Mathrafal Community Project, Meifod, Powys

CPAT Report No 1392

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRAINING EXCAVATION 2015

THE CLWYD-POWYS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST

Client name: CPAT CPAT Project No: 2032 Project Name: Mathrafal Community Project, Meifod, Powys Grid Reference: SJ 1316 1105 County/LPA: Powys CPAT Report No: 1392 Issue No: 1 Report status: Final Confidential: N

Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by:

Viviana Culshaw Nigel Jones Bob Silvester Community Archaeologist Senior Project Archaeologist Head of Field Services Menna Bell Project Archaeologist

Bibliographic reference: Culshaw, V. and Bell, M., 2015. Ring Ditch I, Mathrafal, Meifod, Powys: Archaeological Training Excavation 2015. Unpublished report. CPAT Report No. 1392

Cover photo: Students and professional archaeologists during the excavation (CPAT 4044- 0110)

CPAT Report No. 1392 Mathrafal Community Project, Meifod, Powys: Archaeological Training Excavations 2015

CONTENTS

SUMMARY………………………………………………………………...…………………2

1 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………..…………………..3

2 BACKGROUND………………………………………………………...……..…..4

3 THE 2015 INVESTIGATIONS……………………………………………………6

4 TRAINING EXCAVATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT……...…8

5 CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………….....12

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………….………………………………...13

7 REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………….13

APPENDIX 1: SITE ARCHIVE….………………………………..……………………….14

APPENDIX 2: DISPLAY MATERIAL…………………………………...………………..15

1 CPAT Report No. 1392 Mathrafal Community Project, Meifod, Powys: Archaeological Training Excavations 2015

SUMMARY

The return of the National Eisteddfod to Mathrafal, near Meifod, in August 2015 provided an opportunity to investigate a plough-levelled burial mound (PRN 3608; SJ 1316 1105) of likely Bronze Age date, located within the grounds of the event. The small-scale excavation was conducted as a community project to both enhance our understanding of the monument and provide training in archaeological techniques in connection with CPAT’s work experience programme.

The site was originally discovered through aerial photography in 1976 when cropmarks revealed a 25m-diameter ring-ditch with a possible entrance on the north-east side. Geophysical survey in 2008 confirmed the presence of the ring-ditch as well as identifying an outer ditch with a diameter of around 40m.

The excavation consisted of a single 10m-long trench, which revealed the upper fill of the outer ditch, sealed beneath 0.75m of alluvium. Although the ditch was not investigated further the high proportion of gravel within the fill may offer some explanation for the lack of cropmark evidence for the outer ditch, in comparison with the inner ditch which has produced good cropmarks; it is likely that the ditch is shallow and owing to the gravel content the ditch retains insufficient moisture to produce a clear cropmark.

The excavation provided an excellent opportunity for students from Welshpool, Llanfyllin and Gorseinon, with CPAT staff providing training in the techniques of archaeological excavation and recording.

The results of the project were presented by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust in Y Lle Hanes (the history pavilion), during the 2015 Eisteddfod.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The return of the National Eisteddfod to Mathrafal, near Meifod, in August 2015 prompted revised interest in a plough-levelled burial mound of likely Bronze Age date, located within the grounds of the event. Although the site was not under any threat from the Eisteddfod, the opportunity was taken to conduct a small-scale excavation, both to enhance our understanding of the monument and provide training in archaeological techniques in connection with CPAT’s work experience programme.

1.2 The project was funded by Cadw, the Powysland Club, the Heritage Lottery Fund and CPAT together with public support through Crowdfunding and a private donation from Mr Richard Carter, a member of the Friends of CPAT.

1.3 The site in question is known as Mathrafal Ring Ditch I (PRN 3608), and is sited 4km south of Meifod, near the confluence of the rivers Vyrnwy and Banwy (SJ 1316 1105) (Fig. 1). The site had been investigated previously through geophysical survey as part of a CPAT-led work experience programme in 2008.

1.4 This report provides a review of the results of all the archaeological investigations to date carried out at the Mathrafal ring ditch, but focuses in detail on the results of the 2015 excavation, which was designed to confirm the results of the geophysical survey while delivering an educational experience which aimed to develop new technical and transferable skills. An important consideration was to increase local participation in interacting with and understanding and interpreting the historic environment of Montgomeryshire District.

Fig. 1: Site location

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2 BACKGROUND

2.1 The area of Dyffryn Meifod, in which Mathrafal is located, includes a number of records in the regional Historic Environment Record (HER) which relate to possible prehistoric ritual and funerary monuments, identified by previous research (Gibson 1998; Silvester 2007). The valley was probably well-used in the prehistoric era, and while material evidence is rather scarce, it is very likely that for at least six thousand years of the prehistoric era human groups are likely to have hunted, worked and lived in and around the immediate area (Silvester 2007).

2.2 The subject of the present study, Mathrafal Ring Ditch I, was first noted from the air by Chris Musson of CPAT in 1976 with cropmarks revealing what was initially believed to be the remnant of a Bronze Age barrow, its mound having been completely levelled by past agricultural activity (Fig. 2) (Gibson 1998).

Fig. 2. Aerial photograph showing Mathrafal Ring Ditch I (PRN 3608). Photo CPAT 76- 005-0013

2.3 The evidence for a further three possible burial monuments was reviewed as part of the project, the results of the study enhancing the regional HER. A large mound (PRN 68) is clearly visible 370m to the north-west of Mathrafal Ring-ditch I and while this is now thought to be of natural, glacial origin, it is possible that it was used as a burial monument during the Bronze Age. Similar natural mounds have been found to contain burials or cremations at Hendre (PRN 100231) and Maes Mynan (PRN 102455), in the Alun and Wheeler valleys respectively, to the west of Mold in Flintshire. The remaining two records (PRNs 4613 and 4614) were both originally identified as possible burial monuments on the basis of cropmark evidence, but our review has determined that they are most likely to be the result of modern agricultural activity.

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2.4 In 2008 CPAT collaborated with John Burman of Meirioneth Geophysical Surveys, to undertake a magnetometer survey of the area surrounding the ring-ditch at Mathfral, as part of a training project for young students who were carrying out work experience placements with CPAT.

2.5 The survey was conducted within an area measuring 60m by 60m, and employed a gradiometer which detects variations in the earth's magnetic field resulting from the presence of iron minerals in the soil. These minerals are generally the weakly magnetised iron oxides that are normally found in topsoil. Features cut into the subsoil can be detected by the instrument when topsoil has formed part of their fill, whether directly or by silting.

2.6 The geophysical survey not only confirmed the cropmark evidence, showing a ditch 25m in diameter, but also revealed a second, outer ditch around 40m in diameter. Although the results initially appeared to show a possible entrance on the north-east side of the inner ditch, the lack of a corresponding gap in the outer ditch suggested that the site was probably a Bronze Age burial monument, rather than a Neolithic henge, a rather rarer type of prehistoric ritual monument.

Fig. 3. The results of the geophysical survey, showing the location of the 2015 excavation. Note the gap on the north-east side of the inner ditch was has been suggested as a possible entrance.

2.7 The 2008 survey was located using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS), coupled with limited ground measurements. At the time this seemed to be a satisfactory method for positioning the survey in the modern landscape, but when the location of the survey was re-assessed during the present project, the level of accuracy was found to be insufficient to provide a reliable base for siting an excavation trench. Therefore the available aerial photographs were reviewed and 5 CPAT Report No. 1392 Mathrafal Community Project, Meifod, Powys: Archaeological Training Excavations 2015

used to plot the cropmark of the inner ditch, and this provided the basis for locating the geophysical survey results in the modern landscape.

3 The 2015 Excavation

3.1 This excavation was undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists' (CIfA) (2014) Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation. A written, drawn and photographic record was maintained throughout and a summary of the site archive is presented in Appendix 1. All contexts recorded during the excavation were assigned unique context numbers which appear in brackets in the following text.

3.2 Based on the plotting of aerial photographs and repositioning of the geophysical survey, a trench was laid out to investigate the outer ditch of the ring-ditch. The intention was not to excavate the feature, rather to remove the topsoil to reveal the feature in plan, thereby confirming the results of the geophysical survey.

3.3 The turf (01) was stripped by hand, with a machine then being employed to remove a 0.3m-thick layer of light yellowish-grey, silty clay topsoil (02) (Fig.4). This layer represented the modern topsoil and contained frequent pieces of post-medieval pottery and coal. Beneath the ploughsoil (02) a fluvial deposit was identified, comprising an orange-yellow, compacted, clay-silt (03). Following limited investigation it was apparent that there was nothing to indicate the presence of a ditch at this depth of excavation and the decision was made to excavate, by machine, a linear sondage through the fluvial deposit.

Fig.4: The excavation trench, showing students hand trowelling. CPAT Photo 4044- 110.

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Fig. 5. The section of the excavation trench showing the gravel fill of the outer ditch (05) and the overlying gravel bank (04). CPAT Photo 4046-0010

Fig. 6. The excavation trench and sondage. The photographic scales indicate the location of the outer ditch (05) of the ring-ditch. CPAT Photo 4046-0011.

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3.4 Hand-cleaning of the exposed surface in the base of the sondage revealed a 1.5m- wide band of gravelly silt (06) crossing the centre of the trench (Figs 5 and 6). Since the project design aimed to identify but not investigate any archaeology revealed within the trench this was not excavated further, although subsequent comparison between the position of the ring-ditch and the location of the trench demonstrated that the gravelly silt is likely to have represented the upper fill of the outer ditch (05). The trench section showed that the ditch had been sealed by a slight gravel bank (04), 2m wide and 0.50m high, which was itself sealed beneath the alluvial deposit (03) noted above (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7: Plan and section of the trench.

4 Training and community engagement

4.1 The excavation fulfilled the training objectives of the project. In the first instance, this endeavour was an exercise in excavation and recording and the students were taught this process, gaining valuable experience and skills, including team work, time management, an understanding of stratigraphy and site formation process, systematic investigation and recording and perhaps most importantly, the benefits of comradery (Fig. 7). The experience also introduced the principles of health and safety, working in a safe environment and the value of wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The project has created a useful platform for future research and educational activities.

4.2 The training experience was highly successful, as demonstrated by the feedback from the schools, but the students also transmitted information about their involvement to their parents and friends, widening the range of contact to the community as a whole.

4.3 One of the key objectives of the project was to provide a well-structured programme of fieldwork training for the volunteers. The nature of the archaeology and stratification on the site were considered suitable and appropriate to the level of training offered, the trainees involved and their skills.

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4.4 Educationally, excavation has been claimed to be a powerful learning and social tool which enables learning through doing, thinking, feeling and cooperating (Jameson 1997; Simpson and Williams 2008). This, and alternative participatory activities, offered physical and intellectual exercise, education and skills training, awareness of local heritage, and identity, and brought the community together in a common effort.

4.5 The level of experience and skills of all trainees was assessed before the commencement of field activities. On arrival, all trainees received a copy of the project research design and information on fieldwork methods and the recording system. Once on site, all trainees were issued with a health and safety assessment. All trainees were encouraged to create and maintain a site journal.

4.6 The training programme covered a variety of areas from fieldwork induction to practical activities, including excavation (Fig. 8), as well as recording and planning methods. From this, trainees were strongly encouraged to undertake independent recording and planning activities under close supervision and guidance of a professional archaeologist (Fig. 9). Furthermore, the training programme emphasised the importance of producing informative material, such as video, photographs and posters, to share results with the wider audience (Fig. 10).

4.7 The results of the training excavation were presented by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust in Y Lle Hanes (the history pavilion) during the National Eisteddfod 2015 (Appendix 2).

Fig. 8: Students guided by professionals during the excavation. CPAT image 4044-0112.

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Fig. 9: Developing new technical skills. CPAT photo 4044-0108 and 4044-0016.

Fig. 10: Producing new means of engagement and information. CPAT photo 4044-0113.

4.8 The excavation site was well known within the immediate local community and it was recognised that the excavation itself would generate considerable interest. The Meifod Local History Group enthusiastically supported the project and local residents showed their appreciation by visiting the site (Fig. 11) or enquiring about

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the historical significance of the studied monument. New contacts with local groups and schools were established.

4.9 The financial support received by Cadw, the Powysland Club and the Heritage Lottery Fund, in addition to public support through Crowdfunding and a generous donation from Dr Richard Carter, a member of the Friends of CPAT, allowed the successful delivery of the planned training programme as well as the production of information boards and a site report to inform about the project outcomes.

4.10 The positive feedback received from trainees and members of the public has demonstrated that they valued the opportunities they were given and it was clear that this had re-awakened an appreciation of the value of their local heritage in those who took part. The level of interest generated and the positive comments that followed on site and at the National Eisteddfod, will no doubt encourage community and educational initiatives in future years (Fig. 12).

Fig. 11: The community archaeologist explains the work carried out. CPAT photo 4044- 0029.

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Fig. 12 The project was presented at the National Eisteddfod 2015. CPAT photo 4044-0114.

5 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 The return of the National Eisteddfod to Mathrafal, near Meifod, in August 2015 provided an opportunity to investigate a plough-levelled burial mound (PRN 3608; SJ 1316 1105) of likely Bronze Age date, located within the fields used for the event. The small-scale excavation was conducted as a community project to both enhance our understanding of the monument and provide training in archaeological techniques in connection with CPAT’s work experience programme.

5.2 The site was originally discovered through aerial photography in 1976 when cropmarks revealed a 25m-diameter ring-ditch with a possible entrance on the north-east side. Geophysical survey in 2008 confirmed the presence of the ring- ditch as well as identifying an outer ditch with a diameter of around 40m.

5.3 The excavation revealed the upper fill of the outer ditch, sealed beneath 0.75m of alluvium. Although the ditch was not investigated further the high proportion of gravel within the fill may offer some explanation for the lack of cropmark evidence for the outer ditch, in comparison with the inner ditch which has produced good cropmarks; it is likely that the ditch is shallow and owing to the gravel content the ditch retains insufficient moisture to produce a clear cropmark. The diminutive bank of gravel partially overlying this ditch remains to be explained.

5.4 The project also included a review of sites within the immediate vicinity recorded in the regional HER which, on an initial inspection, suggested a possible complex

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of Bronze Age funerary monuments in the area. The results have enhanced the HER, concluding that two possible ring-ditches (PRNs 4613 and 4614) were more likely to be cropmarks associated with agricultural activity, while a large natural mound (PRN 68) had the potential to have been used for burial during prehistory, although there is currently a lack of evidence to support this assertion.

5.5 The excavation provided an ideal training opportunity for local students and the success of this element of the project was demonstrated by their positive feedback. The trainees also transmitted information about their involvement to their parents, friends and school teachers, widening the range of contact to the community as a whole.

5.6 The project was also successful in raising the general awareness of the local community in relation to history and archaeology, both through the excavation and also displays at the subsequent National Eisteddfod.

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

6.1 Particular thanks are due to Mr Marc Jones and Mr Alan Bennet for their support throughout and for permission to carry out the archaeological investigation and therefore to successfully deliver CPAT’s work experience programme.

6.2 The writers would also like to thank their colleagues at CPAT, together with the following: Cadw; the Powysland Club; the Heritage Lottery Fund; Richard Carter; Anna Johnson for funding the work; the Meifod Local History Group; and the local residents for supporting the project and providing further insights into the history of the local landscape.

7 REFERENCES

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014. Standard and guidance for archaeological excavation.

Gibson, A. M., 1998. Prehistoric Funerary & Ritual Sites: Upper Severn Valley , CPAT report 277 May 1998.

Gibson, A., 2012. What’s in a name? A critical review of Welsh ‘henges’. In Britnell, W. J. and Silvester R. J. (eds), Reflections on the Past. Essays in honour of Frances Lynch, 78-122.

Jameson, J. (ed), 1997. Presenting archaeology to the public: digging for truths. Altamira, Walnut Creek CA, 11–20.

Silvester, R J, 2007. Lake Vyrnwy Uplands. The Historic Landscape: a Synthesis, CPAT Report 862.

Simpson, F. and Williams, H. 2008. Evaluating Community Archaeology in the UK. Public Archaeology 7 (No. 2), 69–90.

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APPENDIX 1

Site Archive

Context forms x 4 A1 plan at 1:20 x 11 A1 section at 1:20 x 1 16 Digital Photographs: CPAT Film Number 4046

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APPENDIX 2

*Note: These posters were produced before re-assessing research and field data, therefore do not reflect the final outcomes of the training excavation. They are made available for reference only.