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Excavations and Metal-working at Llwyn Bryn-dinas Hillfort, Llangedwyn, Clwyd

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2014

C. R. Musson ,
W. J. Britnell ,
J. P. Northover ,
C. J. Salter ,
P. Q. Dresser  and
J. Fitt
C. R. Musson
Affiliation:
Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales, Crown Building, Plas Crug, Aberystwyth, Dyfed SY23 2HP
W. J. Britnell
Affiliation:
The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, 7a Church Street, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7DL
J. P. Northover
Affiliation:
Department of Metallurgy and Science of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PH
C. J. Salter
Affiliation:
Department of Metallurgy and Science of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PH
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Abstract

Small-scale rescue excavations at Llwyn Bryn-dinas hillfort, on the Welsh Borderland, showed that the earliest fortification belonged to the late Bronze Age, with radiocarbon dates in the late 9th and 8th centuries be. A terrace, subsequently cut into the rear of the rampart to accommodate a metal-working floor, was associated with a radiocarbon date centred in the late 3rd century bc. Detailed analysis of the metal-working debris suggests that copper-alloy casting, iron forging and possibly bronze production were carried out within a single workshop. The finds include a distinctive form of handled crucible. The industry appears to have been fairly small-scale, of short duration, and probably only designed to meet the internal needs of the hillfort population. The excavation adds significantly to the local evidence for metal-working during the later prehistoric period. A distinctive zinc-impurity pattern in the copper alloy and raw copper, previously identified in material from other sites nearby, confirms the suggestion of an Iron Age bronze-working industry based on a specific metal source in the north Powys area. In addition, analysis of the iron-working debris suggests the exploitation of a distinctive local ore body. The metal-working activity appears to have come to an abrupt end, possibly with the enlargement or local repair of the rampart. Later phases of activity include a final occupation deposit with an associated radiocarbon date centred in the mid 2nd century bc.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society , Volume 58 , Issue 1 , 1992 , pp. 265 - 283
Copyright
Copyright © The Prehistoric Society 1992

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