Antiq J 83

Topographical and geophysical surveys carried out in 2002 at three monuments in the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire are reported: Bedd Arthur, Gors Fawr and Meini Gwyr. Previously unrecorded features were revealed at all three sites and in particular at Meini Gwyr. Comparisons are made with previously unpublished plans prepared by Flinders Petrie in 1926. A viewshed analysis of the surveyed sites and others of a similar kind in the area allows an appreciation of landscape setting and intervisibility. It is suggested that the stone circles are sited in relation to upland stone sources. All the monuments are compared with contemporary structures elsewhere in the British Isles. It is concluded that while all the stone circles and oval setting fit a distribution pattern extending across most of the British Isles, the later phases of Meini Gwyr belong to a more localized tradition.

detailed description of the excavation of the five pit groups comprising the complex

analysis of twenty-four samples gave eleven dated sequences between 1164 and 1085 BC, an earlier date from a single, probably re-used timber and an undated sequence from seven timbers

analysis of wooden artefacts found within the water holes, along with evidence for local treeland and woodmanship and discussion of the woodwork assemblage in its wider context

Excavations revealed part of an Early and Middle Saxon settlement with associated fields or enclosures. Several timber buildings were identified, both round and rectangular, and there was evidence of ferrous and non-ferrous metalworking at the site. Find included a large and regionally significant pottery assemblage indicating an extensive trading network. The large bone assemblage indicates changes in diet and the husbandry of domestic animals through time, with sheep becoming more important as pig diminished. Alterations to the slaughter profiles of cattle and sheep were also evident and may indicate changes from subsistence to surplus production. An apparently isolated Neolithic cremation and a post-medieval stone building were also revealed. Reports include:

describes Roman pottery recovered mostly from post-Roman deposits

including discussion of moulds and crucible fragments

discussion of 128 objects of stone, lead, silver, copper alloy, iron, bone, antler, fired clay, glass and amber

detailed analysis of the Early and Middle Saxon assemblages, focussing on cattle, sheep and pig

Description and discussion of a small group of sculpted fragments discovered in 1995, including a proposed date and provenance. It is suggested that their quality and scale indicate that they once belonged to a structure and site of high status, possibly the shrine of the Welsh saint Cyngar. This is corroborated by the history of the site and by place-name and archaeological evidence. The style of the sculptures is compared with dated manuscript illuminations and with sculptural fragments from Anglo-Saxon Wessex. Historical circumstances suggest that the date of the sculptures may be narrowed down to between 1033 and 1060. The original structure of the shrine to which the fragments may have belonged is considered in the light of contemporary documentary evidence and research carried out on the remains of comparable shrine structures.

Probate material provides reference to the use of musical instruments at the cathedrals and in teaching, including viols; sackbutts and cornetts; and the organ.

Description of a mount with open-work foliate decoration and four Anglo-Saxon strap-ends, two of which have decorative features with links to contemporary larger-scale works and two of which are unusual examples of East Anglian niello and silver-wire inlay.

The role of the rebus in medieval design is considered, with particular reference to seals, as a source of dated material, but also to monumental brasses and tombs.

Description of three finds, from Parham, Suffolk; Wymondham, Norfolk; and Petersfield, Hampshire.