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Photo: The excavations begin with the clearence of the vegetation on the site of the midden and with taking GPS readings. The fence at 'The viewpoint,' can be seen in the background., a few yards from the Coastguard aerial .
More: Romans collection >
More: The Guns of Mumbles Head
More: Mumbles Head collection >
Please note: The excavation site has been allowed to return to nature.
The easiest route to the site is from Thistleboon Drive, parking is very limited.
Exploring Our Roman Heritage
Exploring Our Roman Heritage
Conclusion: Mumbles Hill was Roman site
Conclusion: Mumbles Hill was Roman site
Update August 2017 - The results of the community excavations on Mumbles Hill, which took place in March 2017 by Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust & Mumbles Development Trust, has confirmed in their official report that it was a Roman site.
Mumbles Development Trust are delighted with the results of the dig. 'We started the project having found just one tiny fragment of Roman pottery and for all we knew, nothing else would be found on the site. The quantity and quality of material found has surprised us all. It is very clear that there was a Roman presence in Mumbles around the 3rd Century AD and it seems clear that they were enjoying the Mumbles oysters even back then!' said Naomi Trodden, project manager for MDT.
One of the pieces of pottery found on the final day
MDT announced that, 'After two weeks of hard work uncovering an ancient midden, everyone involved in the project is thrilled with the findings! Volunteers on the dig have found various pieces of Black Burnished ware, which is typically 3rd Century Roman pottery. They have also found some pieces of Samian ware, also typically Roman, as well as a square profile nail of typically Roman design.
Evidence of fireplaces and pot boiler beach pebbles has also been found. These finds, together with the extent and profile of the site which has been uncovered during the dig, points to the site having been extensively used for some organised activity during the Roman occupation of Britain. Archaeologists are suggesting that possibly some kind of quarrying operation was carried on there. Clearly, some kind of cooking took place during these activities and oysters were eaten, which explains the large quantity of oyster and other seafood shells found within the midden.'
Two of the many discoveries, a piece of Pottery & a Nail
The findings will be shared with the local community through exhibits, posters and on-line
Excavations in Progress on 24 March
'. . . MDT would like to thank all of our lovely volunteers for their hard work in all weathers throughout the dig and also, we would like to say a big thank you to Glamorgan Gwent Archaeology Trust who guided us through the whole project and taught us so much about archaeology. One of our volunteers, an A level students from Gower College said “This dig has confirmed that I want to be an archaeologist!” Thank you SarahJayne and Richard from GGAT for making it all so informative and such fun!'
DISCOVERY ON MUMBLES HILL:
Several years ago, a small piece of ancient pottery was found in a newly revealed midden containing oyster shells.
Could these remains be Roman?
A small community excavation was eventually organised to find out more about our heritage and we await the official report into the findings.
NEWS: Wednesday 22 March 2017
POTTERY DISCOVERED at Mumbles Hill Local Nature Reserve
Early on during the excavation, which began at Mumbles Hill on Monday, more Pottery has been discovered, along with one nail.
The excavations continue on weekdays, between 9-4 and are planned to end on 31st March.
The work takes place under the guidance of Swansea-based Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust.
The project focuses on the origins of a First Century settlement, indicated by the archaeological site on Mumbles Hill, which potentially dates from the years of Roman occupation, between about 80 AD and 120 AD.
The findings of the project will be shared with the local community through exhibits, posters and on-line information.
For the latest information please contact:
Naomi Trodden (production@cartwn-cymru.com)
at Mumbles Development Trust.
The project will enable local volunteers and students of Archaeology, Ancient History and Classical Civilisations from colleges in the area to experience a professionally-led archaeological dig, under the guidance of Swansea-based Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust, followed by training in post-excavation assessment.
The Midden is revealed and work begins
Viewing of the excavations, near the aerial on the hill is welcomed and the easiest route to the site is from Thistleboon Drive, (parking is very limited). It is also possible to walk up the signposted track up from Bracelet Bay.
Press release published on 11th November 2016
MDT wins Heritage Lottery Fund support Today, MDT has received £27,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project under the title
Exploring the Roman heritage of Mumbles and the origins of the famous Mumbles Oyster Fishery
More Roman remains -At All Saints' Church, Oystermouth
More: Romans collection >
More: The Guns of Mumbles Head
More: Thistleboon collection >
Please note: The excavation site has been allowed to return to nature.
The easiest route to the site is from Thistleboon Drive, parking is very limited.
Led by volunteers from the local community, the project focuses on the origins of a First Century settlement, and the earliest operation of the Mumbles Oyster Fishery, indicated by an archaeological site on Mumbles Hill which potentially dates from the years of Roman occupation, between about 80 AD and 120 AD.
Examination of this heritage has particular value in the context of attempts currently being made to restore the native oyster and revive the Mumbles Oyster Fishery, the once famous industry that so much defined Mumbles in the past, reaching a peak of production and popularity in the Nineteenth Century, only to die completely in the Twentieth Century.
The project will enable local volunteers and students of Archaeology, Ancient History and Classical Civilisations from colleges in the area to experience a professionally-led archaeological dig, under the guidance of Swansea-based Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust, followed by training in post-excavation assessment. The findings of the project will be shared with the local community through exhibits, posters and on-line information.
Commenting on the award, Naomi Trodden, a volunteer for MDT, said:
“We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, so that we can discover what may be the earliest origins of the Mumbles Oysters, which in their heyday around 1870 were much in demand as far afield as London, Bristol and Gloucester, putting the name of Mumbles on the map!"
Commenting on the importance of the HLF support Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF in Wales, said:
“Uncovering where, and how, our ancestors lived helps communities to understand their own history and identity. Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF is able to support projects such as this that produce tantalising clues about the past and provide volunteers with new skills.”
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery
Further information
For further information please contact Naomi Trodden (production@cartwn-cymru.com)
This press release, was published on 11th November 2016
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