DescriptionA squatter settlement of Ironstone workers' dwellings and garden plots built on the tips adjacent to ironstone quarries. Probably of late C18, early C19 date, the settlement was erected on land leased by the Penydarren Ironworks. The ironworks provided housing for key workers in the works only; the others, many of whom worked for the company on the 'bargain' system had to find their own accommodation. In this case, the ironstone quarrymen set up their squatter village adjacent to their place of work, the company appearing to turn a blind eye to the practice.