A.P.A.C.

Ltd 17 Newmarket Street, Usk BS/UN/20

Summary

This document comprises report for a photographic recording and structural

analysis of an internal chimney breast and external stack, as part of its re-
development.

The structure is associated with a group value, Grade II listing of buildings

within an archaeologically sensitive area: therefore, requiring a programme of
archaeological work.

The photographic survey recorded that the structure was a modern addition.

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn cynnwys adroddiad ar gofnod ffotograffig a

dadansoddiad strwythurol ar frestyn simnai fewnol a chorn simnai fel rhan o’u
hailddatblygiad.

Mae’r strwythur yn gysylltiedig ag adeiladau sy’n rhestredig ar radd II o ran ei

gwerth grŵp o fewn ardal archeolegol sensitif ac felly ag angen rhaglen o waith
archeolegol.

Cofnododd yr arolwg ffotograffig fod y strwythur yn ychwanegiad modern.

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.

Cover Photograph

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Contents

Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents........................................................................................................................................... 2
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Site location ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Brief archaeological and historical background .............................................................................. 5
Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 7
Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 7
Data Presentation............................................................................................................................. 8
Interpretation ................................................................................................................................... 8
Archive ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Acknowledgements: ........................................................................................................................ 9
Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Bibliography and References: ....................................................................................................... 10

Figures

01 Location map
02 Historic Asset Map
03 Tithe and Modern Cartography

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Survey Photo cards 1-20

1. Chimney stack prior to demolition

2. Vertical section of Stack 1.6m to firebox
3. Chimney stack showing pumice liner and beads withing brick casing
4. Chimney stack demolition with upper liner insitu
5. Chimney stack, Full Upper liner exposed c 600mm, fragments of metal clamp at join
6. Chimney stack. Partial survival of metal section clamp, packed with pumice beads
7. Pumice Flue sections removed, Partial stencil remaining on one 'ISOKERN'
8. Sample of ceramic bead liner packing for volcanic pumice liner, post 1960.
9. Sample of stack re used bricks, Pontypool, Caerleon and 'BB' Beaufort
10. Internal view of Chimney breast. Head on
11. Internal view of Chimney breast. Right projection with 0.5m scale
12. Internal view of Chimney breast. Left projection with 0.5m scale
13. Internal breast. Cement render over brick construction, abutted to cement rendered internal wall
14. Internal breast. Trowel inserted along cement rendered butt joint
15. Internal breast. Detail of construction cement and brick, cement rendered rear wall

Appendix

I. Complete photograph list with contact sheet

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Introduction

APAC. Ltd was commissioned by (hereafter ‘the client’), for a program archaeological work to be
undertaken during a proposed development at 17 Newmarket Street Usk, (hereafter ‘the Site’). The proposed
development is a restructuring of an internal chimney breast and the replacement of an external stack with an
external flue, Monmouthshire County Council (hereafter ‘MCC’), DM/2019/01869. The current stack is not able to
function as required and will be replaced with a modern alternative that complies with current building regulations.
Approval has been granted for the removal of the stack but there is some question over the chimney breast, which
this program of work will seek to resolve.

The property is part of a Group Listing, Cadw Grade II, (Cadw ref: 82720) and is situated within the
archaeologically sensitive area of Usk, any intrusive work was identified by Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust
(hereafter ‘GGAT’), as ‘requiring archaeological mitigation’, (MON2420/HB).

An application for Listed building consent was sent to MCC and was approved with conditions:

Condition 06 reads:

A detailed photographic survey of the existing chimney stack shall be carried out as part of its
removal, noting elements including brickwork, masonry, bonding, and mortar type. The
resulting record shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the
installation of the replacement flue.

REASON: To ensure that adequate records are made of the building prior to alteration.

Condition 07 reads:

No works shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has secured
agreement for a written scheme of historic environment mitigation which has been submitted by
the applicant and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Thereafter, the
programme of work will be fully carried out in accordance with the requirements and standards
of that written scheme.

REASON: To Identify and record any features of archaeological interest discovered during the
works, in order to mitigate the impact of the works on the archaeological resource.
Condition 09 reads:

Notwithstanding the plans herby approved, the rear chimney breast and fireplace which is the
subject of this application shall be retained in situ, unaffected and in its entirety to roof level.
Only the stack is hereby approved for removal or alteration.
REASON: to clarify the scope of this consent.
DM/2019/01869

The essence of the project therefore, was to record the structure as it stood, examine the fabric of the chimney breast
by removing some of its current render, in order to ascertain if the structure is a contemporary character feature or a
modern reproduction. APAC Ltd was contracted by the client, to undertake the programme of archaeological
recording work and in accordance with the suggested model drew up a Written Scheme of Investigation,
WSI:BS/UN/20.
The written scheme of investigation was approved by the “MCC” as ‘fit for purpose’ allowing the survey work to
proceed.

Site location

The location of the site is on the west side of Usk and some 116 m to the east of the River at NGR 337562, 200671,
fig 01. Once in Usk on the A472, (Bridge Street) a turn south on the eastern or town side of the river bridge leads onto
Newmarket Street and the property is located just south of the Museum, on the same side.

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The 1902 map, fig 03c, again is a more accurate scale representation, though a lot of the building’s definitive
boundary lines are now gone; most buildings depicted as one continuous block. Due to this it can be difficult to
determine which buildings are which; interpretations are reliant on ‘best fit’ image manipulation. The building by
this point would seem to have been extended to the north east, however this could just be the scale accuracy
difference between this and earlier maps.

By the 1922 map fig 03d, the space between the two buildings, (first seen on the earlier maps) has reappeared.
There is also a notable difference to the north east of the site with the ground/garden now being marked with new
boundary lines suggesting the land ownership to have be slightly reduced.

By modern mapping, fig 03e, the representation of the maps has changed, giving all the buildings a block formation
style, and as such, a lot of the detail from previous maps is unclear.

However, there would appear to have been a major structural change; what was once a long building orientated to
the northeast, (back) of the building, has been reduced lengthwise but now covers a lot more ground to the north
west and south east. This presumably means that it has been extended upon at some point in the mid 20th century.

The History, information gleaned from the Historic Asset Map, and Cartographic information, would suggest an
early C19th building with possible early origins. It would also suggest however that the building has undergone
significant changes in the late C20th, possibly pertaining to the chimney breast for which this report is based.

As stated in the introduction, the property is part of a terrace with a listed building group value, Grade II Cadw ref:
82720. The listing recorded in 2004 states Domestic, Probably early to mid C19 formerly the White Lion Public Inn:
https://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=&id=82720

However, a quick visual inspection of the main house during an earlier site visit for this project would suggest an
earlier origin based on internal cross beams with chamfered end stops on the ground floor, in addition internal floor
level rises to the rear of the property. The floor level rises of a short range of steps, give access to the later
extensions, one of which includes the chimney breast that is the subject of archaeological mitigation.

The later addition of the extensions is very visible from the staged roof lines to the rear of the property and
confirmed by inspection of the party wall next door; currently being renovated, with a clear butt end joint exposed.

Other internal, structural features are misleading reproductions, and also in evidence along the same party wall in
the adjacent property.

Aims and Objectives

The proposed alterations and developments will have a lasting impact on the extant fabric of the building complex:
thus, in order to mitigate the effects of any impacts, the Photographic survey will aim to create a detailed and
permanent visual record of the structure prior to this work being carried out.

Analysis of the building construction and fabric of the internal chimney breast will enable a decision to be made as
to any alterations by establishing a relative chronology in relation to the structure of the main exstention.

Methodology

The Photographic recording followed the methodology defined in 5.5, Understanding Historic Buildings; A Guide
to Good Recording Practice (English Heritage 2016). The methodology employed was also guided by the Standard
and Guidance for the Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings or Structures (CIFA
2014,).

Photographs were taken using a digital camera: Cannon EOS 6D Mark II, Images were recorded in both high-
resolution Jpeg & RAW formats. The photographic record of the site includes general views of the exterior, the
overall appearance of principle structure and external and internal detail relevant to the structure’s design and
development. All photographs include a scale rod where possible or practical. Photographs illustrative of the survey

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are produced as annotated ‘photo cards’ in the report. All photographs from the survey are included as a list with
contact sheets in appendix I.

This report comprises a “brief” written element as defined in 4.5.1 Understanding Historic Buildings; A Guide to
Good Recording Practice (English Heritage 2016).

In order to provide a brief background to the property the following sources of information were used:

Various online sources.

Local knowledge.

Data Presentation

A modern map was scaled and annotated to show the location of where the camera positions where taken in relation
to the building, (see plates, PL##).

The recording work was undertaken on Thursday 11th June 2020.

Chimney stack:

The chimney stack comprised a cement rendered; square stack of brick topped with a cement crown on which stood
a tall clay pot with bottom drafts, PL01. The pot itself was 3 foot (900mm) tall and was held in place by its own
gravity the entire circumference having cracked some time ago; just above the crown. The stack 1.8m tall and 0.5m
square, PL02, stood in the valley between the ridges of the extensions to the adjacent properties. The view in PL02
also shows the adjoining wall between the properties to the left, with the chimney stack base, abutted to it in the
form of a single brick frame.

The entire stack was unstable and moving with the slightest of pressure, which made its deconstruction a slow and
careful procedure. Again, PL02 is illustrative, showing a plan section: in the centre a pumice liner surrounded by
pumice beads all within the brick frame. The following four plates show the progress of deconstruction PL03, PL04,
PL05, Pl06. The component parts can be seen in PL07 the liner, PL08 the pumice beads and PL09 a selection of the
pre used bricks.

Chimney breast:

The chimney breast is in the shape of an Isosceles Trapezium, the top and bottom parallel and the two sides of equal
length with 10° base angles. The base is 1.780m, the top 1.264m; slightly foreshortened on the right by timber
cladding, PL10. The whole breast extends from the wall by 418mm when measured 1.12m from the ceiling, PL11 &
PL12. It contains a rectangular opening for the grate, exactly dead centre (behind board in Plate 10) but is otherwise
featureless.

Analysis began with a section of cement render removed to the right of the chimney breast to expose the joint with
the wall PL13. The photograph reveals what appeared to be a cement block abutting the wall with no tie in and
indeed a gap which in PL14 is shown with a 2” trowel inserted, without much resistance. The cement block was
revealed to be another area of cement render over construction of assorted brick again with cement mortar, PL015.

Interpretation

The chimney stack is a modern construction using an assortment of re-used brick in varied sizes and is therefore
unlikely to have been a commercial build. This would explain its very poor position in the valley between two
ridges which would have caused problems with water drainage and internal damp. A common problem with this sort
of single storey extension behind a tall 2 storey ridge is insufficient draft which gives rise to these sort of
constructions from Victorian times onwards however, the named bricks are from no earlier than the 1920s and even
then they were probably re used.

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The pumice liner system came into use in the early 1960s but according to current commercial listings, could have
been inserted into an existing stack.

https://volcanicchimneycompany.co.uk
https://directflues.co.uk/pumice-chimney-isokern

The chimney breast was a simple construction to understand once an area of plaster at the joint with the wall was
exposed. The entire structure was added to an existing masonry wall which was inspected from the neighbouring
house where work was ongoing. The chimney breast in no 17 is a later addition with the measurements confirming
that there is no cut into the wall to take a chimney flue as would be the case if it had been a contemporary build with
the later extension onto the late 19th century main building.
Furthermore, the cement used for bonding the bricks, rendering the surface, and preparing the rear wall, date the
work to mid to late 20th century, which coincides with the installation of the pumice system described above.

Archive

The project archives will consist of all original records, and relevant documentation relating to the building
recording.

The archives will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, MoRPHE
V1.2 (2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed.
The original archive will be retained by APAC. Ltd.

A copy of the archive, following current guidelines, will be deposited with RCAHMW:

https://rcahmw.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/RCAHMW-Guidelines-for-Digital-Archives.pdf
The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief and with the agreement
of the landowner.

Copies of the report will be deposited with GGAT HER

http://www.ggat.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20Welsh%
20HERs.pdf

And Gwent County Records Office.

A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales.

The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief and with the agreement
of the landowner.
A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank the client and his neighbor for access to both properties.

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.

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Bibliography and References:

APAC.LTD. Written scheme of investigation. WSI:BS/UN/20.

Arnold, C, J & Davies, J, L. 2000 Roman & Early Medieval Wales. Sutton Publishing Ltd, Stroud

CADW ref: - MM155, Usk Roman site.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. 2014. Standards and Guidance: For the creation, compilation, transfer and
deposition of archaeological archives.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. 2014. Standards and Guidance: For the archaeological investigation and
recording of standing buildings and structures, Updated 2019).

English Heritage. 2015. Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment. V1.2

English Heritage. 2016. Understanding Historic Buildings, A Guide to Good Recording Practice.

GGAT. MON2420/HB. Alter openings rear off-shot extension, replacement of chimney breast & removal of stack:
replace conservatory with extension and landscaping garden 17 New Market Street Usk Monmouthshire. NP15
1AU. PL: App. No DM/2019/01868 & . No DM/2019/01868

Health & Safety Executive. 2015. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

HSE. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. 2015

Management of Archaeological Projects. MoRPHE V1.2 (2015)

MCC, DM/2019/01868 – Listed Building Consent, Alter rear off-shot openings, replacement of chimney stack with
metallic flue, implement conservatory consented prior to listing, retrospective dormer

Soulsby,I. 1983. The Towns of Medieval Wales. Phillimore & Co. Ltd, Chichester

Online Sources consulted:

http://maps.nls.uk
https://magic.defra.gov.uk/
https://googlemaps.co.uk
https://places.library.wales/
https://cadw.gov.wales/
https://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=&id=82720
https://directflues.co.uk/pumice-chimney-isokern

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Estate, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.
Tel: 01600 891584. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 05041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil. BA (Hons). Cert Ed/FE. MCIfA

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Site name:17 Newmarket St Usk Appendix III A.P.A.C. Ltd
PRN: E006547
Digital Photographic Record Project No:514.............Project code..BS/UN/20.....

Photo ID View Description Phographer Date of Compiled by Date

Plate
facing photograph compiled
Img_0067 SE Internal view of Chimney breast. Head on N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL10
Img_0068 E Internal view of Chimney breast. Left projection N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020
Img_0069 N Internal view of Chimney breast. Right projection N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020
Img_0070 NE Internal view of Chimney breast. Right projection with 0.5m scale N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL11
Img_0071 SW Internal view of Chimney breast. Left projection with 0.5m scale N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL12
Img_0072 NW Chimney stack prior to demolition N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL01
Img_0073 N Chimney stack prior to demolition N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020
Img_0074 Sample of stack re used bricks, Pontypool, Caerleon and 'BB' Beaufort N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL09
Img_0076 Sample of ceramic bead liner packing for volcanic pumice liner, post 1960. N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL08
Img_0077 N Chimney stack showing pumice liner and beads withing brick casing N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL03
Img_0078 NW Chimney stack demolition with upper liner insitu N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL04
Img_0079 NW Chimney stack, Full Upper liner exposed c 600mm, fragments of metal clamp at join N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL05
Img_0080 SW Chimney stack. Partial survival of metal section clamp, packed with pumice beads N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL06
Img_0081 SW Construction at valley, Lead flashing, cement render, brick, beads pumice liner N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020
Img_0082 V Vertical section of Stack 1.6m to firebox N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL02
Img_0083 N Pumice Flue sections removed, Partial stencil remaining on one 'ISOKERN' N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL07
Img_0084 E Internal breast. Cement render over brick construction, abutted to cement rendered internal wall N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL13
Img_0085 E Internal breast. Trowel inserted along cement rendered butt joint N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL14
Img_0086 E Internal breast. Detail of construction cement and brick, cement rendered rear wall N Phillips 11/06/2020 N Phillips 14/06/2020 PL15

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