The Coastal Archaeology of Wales (CBA Research Report)

This report presents the findings of CADW funded surveys carried out between 1993 and 1998 on the Welsh coastal zone and discusses the broader implications of the project. The contributors define what is meant by coastal archaeology and outline the methodology of the surveys, before presenting a chronological overview of their results, of the location, type and importance of sites threatened by natural erosion, the construction of sea defences and of harbour and port facilities for example. Moreover, this report looks at priorities for the future and stresses the urgent need for archaeological representation on national forums and committees and in any decision-making that threatens the heritage of the Welsh coastline. List of abbreviations viii List of figures ix List of tables xi Summary xii Welsh Translation xiii List of contributors xiv Acknowledgements xv 1. Introduction / Andrew Davidson 1 PART 1: BACKGROUND AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD 2. Description of the coast / Nigel Jones 9 3. The archaeological survey of the Welsh coast / Andrew Davidson and Nigel Jones 19 4. Environmental archaeology / Nigel Nayling 25 5. The applications of aerial photography to the coastal and intertidal zone in Wales / Toby Driver 33 PART 2: CHRONOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC OVERVIEWS 6. The archaeological resource: chronological overview to 1500 AD / Ken Murphy 45 7. The archaeological resource: chronological overview 1500 AD to modern times / David Gwyn 65 8. Reclamation / Nigel Jones 81 9. The archaeology of shipwrecks / Gareth Edwards 87 10. Fish weirs and fish traps / Rick Turner 95 11. The Gwent Levels / Nigel Nayling 109 PART 3: MANAGEMENT ISSUES 12. Coastal management / Martin Locock 116 13. The potential of the archaeological resource / Andrew Davidson 129 14. Conclusions 143 Bibliography 145 Appendix I: Names and addresses of relevant organisations 154 Index 155 Description Of The Coast / Nigel Jones -- The Archaeological Survey Of The Welsh Coast / Andrew Davidson And Nigel Jones -- Environmental Archaeology / Nigel Nayling -- The Applications Of Aerial Photography To The Coastal And Intertidal Zone In Wales / Toby Driver -- The Archaeological Resource : Chronological Overview To 1500 Ad / Ken Murphy -- The Archaeology Resource : Chronological Overview 1500 Ad To Modern Times / David Gwyn -- Reclamation / Nigel Jones -- The Archaeology Of Shipwrecks / Gareth Edwards -- Fish Weirs And Fish Traps / Rick Turner -- The Gwent Levels / Nigel Nayling -- Coastal Management / Martin Locock -- The Potential Of The Archaeological Resource / Andrew Davidson. Edited By Andrew Davidson. Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 145-153) And Index. This report follows the completion of a series of surveys, funded by Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments, which were designed to record the archaeology situated within the Welsh coastal zone. The project was driven by the desire the allow proactive management of natural and man-made threats to the coast and the need to record the location, type and importance of the endangered archaeological resource. The chapters set out the definitions and methodologies of coastal archaeology as well as describing the detailed chronological and thematic findings.