reading room
D a toilet, now a kennel and not surveyed.
External survey
The principle building, (A) is constructed of local squared, rubble faced stone, in broken range work; running
roughly south east to north west under a slate ridge roof, PL01.
The church is lit with limestone ashlar, gothic style leaded windows, PL02 & PL03 and is accessible through a
porch to the north, PL04.
Atop the northern gable end is a belfry which retains its bell, PL05 and below is a triple light; double pointed
window fitted with diamond leaded glass, in a limestone ashlar frame.
All the windows of the church are built in a non-ornate, gothic perpendicular style, popular at the time of
construction.
The southern gable, PL02 has a similar, three light window under which is the foundation stone inscribed with the
date 1895.
The eastern elevation is fitted with an ashlar window consisting of three double pointed dome windows, PL01.
A small portion of the west elevation, differs from the rest of the church in that it has been rendered, however it is
interesting to note that the work has retained and emphasised the detail of the window and quoins, PL06.
The former caretaker’s cottage B, runs east to west between buildings A and C, entirely rendered and fitted with
modern windows, PL07.
Building C, PL08 has the same render as B, and same style of windows, east and west elevations; although the latter
were inaccessible to photograph externally, PL09.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Building D, was also inaccessible and was not surveyed but it appeared to be rendered in the same way as B & D.
Internal survey
Internally, the main body of the church building measures approximately 16m in length, north to south and 7m east
to west whilst the extended chancel reduces to roughly 5m in width over the additional 5m in length.
The internal walls of the church have been rendered and painted white; the floor is concrete except in the chancel
where it has a raised wooden floor.
The northern gable which acts as the main entrance into the church, is fitted with a central three, pointed dome
ashlar window built in the same style as the windows in the eastern elevation, (PL10).
Situated directly underneath the central window is a stone coursed porch with timber roof, (PL11).
Either side of the porch features a single, pointed dome ashlar window built in the same gothic perpendicular design
as the rest of the building.
The southern gable wall also features a central three, pointed dome window concurrent with the rest of the build,
(PL12).
The roof of the main church building is a construct of scissor truss frames with timber purlins and slatted timber
rafters under slate, (PL13).
In the western elevation of the church, where the building joins the cottage, B, a recent doorway has been added or
modified in breeze block, PL12, (right).
The church has also undergone some modern changes with central heating fixtures (radiators) and light fittings
being added.
As stated above, building B is occupied and was not surveyed however casual observation during access to building
C suggested no features of architectural interest.
The disused hall to the west, C, is accessible internally from building B, and externally through the north gable,
PL14 and south east elevation, PL15.
The hall measures approximately 11m in length and 6m wide; the walls are rendered, and the roof is a simple truss
frame with purlins and slatted timber rafters under slate,
The southern gable PL15 has a protruding central area, probably an internal chimney, but this was not accessible for
further inspection and no evidence of a chimney was observed externally.
The floor of the building is fitted with timber slatted flooring, (PL16).
The small stone construct, C, built upon the north gable of the hall was formerly a toilet, however is now currently
being used as a dog kennel by the current cottage owner.
Phasing.
Apart from some decorations and modern fixtures and fittings to the church, it can be assumed that not a great deal
has been changed since its original building in the late 19th century.
Without further inspection, possibly removal of render from external surfaces, it is not possible to examine the
building phases of the three buildings to ascertain if they were a single build although this would seem likely; zat
least at ground floor level.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Interpretation summary
The information gathered during research and the conducted survey would firmly suggest the building is a single-
phase construction dating to 1895.
Alterations have been made such as electrical supply and decoration, to modernise the church but the fabric is
essentially intact.
Modifications to building B are less certain but it is possible that the first floor is an addition.
‘As the building is of architectural and cultural significance the specified records are required to
mitigate impact.
The survey and research undertaken for this project has added to the background knowledge of this building, origin,
and function.
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.
A further copy of the archive will be deposited with The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments
Aberystwyth.
Digital copies of the report will be forwarded to the client, planning and the HER, held by Glamorgan Gwent
Archaeological Trust.
Acknowledgements:
I would like to thank the client Ms Lianne Clapham for the details supplied.
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 St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain Ash BS/MAC/17
Chartered Institute of
Archaeologists.
Code of Conduct and the Code of Approved Practice for the regulation
of Contractual Arrangements in Field Archaeology. 2014.
Vision of Britain “John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales”
http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/23264
United Kingdom
Institute for
Conservation.
(Archaeology Section) Guidelines for the Preparation of Excavation Archives for Long-Term
Storage (1990)
9
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
A.P.A.C. Ltd: BS/MAC/17
St Illtyds, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N N
fig 03a: Tithe map fig 03b: Glamorgan XIX.NW Revised 1899,1898, Published 1901
N N
fig 03c: Glamorgan XIX.NW Revised 1948, Published 1951. Plate 03d: Magic Maps, 2017
A.P.A.C. Ltd BS/MAC/17
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash.
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Long view, western elevation and property boundary wall
Plate No: 01
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1228 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
North west
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Long view of southern gables of church, A and reading room, C and elevation
of living accommodation B
Plate No: 02
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1224 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
North west
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Detail, coursed stone with double pointed dome ashlar windows, and diamond
pattern leaded glass windows. Western elevation of church.
Plate No: 03
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1222 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
South
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Porch and portion of external rendered wall of living accommodation B to the right
Plate No: 04
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00003 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
South
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Long view of northern gable end and elevation of living accommodation roof,
building B
Plate No: 05
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1232 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
East
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Detail of relief render exposing the window and quoin stones
Plate No: 06
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1231 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
North
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Western elevation accommodation area B. Note external render to church,
creating relief reveal to ashlar window frame
Plate No: 07
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00006 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
West
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Eastern elevation of disused hall C, rendered walls, modern timber window and
wooden door. Placement of join to accommodation B
Plate No: 08
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00005 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
East
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Long view from adjacent field. From foreground: elevation building C, gable end
B and roof ridge A to rear.
Plate No: 09
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC09995 INTERNAL
Direction of view:
North west
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Front entrance into church, north gable. Central three light, pointed dome, leaded
window. Two smaller windows set either side of porched entrance into church. No
windows to the west.
Plate No: 10
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1221 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
North
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Internal view of porch showing arched door recess and one of two windows
Plate No: 11
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC09993 INTERNAL
Direction of view:
South east
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Internal southern view of church ashlar brick decorated arch/dome leading to chancel.
Rendered internal walls. Under modern timber roof. Modern breeze block doorway in
western wall leads into living accommodation B
Plate No: 12
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Nikon AW130 Digital DSCN1220 EXTERNAL
Direction of view:
North west
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Timber scissor truss supports pitched timber roof in main church. Truss set under
timber purlins and slatted timber rafters. Timber roof finished with slate exterior.
Plate No: 13
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00009 INTERNAL
Direction of view:
North west
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Internal northern view of disused hall, now used for storage. Roof held with collard
truss under timber purlins and slated wooden rafters. Rendered walls exposed
around window shows former coursed stonework.
Plate No: 14
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00008 INTERNAL
Direction of view:
South east
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Reason for image Internal southern view of disused hall, C, now used for storage. Roof held with
collard truss under timber purlins and slatted wooden rafters, under slate.
Chimney stack to rear but inaccessible for survey
Plate No: 15
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
Site Site code Grid ref: Camera Format Image no: Area
St Illtyds church, Cefnpennar, Mountain ash BS/MAC/17 303780 200542 Sony-F828 Digital DSC00010 INTERNAL
Direction of view:
Vertical
A
Not accessible
B
Church
D Current
Kennel accomodation
Reading room
0 5 10
m
Plate No: 16
A.P.A.C. Ltd
www.apac.ltd.uk
A.P.A.C. Ltd. Appendix I BS/MAC/17
Contractors:
GGAT Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust
A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix II Digital photograph list BS/MAC/17
DSCN1228 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L NW Long view of southern gables of church, A and reading room, C and elevation of living accommodation B PL02
DSCN1229 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L N Long view of southern gables of church, A and reading room, C and elevation of living accommodation B
DSCN1230 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L E Long view from adjacent field. From foreground: elevation building C, gable end B and roof ridge A to rear.
DSCN1231 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L N Western elevation accommodation area B. Note external render to church, creating relief reveal to ashlar window frame PL07
DSCN1232 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L E Detail of relief render exposing the window and quoin stones PL06
DSCN1233 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L W Detail of north western window of church
DSCN1234 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L SE Internal southern view of disused hall, now used for storage. Roof held with collard truss under timber purlins and
slatted wooden rafters, under slate. Chimney stack to rear but inaccessible for survey
DSCN1235 18/04/17 Nikon AW130 L NW Internal northern view of disused hall, now used for storage. Roof held with collard truss under timber purlins and
slated wooden rafters. Rendered walls exposed around window shows former coursed stonework.