WIREDGOV

Archaeological work on the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass has revealed a large burnt mound around 3500 years old with three troughs beneath, one possibly being a dug-out canoe which could be a substantial discovery.

Whilst burnt mounds are fairly common sites and are usually found close to water, the unearthing of a trough measuring around three metres could be significant. 

During excavation it became apparent that a large section of timber was preserved within the trough, and could date back to at least 1500BC. This was found to be the trunk of a single oak tree which had been hollowed out, with archaeologists believing it likely to be a canoe which was re-used as a trough, although it is possible it was always intended for that function. 

If the well preserved timber is a canoe, it is an extremely rare discovery and the first prehistoric example to be found in North West Wales.

The object has now been lifted and is currently being assessed further by specialists.

A section of Roman Road has also been excavated. The route was identified on the geophysical survey and could be seen as a low bank running through a number of fields before excavation began.

The scheme has allowed the investigation of a much longer stretch of the road and has confirmed the route of the road between the forts of Segontium (Caernarfon) and Canovium (Caerhun, Conwy Valley), which was previously uncertain. 

An early medieval industrial site which dates to the 8th century has been uncovered as well. Although no traces of metal were found during the excavation, samples collected during an earlier phase of work contained fragments of iron known as hammerscale which are hot sparks that are produced when hot iron is struck by a hammer. 

The first phase of planned archaeological studies commenced in late February and has been completed. Scheduled archaeological work will now take place on the next stage of earthwork operations.

These findings do not impact on construction of the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass which remains on schedule and could be completed by autumn 2021.

Transport Minister Ken Skates yesterday said:

The Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass is a significant Welsh Government scheme in North West Wales which, when complete, will deliver great benefits for local communities as well as people travelling in the area. The archaeological findings are another huge positive to come from this development and provide an exciting and thought-provoking insight into the region’s ancient history.

These important discoveries may never have been found without the construction of the bypass and I’d like to thank the team of archaeologists, contractors and all those involved in unearthing these remarkable findings.

These investigations were planned and do not affect the construction timetable which is on programme and progressing.

Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service Senior Planning Archaeologist, Jenny Emmett yesterday said:

The archaeological mitigation is going very well and the results so far have already added considerably to our knowledge of the area.  The scheme is expected to continue to add new information as further discoveries emerge, both on site and during the specialist analysis of the remains that will take place following the excavations.  

We are pleased with both the significance of the discoveries and the positive working relationships that have been established between all parties that have enabled the programme to proceed smoothly, and look forward to both continuing as the scheme progresses.