Summer Excavations 2014
Welcome to our third set of summer excavations. This year we continue in Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd (between Chepstow and Monmouth, if you want a more recognisable location). There will be regular updates here in the preparatory weeks, and daily updates as we break ground on the 8th of July.
Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd - Excavate 2014
Bryn Heulog, a small farm in Llanfihangel tor y Mynydd, represents a significant archaeological resource. Early documentary evidence suggests that the 14 acre holding was once two or three farms with roadside encroachment providing at least two additional cottage sites. Complex stone constructions associated with management of sheep and other livestock survive in several parts of the site.
The core of the site is a still occupied farmhouse, a modernised and extended seventeenth century longhouse. To the north of the holding, the tithe map of 1842 shows another farm with outbuildings which had disappeared by the publication of the OS map of 1886. The footings of these buildings survive and appear to be associated with extensive stone stock runs. This complex has been identified as a target excavation for a future S4C archaeological investigation.
To the south of the modern house, walls of a small cottage survive to heights in excess of 1m. Apparent farm buildings nearby survive as foundations with the standing remains of one small building in close proximity. In the summer of 2013, it is intended to excavate both the footings and floor surfaces in order to determine the use of the site, association of structures, and date of abandonment. In addition, a nearby mound on a prominent ridge overlooking the Cwm and Usk Valleys will be investigated. A Bronze Age barrow is one possible explanation for this feature.
The core of the site is a still occupied farmhouse, a modernised and extended seventeenth century longhouse. To the north of the holding, the tithe map of 1842 shows another farm with outbuildings which had disappeared by the publication of the OS map of 1886. The footings of these buildings survive and appear to be associated with extensive stone stock runs. This complex has been identified as a target excavation for a future S4C archaeological investigation.
To the south of the modern house, walls of a small cottage survive to heights in excess of 1m. Apparent farm buildings nearby survive as foundations with the standing remains of one small building in close proximity. In the summer of 2013, it is intended to excavate both the footings and floor surfaces in order to determine the use of the site, association of structures, and date of abandonment. In addition, a nearby mound on a prominent ridge overlooking the Cwm and Usk Valleys will be investigated. A Bronze Age barrow is one possible explanation for this feature.