Celebrating exciting and groundbreaking archaeological research
10.01.2012
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Council for British Archaeology Cymru/Wales, the latest publication of Archaeology in Wales celebrates the exciting and groundbreaking archaeological research and fieldwork happening in Wales right now.
Craig Rhos-y-Felin in the Preselis. Is this the exact source of the Stonehenge Bluestones?
Archaeology in Wales is the annual, peer-reviewed journal of archaeological research and fieldwork in Wales is edited by Dr Jemma Bezant and the Council’s committee is chaired by Associate Professor Nigel Nayling, both lecturers at the University.
Making the headlines in the current edition is the latest twist in the Stonehenge-Preseli story. Scientists have succeeded in locating the exact source of some of the rock believed to have been used 5000 years ago to create Stonehenge's first stone circle. By comparing stone found at and around Stonehenge with rocks in the Preseli mountains, in south west Wales, they have been able to identify the original rock outcrop that some of the Stonehenge material came from.
The work - carried out by geologists from England and Wales has pinpointed the source as a 70 metre long rock outcrop called Craig Rhos-y-Felin, near Pont Saeson in north Pembrokeshire. It's the first time that an exact source has been found for any of the stones thought to have been used to build Stonehenge.
Dr Jemma Bezant, editor of Archaeology in Wales says:
“I am delighted to publish such excellent research in Archaeology in Wales. There is a very vibrant archaeological scene in Wales and research such as this places Wales at the very centre of internationally important stories like the Stonehenge-Preseli link.
Professor Nayling added:
“The work of the CBA Cymru/Wales group is part of the nationwide commitment to safeguarding Britain’s archaeological heritage through groups like the Young Archaeologists Club for instance.
“In Wales the group informs the way that heritage policy is approached by Welsh Government as we offer consultation to a range of heritage bodies such as Cadw. The CBA Cymru/Wales group has a long tradition of links with the school of archaeology here at Lampeter and we are delighted that this continues.”
In a separate development, the Council for British Archaeology, Cymru/Wales has just announced a new range of 10 twelve month paid bursary places with different host organisations across the UK, including 5 in Wales aimed at training individuals who already have a good working knowledge of archaeological theory and practice in the skills needed to run and support effective community archaeology projects.
More information about the CBA Cymru Wales group can be seen at www.britarch.ac.uk/cbawales
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