A Welsh Landscape through Time: Excavations at Parc Cybi, Holy Island, Anglesey

Holy Island, off the west coast of Anglesey,North Wales,has a rich archaeological past,with over 20 hectares investigated between 2006 and 2010. Major sites discovered include an Early Neolithic timber hall, an Iron Age settlement, a Bronze Age ceremonial complex, a long cist cemetery, and an elusive Early Medieval settlement. This wealth of new information has revolutionised our understanding of how people have lived in and transformed the landscape of Holy Island.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Oxbow Books

Holy Island, a diminutive island situated off the western coast of Anglesey, North Wales, boasts a rich archaeological heritage spanning various periods. Between 2006 and 2010, extensive archaeological excavations were conducted in preparation for a significant Welsh Government development project, Parc Cybi. These excavations allowed for a comprehensive study of the island's past, covering an area of over 20 hectares. The findings revealed a bustling and intricate archaeological landscape that evolved from the Mesolithic period to the present day.

Among the significant sites discovered were an Early Neolithic timber hall strategically aligned with an adjacent chambered tomb. Additionally, an Iron Age settlement was unearthed, its development traced through extensive dating and Bayesian analysis. A Bronze Age ceremonial complex, along with a Neolithic tomb, defined the cultural landscape for subsequent periods. A long cist cemetery of a type commonly found on Anglesey, surprisingly, dated back to the late Roman era. Furthermore, indications of an elusive Early Medieval settlement were found through the discovery of corn dryers.

The abundance of new information unearthed during these excavations has undergone a transformative impact on our understanding of how people have inhabited and shaped the landscape of Holy Island. Moreover, many of these sites hold significance in a broader Welsh context, contributing to our knowledge of similar sites across Britain and Ireland. The discoveries made on Holy Island have not only deepened our appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history but have also shed light on the dynamic nature of cultural landscapes and the enduring impact of human activity on the natural world.

Weight: 1150g
Dimension: 305 x 214 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789256895