Iron Age excavation reveals Bronze Age traditions

AN archaeological investigation carried out by Bangor University’s School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology, in collaboration with the Heather and Hillforts Project, has uncovered Iron Age remains that may be almost 3,000 years old.

The excavation, supported by the University of Wales Publications and Collaborative Research Committee, took place on the hillfort of Moel y Gaer, Llanbedr which sits on a spur off the Clwydian Range. Students from Bangor University, Vienna and volunteers from the Heather and Hillforts Archaeology Group assisted.

During initial survey work with the Heather and Hillforts Project and Engineering Archaeological Services (EAS) in 2008, results indicated the possibility of an earlier entrance at the hillfort.

The investigation, directed by Professor Karl, Head of School and Professor of Archaeology and Heritage, found parts of the site probably date to some time between the 7th/6th century and 2nd Century BC. It contained metal working slag and revealed an impressive exterior dry-stone facing.

Although no artefacts were found to date the rampart, this isn’t actually a bad thing as pottery was virtually non-existent in this area in the Iron Age.

Professor Karl said: “We have recovered some quite substantial charcoal samples so we can try to arrange Carbon dating, which should hopefully narrow down our dating range for the construction of the rampart.

“I consider the dig to have been a great success and the results will hopefully answer the research questions we started out with, as well as having opened up a couple of new ones - which we may try to explore in further fieldwork either at Moel y Gaer at some of the other hillforts in the area.”

The full report of the excavation will be available on the Heather and Hillforts Project website in the coming months. Many thanks to Cadw for approving and supporting the investigation.

The three year Heather and Hillforts Project is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For more information please visit heatherandhillforts.co.uk, or you can now follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or join their Facebook group for more updates from the project.