Trwyn Du, Anglesey
Evidence for Mesolithic activity is often discovered fortuitously during
the archaeological excavation of later more obvious earthworks or sites, as happened during
the excavations of Medieval Rhuddlan and at Trwyn Du, Anglesey. In this latter case a Mesolithic
occupation deposit dating between 8,000- 9,000 years ago, was recorded lying beneath a Bronze
Age burial mound that was being threatened by coastal erosion. However, those living at
Trwyn Du during the early Mesolithic would have been living in a river valley some 7km from
the sea. It was identified from over 5,000 pieces of flint including points and scrapers,
as well as other implements, including two stone axes. The excavators suggested that two
small flint filled pits might have supported posts for a windbreak to protect the flint
knappers during the manufacture of stone tools. The large number and wide range of flints
suggest a long-term, though seasonal, occupation of the site.
The Mesolithic site at Trwyn Du lies beneath a Bronze Age cairn constructed
around 4,000 years ago. It was excavated in 1974 when it became clear that the site was
threatened by coastal erosion.
(Photo National Museum Wales)
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