Eastern Rhossili forms part of an extensive and dramatic upland area, located on the Gower peninsula in South Wales. The landscape can be described as open upland heath. However, based on LIDAR data, fieldwalking, documentary evidence and an early map regression there is evidence that the landscape was once partially enclosed. This enclosing of the landscape may have its origins in the later prehistoric era


A reconnoitre of the area identified a number of potential prehistoric and historical features some of which have already been logged onto the Regional Historic Environment Record (HER) at Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust and on the database held by the National Trust (partially complied by the Muckle Partnership [2002]). From these various repositories there is a clear chronological development of the landscape from Neolithic times (c. 4,000 – 2,000 cal. BC) to the present day. Changes in landscape use are dramatic inasmuch that two Neolithic chambered tombs and their immediate surroundings probably represent a ritualised landscape. The same landscape use probably occurs during the Early to Middle Bronze Age (c. 2,500 - 1,600 cal. BC) with the construction of up to 30 cairns on the ridges of Rhossili Down. However, from the Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age (c. 1,600 - 700 cal. BC) and then onto the present day, the landscape has been economically utilised.

Survey on Rhossili Down

The Landscape

Within the study area are two Neolithic chambered tombs: Sweynes Howe North (NGR SS 4211 8991) & South (NGR 4209 8981) (GLA 1 & 2). Both monuments have surviving in-situ elements including their respective chambers and each are delineated by an extensive cairn deposit and possible kerbing. The northern monument is the best preserved of the two.

To the west of the two chamber monuments and occupying the ridge, summit and spine of Rhossili Down are a number of Bronze Age burial mounds. These sites, numbering over 30, are in various states of survival. It is probable that other monuments associated with death, burial and ritual from this date exist within the study area. This survey located several probable standing stones south of the Sweynes Howe South monument.

To the south-east of the Sweynes Howe monuments (identified in the Muckle Partnership report) are a series of features constructed from in-situ stone which probably represent a Late Bronze Age or Iron Age settlement. This settlement includes a series of circular and curvilinear enclosures, turf and stone-banked field systems and lynchets.

The Survey

It was decided that the first stage of the Rhossili Down Project would be to survey the two Sweynes Howe monuments. This commenced in January 2007 and the Sweynes Howe South monument was completed by April 2007. Members of the Clifton Antiquarian Club surveyed the tomb using tape and offset and recorded all surviving architecture, in-situ stone and the cairn. Spot heights were added to these plans. In addition to this survey, members undertook a rectified photographic survey. The survey of the Sweynes Howe North monument is now complete and it is hoped that the survey of the Sweynes Howe South will commence in August 2007. These monuments will be included within a wider survey. All sites within the survey area will be plotted using GIS and LiDAR. 

Neolithic Chambered Tomb, Sweynes Howe North (click to enlarge)

The Rhossili Down Project Phase II

Members of the Clifton Antiquarian Club continued the Phase II survey of the Sweynes Howe South in January 2008, and despite the bitterly cold winds, the team managed to complete the tape and offset survey of the monument.  Although this very confused series of stone settings appears to show little of the original morphology, the vegetation was thankfully low enough to record all visible features. The results of the fieldwork are at present being disseminated by our drawing team and the results will be made public in the latter part of 2008. The team also revisited the Sweynes Howe North monument. The vegetation cover was also very low over this monument and as a result, the suspected passage leading to the chamber was much clearer than the previous visit.  

Walkover Survey Phase

In early April 2008, members from the Clifton Antiquarian Club walked the hinterlands that stand to the east of Rhossili.  During our first visit, time was allocated to explore the upland areas of Rhosilli including the eastern ridges and up to 14 Bronze Age burial cairns were identified.  Associated with these were a series linear features which are also probably Bronze Age in date.  The cairns are of Early and Middle Bronze Age, whilst the linear features, possible upland field systems are of Late Bronze Age or Iron Age in date.  The recent walkover survey recorded a number of new sites, located mainly on the lower slopes of the eastern ridge.  

The lower plateau area, lying east of the Down and forming the boundary between heath and enclosed pasture was considered of limited archaeological value.  This extensive area was wet and boggy, the result of ground and surface water run off from the upland ridges to the west.  However, between the boggy areas and the upland slopes and series of prehistoric and post-medieval monuments including a fine section of a tramroad (right) was discovered.  

With the walkover now complete, the site list now numbers 75 monuments.  It is also clear that a series of spatially well-defined chronological landscapes exist.  It is hoped that when all the information is disseminated, a clearer picture for the development of Rhossili Down can be drawn.  

It is hoped that a monograph will appear sometime during 2009/10. Watch this space.

Survey of Sweynes Howe South (click to enlarge)

 The Tramroad

Acknowledgements

The Clifton Antiquarian Club would like to thank the National Trust, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust and the Environment Agency for all their help and logistical support.