briton ferry war memorial draft report 140724

architecture and designGILLARD ASSOCIATES

The QUAYPADCardiff Marina Watkiss WayCardiff CF5 0SYTel No 02920 229 [email protected]

Briton Ferry War Memorial

for

July 2014

Conservation Report


Briton Ferry War Memorial1: Introduction and Background Conservation Policy Document

Introduction and Scope of Report

This report was commissioned by Neath Port Talbot County BoroughCouncil (NPTCBC), the custodians of the war memorial in Briton Ferry,to support a grant application for funds for a conservation programme.

The report follows the recommendations made by CADW as described ininformation pamphlet Caring for War Memorials in Wales and addressesthe historic significance of the memorial; describes, assesses andrecords its condition by means of drawings photographs and text, andmakes suggestions for appropriate conservation works, taking intoaccount the views of statutory bodies and the local community on whosebehalf the memorial was erected.

The scope of this report does not extend to the definitive recording of themonument or the names inscribed on it - this is something which will bebest carried out as part of the ongoing care and maintenanceprogramme.

It is envisaged that on the basis of this report a conservation policy willbe agreed, the extent of which will be partially governed by the amount offunding secured, with works being prioritised in order of necessity and/ordesirability.

It is hoped that the most desirable conservation measures might becompleted in time for the 100th anniversary of the commencement of theGreat War which the monument was originally commissioned tocommemorate.

Importance of War Memorials

Before commissioning conservation work for a war memorial it isimportant to understand the value of war memorials and the reasons whythey should be conserved.

Each memorial is unique: it represents that community’s chosen methodof remembrance. The names of those recorded on a memorial may onlybe remembered on that monument making it important to preserve it tocommemorate that individual’s sacrifice.

War memorials also act as a link to the past and enable people toremember and respect the sacrifices that other have made byparticipating in past conflicts.

In some communities the names of those who are remembered are stillrelevant today; frequently the names of those who gave their lives inrecent conflicts are added to the memorial.

Memorials therefore act as a focal point for commemoration; they ensurethat the names of those who died are not forgotten.

Memorials also play an educational role helping people of all ages tolearn about armed forces and conflicts, and help us to learn the lessonsof history.

Finally, as expressions of gratitude as well as remembrance, memorialsare often fine examples of contemporary art, sculpture, and design, andcan be appreciated in their own right as artefacts.


Briton Ferry War Memorial2: History and Background of the Briton Ferry War Memorial Conservation Policy Document

Brief History of the Briton Ferry War Memorial

At the outbreak of the Great War the ‘Ferry Boys at the Front FundCommittee’ was established to ‘look after the welfare and interests ofBriton Ferry boys serving under the colours’.

At the end of the war 116 Ferry Boys had lost their lives - a significantproportion of the town which at the time at 6000 inhabitants - and thecommittee decided to raise funds for the erection of a memorial on apiece of land in the centre of the town.

A sum in excess of £5000 was raised by local subscription and a largepart of this was donated by the Briton Ferry Steel Co Ltd. (This firmwas acquired by the British Steel Corporation in 1921, and nationalisedin 1951 and became part of the National Iron and Steel Corporation ofGreat Britain).

Archived documents describe how the original ensemble would havebeen largely constructed of Portland stone but this costly material wasreduced by building the steps and surface paving with Forest of Deansandstone.

A letter dated 6th May 1921 from United Stone Firms of Bristol to thearchitect, Mr A Clarke, updating him of progress and confirmingdelivery.

The description of the monument on the copy invoice from the CarraraMarble and Granite Works 63 Regent Street London W1, reads:

‘Statue of soldier in attitude of mourning 6ft 10” highstanding on pedestal of granite with military andnaval emblems in bronze at base 10ft highincluding carving inscription and names anderection at Briton Ferry’

The cost of the work is shown at £1,528.19.0. This is approximately theequivalent of £50,000 today, quite a considerable sum, and excludesthe build cost of the enclosure, and land purchase.

The records also show how the surrounding shrubbery would havecomprised many different shrubs and plants including yucca,cypresses, and a large number of privets, suggesting that hedgingwould have been prominent.

The monument was unveiled on 12th November 1921 by HerbertEccles JP, president of the Ferry Boys at the Front Committee, at aceremony also apparently attended by RH Earl Douglas Haig, whoafter the war took a very active role in the welfare of ex-servicemen.

In September 1990 the sum of £2000 was spent by NPTCBC onunspecified conservation works.

In August 2009 the theft of bronze sculptured rifles and wreath wasreported.

Record

The monument is listed (ref no 6609) in the war memorials archivemaintained by the Imperial War Museum (see appendix 2).

The list of names from those who fell in WWI has been recorded; thenames of those who died in conflicts after this date and inscribed onthe memorial have not.

Sample of Archive Material Relating to the War Memorial

Top left: Minutes of meetings of the Ferry Boys at the Front FundCommittee recording how the plan to erect a memorial was raiseddiscussed and agreed.Top right: Notice of the unveiling of the memorialCentre right: retaining wall and copingLeft : correspondence between the monumental sculptor and thearchitect


Briton Ferry War Memorial3: Description Conservation Policy Document

Description of Monument

The following - probably an original - description is contained in the monument’slisting in the War Memorial’s archive:

Three step base surmounted by plinth with soldier in service cap, withhead bowed and rifle reversed the whole surmounted by Portland stonebalustrading with moulded balusters caps and coping. At base of plinthis mounted a sculpted gun within a sculpted laurel wreath featuring tworibbons at base of wreath. WW1 names inscribed in black letteringaround plinth. WW2 names on bronze plaques at base of plinth.Memorial stands on elevated platform of at least nine steps. Areasurrounding the monument paved with blue Forest of Dean stone andenclosed on three side by a rock faced masonry retaining wall with blueForest of Dean moulded coping which supports a shrubbery enclosedby ornamental railings.

This basic catalogue description is contradicted by the official listing which statesthat the Portland stone is reconstituted stone, and was installed after 1945.

The description is augmented as follows:

∑ The bronze sculpture is of an infantryman with a bowed head. It is arealistic depiction of a serviceman in mourning, typical of the era, reflectingthe generally negative attitude to conflict and the devastation of lives. Thesculptor is unknown, but a signature on the south side of the plinth (referphoto) suggests that it was made by the successors of Thomas and HenryGaffin, who owned a successful monumental mason trade with a showroomin 63 Regent Street (since this is also the address of the firm who suppliedthe granite plinth, it is reasonable to assume that Carrara Stoneworksacquired the business from the Gaffin Bros after their death in the late1800s)

∑ The statue is placed on a tiered granite plinth inscribed with the fallen ofthe Great War.

∑ The plinth is located at the centre of a symmetrical paved enclosure,open to and facing the west (significant in Western culture as the place ofthe departed)

∑ The paved area is enclosed on three sides by coursed rockfacedpennant sandstone retaining walls with ashlar copings

∑ The approach steps (14 no) are enclosed by ornate classically inspiredPortland stone balustrades and copings surmounting a pennant rockfacedsandstone retaining wall.

∑ The landscaped areas are planted with largely evergreen trees (refertree survey Appendix 3) although some self-seeded deciduous trees arealso present

Sadly the monument has suffered from decay, neglect, and theft: its currentcondition is described in a later section. However, the setting remains relativelyunchanged (refer to the 1921 map).

Top left and above:granite plinth inscribed with names of fallen inWW1 andLeft:Stolen bronzeTop right:'Portland' balustrade added in 1945Centre right:Sculptor's 'signature'Right:No description required


Briton Ferry War Memorial4: Setting Conservation Policy Document

church

warmemorial

A474Main Street

Setting

The memorial is located in a very prominent position, on the mainthoroughfare, in the middle of the town, which demonstrates eventoday how important it was to the life of the community. Its proximityto St Clement’s Church is also symbolic.

The statue is placed on a high plinth in the centre of a stone pavedarea reached by a flight of steps which provide a sense ofprocession, movement upwards, expectation and arrival.

The symmetrical, classically inspired ensemble is verycharacteristic of late Victorian design. The heavy masonry providesgravitas, and the original planting scheme would have symbolisedafterlife - evergreens were, and still are, a feature of the memorialand represent continuity.

The steep slope to the east is heavily wooded and together with theformal planting, provide a backdrop which helps to define thememorial visually and spatially.

Top left: view of site from west - the prominence demonstrating theimportance of the memorial to the community. The listing states that the'portland' stonework was a much later addition, when the monumentwas enhanced post WWII.Left: 1921 plan of Briton Ferry. Location of site indicated in red. Thememorial site is literally at the centre of the village.Top right: the memorial is placed opposite the churchAbove: satellite image of site - the setting has changed little since thememorial was erected


Briton Ferry War Memorial5: Condition Survey Conservation Policy Document

verdigris onuppersurfaces ofbronze

fixings forstolen rifles

bronzeplaque

signature ofscuptor

algalgrowth

bronzeplaque

remains ofbronzewreath

mortar jointsempty

sharp arisesonstonework

displacedcopings

tree

undergrowth

Condition Survey

The reader is directed to the measured drawings aswell as the photographs which support this section ofthe report.

Statue; the bronze statue of the soldier, some 6’10”high, shows no signs of structural damage andappears to be in generally good condition, with mostsurfaces exhibiting brown/black patination. However,there is no lustre which indicates lack of maintenanceand will eventually lead to degradation; the distributionof verdigris - on upper surfaces suggests it is theresult of copper sulphates forming as a result ofsulphur compounds contained in atmosphericpollutants. In the long term this will cause damage tothe statue.

Bronze Plaques: the names of those who gave theirlives in conflicts after WW1 are inscribed on bronzeplaques affixed to the base of the plinth. The bronze isin good condition and lettering is easily legible. Thebronze wreath and rifles were stolen but the fixingpoints are still visible.

Granite Plinth; hewn from white granite, approximately8ft tall by 3ft wide, the plinth is simple andmonumental. The arises have been bevelled, thebase layered and stepped. The capital is moulded onthree layers. The four sides of the plinth are inscribedwith the names of those who lost their lives in WW1;the lettering is defined by black colouring, and easilylegible. The stone is in good condition, but the facesto the east and north are covered with green mould,probably algal growth. The east and west facing sideof the plinth shows the remains of the ornamentalbronze rifles and wreath which were stolen in 2009.

Pavement; pennant stone flags are arranged in amitred pattern around the statuary, and levelled in away which sheds surface water to drainage channelson three sides, and to the steps on the fourth. Theflags are in good condition, but there is evidence ofinappropriate cement mortar pointing, particularlyalong the mitres, which has caused somedeterioration of the paving arises. There is alsosignificant weed growth through the jointing inlocalised places.

Upper retaining walls: the upper walls slope fromaround 2ft to 6ft and retain the slope - or hillside -beyond. The stone is coursed pennant rockfacedsandstone, with dressed sandstone copings finishedwith ogee detail edging. These walls show signs ofmovement, and there is little evidence of the originalpointing. The copings are intact but have moved, dueto the instability of the walls below. The movementand damage can be attributed to their proximity to treeroots. The copings are discoloured due to algalgrowth; the dense tree canopy is partially responsiblefor this and impedes drying of surfaces.

Top left: statue from westCentre left: west elevation of plinthBottom left: east elevation of plinth base showing green growth andsulphate staining of bronze plaqueTop right: scrollwork at plinth base - granite in good conditionCentre right: retaining wall and coping showing loss of mortar pointingBottom right: view of upper revetment showing detrimental effect oftree growth and unplanned undergrowth


Briton Ferry War Memorial6: Condition Survey (cont'd) Conservation Policy Document

empty joints

movement

weathering

defectivefencing

inappropriateguardrailsweed

growth

Condition Survey /cont'd

Approach steps and street facade: the monument isreached via a ceremonial stairway made of Forest of Deanpennant stone, and flanked by reconstituted Portlandstone walls and a matching stone ‘vase’ balustrade,seated on a unifying footing and topped with mouldedcopings. The footings form the top of the retaining wall(some 7ft higher than the street below). The Portlandstone flanking walls each side of the steps are formedfrom 6 courses of dressed stone blocks on a blue pennantplinth.

The condition of the Portland stone is generally good,although there are three stones on the street façade whichhave cracked - one piece of masonry has fallen but hasbeen retained to facilitate repair. Weathering has beenfairly consistent .

Beyond the symmetrical Portland walls the retainingstructure is a rockfaced coursed sandstone wall. The wallis apparently in good condition but lacks pointing; in someareas plants have colonised the joints. The rock facepennant wall sits on a dressed and moulded pennantplinth which shows some signs of localised decayalthough this is minor.

The framed blue pennant stone plaques inscribed on theleft with 1914-1919, and on the right with 1939-1945, havedelaminated slightly which has reduced the definition ofthe inscription.

Site enclosure; the records show that the originalboundary fence was probably ornamental; almost certainlythis was removed for scrap during WW2, and itsreplacement - utilitarian galvanised pressed steel railings -are inappropriate and unsightly. In many places the fencehas broken away from its foundation, and requires resetting. Adjacent to the road on the south side of theenclosure three galvanised guardrail panels of a typesuited to highway safety have been installed - these areparticularly inappropriate.

The boundary with the householder to the south of the siteis a high rubble retaining wall. The condition of this wallappears sound but requires further inspection. The walltop is friable and loose stones are visible along theboundary.

Vegetation; the original planting scheme is long sincevanished. The site is now dominated by large evergreensprobably planted after WW2. These trees have outgrowntheir beds, and the root systems are de-stabilising themasonry retaining walls. It is also possible that the rootsare contributing to the movement of the stone steps. Theposition of the trees is shown on the plans, and a surveybased on BS 5837 is included in Appendix 2.

Top left: approach steps showing ashlar in good condition but voidedjointing and displacementCentre left: detail of steps showing open jointsBottom left: erosion damage to sandstone plinthTop centre: inappropriate highways type guardrailCentre centre: corroded and damaged steel palisadeBottom centre: view north showing mis alignment of steps and generallygood condition of 'portland' stoneworkTop right: localised damage to 'portland' stone detail on S revetmentCentre right: localised damage to 'portland' stone detail on N revetmentBottom right: ditto - fragment is loose


Briton Ferry War Memorial7: Recommendations for Conservation Conservation Policy Document

7. 'Portland stone' retaining wall: there are three damaged stones which require repair.The two stones with large loose fragments should be indented with the existing usinglime rich mortar and non-corroding pins. The more superficial cracking can berepointed with plastic repairs and or lime rich mortar.

8. Stone Steps: to be numbered, lifted and rebidded in their original positions

9. Lower sandstone retaining walls: the loose mortar and vegetation should be raked outand joints repointed in lime mortar

10. Lower retaining wall sandstone copings: to be lifted and rebedded in lime mortar intheir original positions

11. Dressed sandstone plinth detailing: no action required: remedial work is likely tocause further damage

12. Vegetation: for the long term protection of the monument it is recommended that alltrees in the enclosure (and if possible the trees on the boundary) are removedtogether with their roots systems; thinning of evergreen species cannot berecommended as it is likely to result in trees which are unsightly. Some caution isrequired - the trees are protected with TPOs by virtue of their proximity to a Listedmonument. Since planting was fundamental to the original design of the monument, itis recommended that a landscaping scheme be proposed which will strike the rightbalance between restoration of the ‘evergreen’ symbology, and a solution which willnot require the custodians (NPTCBC) to commit to long term high maintenance.

The areas of soft landscaping at high level adjacent to the street should be cleared ofvegetation. A planting plan could be suggested but this requires maintenance. Ifplanting is considered inappropriate then other surfaces could be proposed.

13. Enclosure: the opportunity should be taken to replace the unsightly metal guardrailsor establish an alternative enclosure. A substantial hedge may well provide thenecessary visual and physical barrier as well as fulfilling the need for a greenbackdrop. If this option is followed it will be desirable to install temporary protectivefencing while a new boundary hedge is established.

14. Party wall, south boundary: the rubble retaining wall should be inspected for stabilityand permission sought from the householder for the wall top to be rebuilt during theworks.

Maintenance Strategy

Following the conservation works it will be necessary to establish a maintenencestrategy, which:

1 identifies and apportions responsibility1 imposes a timetable for monitoring and inspection1 maintains a log of evidence and condition1 maintains the public record and makes this available1 provides adequate resources for conservation

It is envisaged that following the consultation process this report will be updated with afirm strategy for conservation works and ongoing maintenance.

Recommendations for Conservation

Principles

The aim of this report is to establish a conservation and management policy. Theconservation policy follows the recommendations laid down in the Burra Charter - arecognised and well established protocol. The principles (as applicable to this project)are to:

1 understand and conserve the cultural significance of the place and its setting1 safeguard the memorial for future generations1 adopt a cautious approach to repairs1 make use of knowledge skills and disciplines in the care of the memorial1 provide for the participation of people for whom the memorial has significance and

meaning1 establish a maintenance strategy1 minimise disturbance of the fabric1 establish responsibility for decisions taken

The following section proposes a conservation strategy for further discussion anddevelopment.

General Recommendations

The complete restoration of the monument to its original condition is not necessary ordesirable. It willl be costly, but also inappropriate - weathering imparts a sense of timepassing which informs the significance of the memorial. As long as a programme ofmonitoring and maintenance is undertaken, and weathering of materials is kept tosensible limits, the philosophy of minimum intervention should be followed.

However, a certain amount of cleaning, cutting back overgrowth, removing unwantedweed growth, renewing inappropriate repairs/works, is essential, not only as a way ofprolonging the life of the memorial, but also as an outward sign of respect.

It is recommended that the views of the community are sought before firming up on theconservation strategy. This will ensure that change will be accepted, and that long termsdecisions can be supported. It may also benefit the custodian if maintenence tasks canbe undertaken by those to whom the memorial is meaningful.

The following recommendations attempt to strike a balance, taking into account availablefunds, and the conservation philosophy adopted.

Specific Recommendations

1. Bronze statue: clean, remove copper patination, re wax using appropriate crystallinewax to restore the original brown/black lustre; carrying this out at regular intervals

2. Bronze plaques: clean, re wax, consider polishing raised letters to make them moreeasily legible. Replace wreath with new to match existing

3. Granite plinth: dry brush algal growth and wash down (low pressure). Grind backfixings of stolen bronzes.

4. Stone Pavings: as a temporary measure weeds sprouting between flags should beremoved and weedkiller applied; for a longer term the flags should be lifted, thesubstrate treated, and the flags replaced

5. Upper sandstone retaining walls: the loose mortar and vegetation should be raked outand joints repointed in lime mortar

6. Upper retaining wall sandstone copings: to be lifted and rebedded in lime mortar intheir original positions. Algal growth to be scrubbed and washed off using lowpressure water.


Briton Ferry War MemorialAppendix 1: Listing Conservation Policy Document

DESCRIPTION: War Memorial, including revetments and steps

GRADE: II DATE LISTED: 19 May 2000 CADW BUILDING ID: 23296

OS GRID COORDINATES: 274306, 194454 LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 51.6344, -3.8164

LOCATION: Neath Rd, Briton Ferry Neath Port Talbot SA11 2BX

LOCALITY: Briton Ferry COUNTY: Neath Port Talbot COUNTRY: Wales POSTCODE: SA11 2BX

Location Sited directly opposite the church of St Clement. History Exterior A bronze statue mounted on a pedestal, surrounded by a precinct and steps. The pedestal is of granite with moulded cap and base and a stepped plinth. Above is the statue of an infantryman with bowed head and rifle pointing to the ground, sculpted by Gaffin of Regent Street, London. The pedestal has a roll of honour in engraved black letters. The front of the base has a bronze trophy comprising a crossed rifle and sword sheath with a wreath in the centre. The back of the base has a bronze trophy comprising an anchor, rope, telescope and chart with a wreath. The remaining sides have added bronze plaques listing the 1939-45 war dead. The pavement surrounding the statue is renewed. It is built into a bank with coursed rock-faced revetment walls with ashlar coping. The side walls are ramped and return outwards to flank the original approach steps, but the present approach steps and related balustrades are later, added after 1945. These are of reconstituted stone and comprise steps with flanking balustrades terminated by square piers. Facing the front the balustrades return outwards and rusticated pilasters flank panels either side engraved with the dates of the 2 wars. Beyond are rock-faced walls, terminating in a square pier on the R side and on the L side integral with a segmental-arched doorway with double boarded doors attached to Sturn Lodge (150a Neath Road). Reason for Listing Listed for architectural interest as a prominent and well-designed war memorial, and for social-historical interest.


Briton Ferry War MemorialAppendix 2: Imperial War Museum Archive Conservation Policy Document6/13/2014 Home > Search the Memorials > Advanced Search : BRITON FERRY

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BRITON FERRY

OUR REF: 6609

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Address

BRITON FERRY WEST GLAMORGAN WALES

Type: SERVICEMAN/WOMAN

OS Map Ref: SS 730 940

Inscription

BRITON-FERRY/ ROLL OF HONOUR/ TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND TO THE MEMORY OF/ THE GALLANT MEN OF THIS TOWN/ WHOGAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1919/ "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS"/ (NAMES)

Components

Component Material(s) Height Width Depth Condition

FIGURE BRONZE 17FT GOOD

PLINTH STONE - PORTLAND GOOD

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS BRONZE LOST

Physical Description

THREE STEP BASE SURMOUNTED BY PLINTH WITH SOLDIER IN SERVICE CAP, WITH HEAD BOWED AND RIFLE REVERSED THEWHOLE SURMOUNTED BY PORTLAND STONE BALASTRADING WITH MOULDED BALUSTERS CAPS AND COPING. AT BASE OF PLINTHIS MOUNTED A SCULPTED GUN WITHIN A SCULPTED LAUREL WREATH FEATURING TWO RIBBONS AT BASE OF WREATH. WWINAMES INSCRIBED IN BLACK LETTERING AROUND PLINTH. WWII NAMES ON BRONZE PLAQUES AT BASE OF PLINTH. MEMORIALSTANDS ON ELEVATED PLATFORM OF AT LEAST NINE STEPS. AREA SURROUNDING THE MONUEMTN PAVED WITH BLUE FOREST OFDEAN STONE AND ENCLOSED ON THREE SIDE BY A ROCK FACED MASONARY RETAINING WALL WITH BLUE FOREST OF DEADMOULDED COPING WHICH SUPPORTS A SHRUBBERY ENCLOSED BY ORNAMENTAL RAILINGS.

Wars Commemorated & People Remembered

War FIRST WORLD WAR (1914-1918)

Total names on memorial: 117

Served & Returned 0

Died 117

Is this an exact count? YES, AN EXACT COUNT

How are the names ordered? NOT KNOWN

What information is listed on the memorial? SURNAME, RANK, REGIMENT, FORENAME

Do we hold a list of names on the memorial? YES

War SECOND WORLD WAR (1939-1945)

Total names on memorial: 0

Served & Returned ?

Died ?

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Is this an exact count? NOT KNOWN

How are the names ordered? NOT KNOWN

What information is listed on the memorial? NONE

Do we hold a list of names on the memorial? NO

Maintenance

Are the letters difficult to read? NO

Who is responsible for the memorial? NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNCIL

Maintenance History: AUGUST 2009: BRONZE SCULPTURED GUN AND WREATHSTOLEN FROM BASE OF PLINTH. NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNCILINVESTIGATING A REPLACEMENT.

SEPT 20 1990: £2,000 SPENT ON RESTORATION WORKS

Ceremonies

Date: 18TH NOVEMBER 1921

Role Performed By

UNVEILING SGT GEORGE BEST

Sponsorships

Sponsorship Type: NONE

Did this include a trust or scholarship? NO

Did this include a roll of honour? NOT APPLICABLE

Cost of Site: NOT KNOWN

Cost of Memorial: NOT KNOWN

Comments on Costs:

Craftsmen

NOT KNOWN

References

Co-ordinator's Comments:

Comments:

Photographs: 3

Other Documents: NONE

Form / Letter: O

Negatives: NO

Drawings / Plans: NO

Minutes: NO

Publication Name Author Date Published Page / Date Other Information

CARDIFF TIMES 18 NOVEMBER 1921 UNVEILING REPORTED.


Briton Ferry War MemorialAppendix 3: Tree Survey and Recommendations Conservation Policy Document

No Species Age Ht Diam Spread m Comments and recommendations Life Cond A/V RPA

m cm N E S W radius m

1 Holly M 12 45 4 4 4 4 Attractive specimen too large for site. Destabilising revetment >30 B U 5.3

Remove

2 Sycamore SM 7 30 2 2 2 4 Outside boundary >5 B U 3.6

Remove if landowners permit

3 Cypress M 5 48 1 0 1 4 Surpressed by woodland to east >10 C U 5.8

Remove

4 Cypress M 6 60 7 3 5 6 Destabilising revetment >30 C U 3.6

Remove

5 Cypress MA 7 22 3 3 3 2 Surpressed by woodland to east >30 C U 3

Remove

6 Elm MA 6 20 2 2 2 3 Self seeded; surpressed by woodland to east >30 C U 2.4

Remove

7 Elm SM 6 20,25 1 0 1 6 Multitrunked. Leaning. Surpressed by woodland. >30 C U 3.2

Remove

8 Elm SM 6 20 3 2 5 6 Self seeded; destabilising party wall >20 C U 2.4

Remove

9 Sycamore Y 11 20 5 5 5 5 Self seeded. Overhangs neighbouring property. Destabilising wall. >20 C U 2.4

Remove

10 Cypress SM 7 20 1 1 1 1 Bare trunk. Surpressed by 11, 12 >10 C U 2.4

Remove

11 Cypress SM 11 30 3 2 3 4 Signs of leaf rust. Bare trunk up to 4m. >10 C U 3.6

Remove

12 Cypress SM 7 12 0 0 5 5 Poor growth. Leaning. Overhangs neighbouring property. >10 C U 1.4

Remove

13 Cedar OM 10 70 3 3 3 3 Prominent tree too large for site. Destabilising wall. Leaf rust. >10 B U 8.4

Remove

KEY

Age---Y=Young, SM=Semi-mature, MA=Middle aged, M=Mature, OM= Overmature

Ht = Height in metres

Diam = Breast height diameter in centimeters

Spd = Crown spread in metres

Life = Life expectancy in years

Cond. (Condition)

A = Prime condition

B = Sound condition

C = Below average condition

U = Dead, dying or diseased. Remove/fell

A/V.(Amenity value)

1 = Very high value. Retention most desirable

2 = High value. Retention desirable

3 = Low value. Could be retained

U = No value. Remove/Fell

Root protection area

RPA radius = Radius in metres of root protection area as per BS 5837:2005

Note:

This survey has been carried outin accordance with BS5837:2005

The trees listed are protected byTPO

Whilst many of the trees arehealthy; have a lifespan in excessof 20 years; and in themselvesare attractive specimens; therecommendation is for theircomplete removal as part of theconservation policy for themonument, as identified in thisreport (the thinning of evergreenspecies does not generally resultin attractive stands).

The loss of the trees' visualamenity is not considered to beas significant as the long termthreat to the stability of the Listedmonument.

On the other hand, the setting ofthe monument is likely to beenhanced by their removal, whichshould be seen as part of anongoing conservation strategywhich will be mitigated by theplanting of other species and notleast by the wooded hillsidewhich forms the green backdropto the memorial.

GILLARD ASSOCIATESarchitecture and design

Client

Drawing Title

Job Title

Drawing No Revision

Date Drawn by:


NPTCBC

Site Plan24/07/2014

C197/AL(0)1File: Briton Ferry Conservation Report 140721.pln

P

The QuaypadCardiffCF11 0SYTel No 02920 229 [email protected]

kerb

ashlar steps

memorial

paving laid to falls

channel

steps out of alignment

pavement

dwelling

drain

edge of rubble retaining wall

galv steel railings

line of steel paling fence

retaining wall

path at low leveleaves line ofadjacent building

1

2

3

4

5 6 7

8

9

10

1112

13

LP

fall

fall

fall fall

Notes:Site plan from an original measuredsurvey by Gillard Associates.

Tree numbers refer to tree survey

Survey of Existing


Client

Drawing TitleJob Title

Drawing No RevisionDate Drawn by:


NPTCBC

Front Elevation24/07/2014


P


Revisions:

bronze statue

granite plinth

bronze plaque

paving to falls

rock faced stoneretaining wall

ashlar copings

rock faced stoneretaining wall

ashlar copings

portland stone

sandstone plinthsandstone plinth

sandstone plaque

portland stone parapet

ashlar steps

Survey of Existing


Client

Drawing TitleJob Title

Drawing No RevisionDate Drawn by:


NPTCBC

Section24/07/2014


P


Revisions:

bronze statue

granite plinth

bronze plaque

paving to falls

rock faced sandstoneretaining wall

ashlar copings

portland balustrade

Survey of Existing

briton ferry war memorial draft report 140724

Documents

value of war memorials

briton ferry war memorialat

commencement of thegreat

conservation programme

ferry boys

conservation policy

appropriate conservation

past conflicts