ARCHAEOLOGIA CAMBRENSIS Cylchgrawn Cymdeithas Hynafiaethau Cyrmu The Journal of the Cambrian Archaeological Association. VOL. 146 (1997)

Salvage excavations at Gwarfelin, Llanilar produced artefactual and palaeobotanical testimony to later prehistoric settlement and burial. A range of Neolithic pottery sherds and artefacts occurred randomly in soils and pits. Cremation burials (both with and without urns) were found and could be related to an adjacent circular ditched enclosure. The urns contained floral evidence probably from the environs of funeral pyres.

The course of a Roman road between the forts has been largely traced, following the valley route as far as possible. It is a continuation of that which runs from Carmarthen. In places the route is uncertain and river movement and modern construction have obscured its course elsewhere. Partial excavation has been carried out.

A description and summary record of the earthwork remains and layout of a shell-keep on the castle motte. Some comments on their significance is included which it is hoped may encourage further recording and much-needed consolidation of the ruins.

The investigation of isolated ruins disclosed the vestiges of the shell of an early seventeenth-century house integrated with an exceptional and possibly unique fortified compound. These were the remains of a fortified depot or warehouse for the safe-keeping of cargoes of tobacco. The buildings date to c. 1636.