Creigiau Cemmais Round Barrow Cemetery 2009-12

A geophysical survey conducted around a round barrow cemetery, which is a scheduled ancient monument, revealed a previously unknown oval enclosure, probably an Iron Age defended settlement. At least one and possibly two small rectangular features with central pits may be buildings – the date and function of these is unknown. To the west of the oval enclosure other ditches are also of a size compatible with a defensive function. At least two phases are present. The relationship between these ditches, the round barrow cemetery and the oval enclosure is unclear.

Following the successful survey of spring 2009 described above, additional survey was carried out in the spring of 2010. This survey included a known round barrow and added to our knowledge of the sites discovered in 2009.

Following geophysical surveys in 2009 and 2010 four trenches were excavated across ditches of two large enclosures during 2012. The ditches were found to be substantial features, up to 4.5m wide and 2.7m deep, indicating a probable defensive function. As the ditch fills comprised clean, soft layers of re-deposited sands and gravels with very little charcoal or other occupation material it is likely that these ditches were not long-lived features in the landscape. Evidence for banks alongside the ditches was present in just one trench.

The Crugiau Cemmais geophysical survey

Plan showing the location of the 2012 excavation trenches

Volunteers excavating and recording one of the trenches

The ditch in Trench 3 showing the sandy nature of the ditch fills

Crugiau Cemmaes Dig Diary 2012

Crugiau Cemmaes Interim Report 2012
(in PDF format, opens in a new window)

Geophysical Report of Crugiau Cemmais, Nevern, Pembrokeshire
(in PDF format, opens in a new window)

Project Contact: Pete Crane