The Caves at Cefn: Tales of strange creatures and evidence of Wales's earliest humans. Elizabeth Walker, 7 March 2013 The complex of caves found at Cefn, just outside St Asaph in north Wales, has been the focus of much interest over the years. Full of animal bones and home to early Neanderthals , the caves have drawn many notable visitors, including Charles Darwin in 1831. Pontnewydd Cave excavations Teeth from Pontnewydd cave Pontnewydd Cave Cefn Cave looking out The caves in the parish of Cefn Meiriadog, Denbighshire, have long been places of interest for scientists, artists, poets and antiquarians. The Denbigh to Abergele road once passed through the rock arch beside the River Elwy and many people stopped here to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The antiquarian John Leland wrote about Cefn during the 1530s 'On the farther ripe of Elwy a 3. or 4. miles above S. Asaphes is a stony rok caullid Kereg the tylluaine, i.e. the rok with hole stones, wher a great cave is, having divers romes in it hewid out of the mayne rok.' Writers Thomas Pennant, Richard Fenton and Edward Pugh were among many visitors to the Cefn Caves in the years before 1830. Bones in the mud Charles Darwin visited Cefn in August 1831 during a geological tour with Professor Adam Sedgwick. Darwin described the limestone at Cefn and an entry in his notebook observes that Sedgwick spotted rhinoceros bones in mud in the cave; Sedgwick's notes state that a rhinoceros tooth was found. Unfortunately neither commented on the palaeontological significance of the find. Which cave did Darwin visit? Cefn Cave is the more likely, as records of a visit by the Reverend Edward Stanley the following year inform us that landscaping had left 'bones in the mud for the taking' and that many bones were spread as fertiliser on the fields below. Stanley recorded seeing a rhinoceros tooth in the landowner's collection - could this be the tooth found by Sedgwick and Darwin? We shall never know for sure. Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros and Elephants Stanley described the landscaping of Cefn and the construction of walks through the valley which involved removing some of the projecting areas of cliff face on Cefn Rocks. A series of gentle steps and staircases were created from the valley bottom and through Cefn Cave. Huge quantities of deposit were removed from the cave to create a single passage connecting the two cave entrances. Stanley excavated within Cefn Cave in 1832. He found bones of straight-tusked elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus of last interglacial age (c. 125,000 years old), and deposits that interested many geologists and other scientists who visited the caves. Debates about the antiquity of humans and their relation to extinct animals were raging in the learned societies at this time. So an article that appeared in The Times on 20th October 1870 claiming the existence of a strange amphibian living in Cefn Cave caused considerable interest. It called upon naturalists to investigate the survival of an ancient creature in North Wales. The Flintshire Observer for 4th November 1870 told a tale of a living lizard, four feet seven in length and very much like a crocodile which had emerged from the depths of Cefn Cave. This lizard had reportedly been slain by a valiant Welshman, Mr Thomas Hughes, chimney sweep of Rhyl. The tale as retold suggests that the crocodile did not reach Cefn at all: it apparently died whilst a part of a travelling menagerie visiting Rhyl. On learning of this Mr Hughes ingeniously devised the tale of its capture in the cave and having purchased it proceeded to show it as the marvellous lizard of Cefn. Pontnewydd Cave In 1872 Professor Sir William Boyd Dawkins visited Cefn and excavated Pontnewydd Cave . This cave was noted by Stanley as being completely undisturbed when he found it on the valley side a little to the north-west of Cefn Cave. Stanley did not excavate here, but it is believed that the local rector Reverend Thomas, Mrs Williams Wynn (the landowner), and Boyd Dawkins did. In 1874 Thomas McKenny Hughes undertook more extensive work in the cave during which he discovered an exceptionally large human tooth associated with stone tools and animal bones. The Cefn caves were then largely ignored until the 1940s when the army turned Pontnewydd Cave into a store for landmines and depth charges, building the limestone wall, steel doors and guard chamber, with its coke stove to keep the watchman warm. Cefn continued to be a place people would visit, spending Sundays and Bank Holidays exploring the caves. In 1978 the national museum commenced a research project investigating the caves of Cefn starting with excavations in the Pontnewydd Cave and later at Cefn. Pontnewydd has become a site of international importance containing the remains of an evolutionary early form of Neanderthal who used this cave some 230,000 years ago. Today the caves lie on private land belonging to the Cefn Estate and are not accessible to visitors.
Lost Landscapes: Beneath the Eisteddfod of 2012 is a sacred landscape 3 August 2012 At the site of the National Eisteddfod of 2012, four thousand years ago, the people of the Vale buried selected members of their community. Impressive and complex mound constructions marked the resting places of their (and our?) ancestors. In the extreme winter of 1939-40 Sir Cyril Fox, Director of the National Museum, excavated these archaeological monuments. Around him bulldozers were already preparing the ground for the WWII airfield Llandow. Sir Cyril Fox, Lady Fox and "half-a-dozen pick-and-shove men" explored the remains of the past. That winter of 1939-40 was the coldest on record. The future looked very grim. The items in this gallery are a selection of pages from Cyril Fox's own handwritten notebooks from these excavations.
Sourcing the Stonehenge Bluestones Richard Bevins, 21 February 2012 Pont Saeson, June 2011. Close up of the outcroppng rocks, Pont Saeson, June 2011. Microscopic view of the newly identified match to the Stonehenge bluestones The source of the Bluestones at Stonehenge has long been a subject of fascination and controversy. One type was traced to north Pembrokeshire in the early 1920s, but now geologists at Amgueddfa Cymru and University of Leicester have directly matched another type to a different part of north Pembrokeshire. Will this provide us with more ideas about how the stones might have been transported to Stonehenge? The Stonehenge monument Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, is one of the world's most iconic ancient monuments. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is as recognisable worldwide as sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Xian Terracotta Warriors in China. Stonehenge is a complex site. It is best known, of course, for the standing stones, which comprise the Outer Circle, the Inner Circle, the Inner Horseshoe and the Heel Stone and, within the structure, the so-called Altar Stone. Surrounding the stone circle are further structures, identified by mounds and ditches, and a series of 'holes' thought to have held standing stones of more henges. These holes, known as the Aubrey Holes, are important because they contain debris (or 'debitage' as some archaeologists call the material) whose lithology is not represented among the current standing stones. However, the current Stonehenge monument is only a part of a broader range of contemporary features, including the Avenue, the Cursus and the recently identified West Amesbury Henge (known as Bluestonehenge). Collectively, these comprise the Stonehenge Landscape. The large stones that form the Outer Circle are known as 'Sarsens'. They are hard, resistant sandstones thought to have been collected from the local Salisbury Plain environment. The sources of the smaller stones that form the Inner Circle, the Inner Horseshoe and the Altar Stone, known as the 'Bluestones', are 'exotic' to the Salisbury Plain area. For many years their source baffled eminent Victorian investigators such as Maskelyne, Cunnington, Teal and Judd. This is the so-called Bluestone lithology. The Bluestones In 1923, however, H.H. Thomas from the Geological Survey published a paper in The Antiquaries Journal in which he claimed to have sourced the spotted dolerite component of the Bluestones to hilltop rock outcrops, or 'tors', exposed in the high Preseli, to the west of Crymych in west Wales. Specifically, he thought that the tors on Carn Meini and Carn Marchogion were the likely source outcrops. He went on to speculate about how humans had transported the stones to Salisbury Plain, favouring transport across land rather than a combined land and sea journey. Not all the Bluestone stones standing today at Stonehenge, however, are spotted dolerites. Four of them are ash-flow tuffs, of either dacitic or rhyolitic composition. Debris recovered from the Aubrey Holes, as well as various archaeological excavations at Stonehenge and the Stonehenge Landscape, comprise spotted dolerite and more, and very different, dacitic and rhyolitic Bluestone material. Map of the Preseli area showing the research area, and the proposed origins of the Bluestones Plan of Stonehenge Plan of Stonehenge showing archaeological detail The Stonehenge Landscape Recent discoveries In 2009 Amgueddfa Cymru, in collaboration with Dr Rob Ixer, University of Leicester began new petrological investigations. Examination of debris from the Cursus Field, adjacent to the Cursus, showed the presence of samples identified as being ash-flow tuffs, with tube pumice, crystal fragments and lithic clasts in a fine-grained recrystallized matrix. These were broadly similar to the four dacitic and rhyolitic standing stones, yet showed key differences. Also present were samples that had previously been informally called 'rhyolite with fabric'. This lithology is defined by a very well-developed fabric, present on the millimetre scale. This distinctive rock texture has led Museum scientists to identify the source of the rock to Pont Saeson, in the low ground to the north of Mynydd Preseli. Vaporising the Bluestones To test this match further, quantitative evidence has been acquired by analysing the composition of tiny, micron-sized zircon crystals from Stonehenge and Pont Season rhyolite samples, using a technique known as 'laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry' at Aberystwyth University. The technique is to focus a very high-power laser beam, with a diameter of only 10 microns, onto the zircon crystals (themselves no larger than 100 microns) and 'ablate' them — essentially vaporizing them — so that after analysis the zircon crystals are peppered with small craters. The vapour generated by this process is then analysed in the mass spectrometer, which reveals the chemistry of the zircon crystals. This was the first time zircon chemistry had ever been used to provenance archaeological material. As well as zirconium (and the closely related element hafnium) the crystals contained detectable concentrations of a range of elements including scandium, tantalum, uranium, thorium and the rare earth elements, and the analyses from the two sample sets proved to be near identical, providing a geochemical 'fingerprint'. This result is of considerable significance, and was published in 2011 in the internationally recognised Journal of Archaeological Science. In June 2011 more detailed sampling identified the outcrop known as Craig Rhos-y-felin near Pont Saeson as the source of the majority of the rhyolite debris recovered during excavations at Stonehenge and the vicinity. The results from these latest excavations were published in the journal Archaeology in Wales in December 2011. External links University of Leicester UNESCO: Stonehenge World Heritage Site Aberystwyth University Journal of Archaeological Science Archaeology in Wales Journal
Keeping evil at bay: Concealed garments Elen Phillips, 9 August 2011 Beneath the floorboards Adult's left boot. 9 button fastening at side (buttons missing). Used as lucky charm under floorboards at Old Gwernyfed, Felindre, Brecon. Renovating an old house? Stay alert! Who knows what you'll find beneath the floorboards or behind the walls. You might discover a deliberately concealed garment, hidden by a previous occupant to bring good luck and fertility to the home. These concealments are called 'caches' — a term deriving from the French word 'cache', meaning 'to hide'. St Fagans National History Museum has collected several caches over the years. Each new find provides a valuable insight into this little known but widely practiced folk custom. Hidden shoes A leather shoe found behind a fireplace at Ty Cerrig, Llanfachreth, in March 1994 The most frequently found hidden garments are shoes. They are usually discovered near chimneys or fireplaces, but rarely are they found in pairs. Children's shoes are the most commonly found garments. This mid 19th century leather shoe was discovered in 1994 behind a fireplace in a stone built house in Llanfachreth. The owners found four other shoes in the same location, each well-worn and in a degraded condition. They almost certainly belonged to a family unit of two parents and three children. Chimneys and fireplaces were probably chosen as hiding places because they served as the main focal point in most homes — a source of heat and comfort and an important place to congregate as a family. Shoes were also hidden under floorboards, around doorways and below staircases. Some considered these places to be the weakest part of a building, where evil spirits and witches would enter. Shoes were placed in these areas in order to trap or corner potential evil. A concealed corset A fragment of a mid-18th century corset found in a wall during restoration work to a thatched cottage in Pontarddulias Although shoes are the most frequent finds, other types of garments have also been discovered — for example, hats, jackets and breeches. This fragment of a corset was found in a thatched cottage in Cae Cerrig Road, Pontarddulais. It was discovered in 2002 lying in soil behind a thick wall to the side of the fireplace. Dating from the mid 18th century, it is roughly heart-shaped and is constructed from three layers: an outer layer of buff coloured wool, a stiffening layer of whalebone strips and a linen lining. Evidence of silk stitching remains in some areas. In its original condition, this fragment would have formed the front panel of the corset, covering the chest and abdomen. What should you do if you find a concealed garment? If possible, avoid excessive handling and contact your local museum for further guidance. Remember to take plenty of photographs or drawings of the garment in its found location. Above all, stay vigilant — that heavily worn 'rag' could be a piece of history!
The Llanvaches Roman coin hoard 15 July 2011 Detail of a denarius from the Llanvaches hoard showing the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-38) One of the finest hoards of silver coins from Roman Britain in the second century A.D. came to light in 2006 near Llanvaches, Newport. The hoard of 599 silver denarii were discovered hidden in a locally made cooking pot. They are now on displayed at the National Roman Legion Museum. Llanvaches lies between the fortress of the second Augustan legion at Caerleon and the local tribal capital, Venta Silurum, at Caerwent. The 599 silver denarii, which show various Roman Emperors such as Hadrian and Nero, date back to around AD160 and were declared treasure in July 2007. Denarius, or Denarii (plural) are perhaps the best-known Roman coin. It gives us the 'd' of our old £-s-d system. At the time it was about a day's pay, whether civilian (think of the parable of the vineyard in the Bible) or for a Roman legionary soldier. In itself, therefore, the denarius was a valuable coin. Six hundred denarii would represent a very large sum - how long might it take one of us to save two years' gross wages? Please click on the thumbnails below to browse through a selection of coins from the hoard. The Llanvaches coin hoard Forgery of Hadrian - reverse copies a coin of Trajan Forgery of Hadrian Pietas offering at an altar [Diva Faustina I] life-time portrait of Faustina I Hadrian, a bare-headed portrait Pax (peace) setting fire to weapons [Trajan] clasped hands: emperor and army [Nerva] An exotic beast [Titus] Sow and piglets [Vespasian] - refers to foundation myth Antoninus Pius (138-61); Hadrian's second adopted successor Fortuna ('fortune') [Trajan] Antoninus Pius (138-61) Hadrian (117-38) Felicitas ('happiness') [Trajan] Liberalitas - the emperor's generosity [Hadrian] Concordia [Antoninus Pius] Clementia ('mercy') [Antoninus Pius] Italia - another province personified [Antoninus Pius] Sabina, wife of Hadrian Vesta, goddess of the hearth [Sabina] L. Aelius (136-8); appointed Hadrian's successor, but died first Hadrian as 'restorer' of Gaul Faustina II, daughter of Antoninus Pius, wife of Marcus Faustina I, wife of Antoninus (d.141); commemorative issue ('Diva') Priestly implements [Marcus Aurelius Caesar] Marcus Aurelius as Caesar under A Pius (139-61) Thunderbolt on a chair [Antoninus Pius] Aegyptos - one of many provinces personified on Hadrian's coins Aequitas ('fair dealing') or Moneta (the mint) [Antoninus Pius] Pietas ('piety, duty') [Hadrian] Victoria: goddess of victory [Hadrian] Fides publica: the 'good faith' of the state (!) [Hadrian] Moneta - personifies the mint and the coinage [Hadrian] Adventus ('arrival') - Hadrian greeted by Roma Neptune, god of water/the sea [Hadrian] Iustitia ('justice') [Hadrian] Hercules and his club [Hadrian] Salus ('Health'/'welfare') [Hadrian] Diana, goddess of hunting and fertility [Hadrian] Libertas ('freedom') [Hadrian] Providentia ('foreseeing') [Hadrian] Hilaritas ('rejoicing') [Hadrian] Hadrian (117-38) Hadrian (117-38) Roma - goddess/personification of the city [Hadrian] Hadrian as gubernator (steersman) of the World Oceanus, the river round the earth, personified [Hadrian] Hadrian (117-38) Virtus ('valour') [Trajan] Hadrian adopted as Trajan's heir [Hadrian] Felicitas ('happiness') [Trajan] Honouring Trajan's father Trajan's Column, Rome - still standing today Military standards [Trajan] Equestrian statue of Trajan Trajan in a triumphal procession The province of Arabia personified, with camel [Trajan] Trophy of arms [Trajan] Ceres, goddess of agriculture [Trajan] A defeated Dacian [Trajan] Trophy of arms and captured Dacian [Trajan] Via Traiana, a new road in southern Italy [Trajan] Spes ('hope') holds a flower [Trajan] Mars, god of war [Trajan] Conquest of Dacia [Trajan] Eternity, holding sun and moon [Trajan] Trajan (98-117) Hercules, wearing lionskin and holding a club [Trajan] Nerva (96-8) Minerva [Domitian Augustus] 'Concord of the armies' [Nerva] Domitian, Augustus (81-96) Julia Titi, daughter of Titus and lover of Domitian Titus, Augustus (79-81) Venus [Titus Augustus] Wolf with Romulus and Remus [Domitian Caesar] Pegasus [Domitian Caesar] Jupiter [Vespasian] Vespasian Vespasian Judaea - suppression of the Jewish Revolt [Vespasian] Vespasian (69-79), former commander of Legio II Augusta Vitellius (AD 69) Vitellius (AD 69) Otho (AD 69) and his impressive wig Jupiter, Chief of the Gods [Nero] Nero (AD 54-68) Heads Detail of Pegasus from one of the Roman denarii Unlike our modern coinage - which has few designs and only one ruler - the Roman imperial currency of the second century was full of variety: Llanvaches contains coins of 12 emperors and four of their wives or girlfriends. Tails There were many dozens of reverse designs - forming a sort of chronicle of imperial aims, values and achievements (for those who had the inclination, or indeed the literacy, to understand them). They include: history and myth, the emperor and his achievements, the army, the empire, the Roman deities, and many abstract concepts personified; even, the natural world. So here's our chance to get up close and personal with Roman rulers, their wives and girlfriends and the messages of some of the outstanding coins in the hoard. The broader context Llanvaches appears to represent saved money (rather than a sum taken from circulation at one time) - so does it relate to the compulsory and additional voluntary savings that a Roman soldier might make? Or to the savings based on a lifetime of commerce at the nearby town of Caerwent? Either way, military pay was hugely importance for the circulation of new coinage; eight hoards of the time of Antoninus Pius (AD 138-61) are known from Wales, of which Llanvaches is by far the biggest.
