ARCHAEOLOGISTS working on a multi-million pound Swansea Bay coastal protection scheme have explained some of their finds to local history archivists.
The guests – from the Story of Mumbles website – enjoyed a tour of the Mumbles sea defences project which is making the community safer against the threat of storms and rising tides.
The project, due to be completed next year and which is largely funded by Welsh Government, is being driven by Swansea Council.
Main contractors Knights Brown are working closely through the scheme with experts from independent specialist firm Archaeology Wales.
Andrew Stevens, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We appreciate the careful, meticulous and expert work being carried out by Archaeology Wales and Knights Brown on behalf of future generations.
“It was good that history enthusiasts got up close with the finds. I look forward to seeing the archaeologists’ final reports – and a stronger, improved seawall and prom for Mumbles.”
Archaeological project manager Paul W Huckfield welcomed members of the website team and outlined a brief history of the Mumbles foreshore and the features discovered so far.
Finds so far cover the full history of the bay. They range from prehistoric peat beds and ancient watercourses to post holes for the scaffolding that helped build the seawall in Victorian times. There are the remains of wooden groynes that once lined the beach and held the sand in place.
One well preserved item was a metal nameplate plaque from the former Swansea Gas Light Company for the loan of equipment to construct the original seawall. It’s dated 1891.
Some of the most visually impressive finds have been the lower part, or bilge, of two large timber oyster vessels that were uncovered near the Southend slipway. The remains of both vessels were photographed and recorded, before being re-buried.
Finds from the vessels have included a significant number of leather boots – or parts of – as well as the remains of ships’ cork fenders. These have been largely preserved by the local low-oxygen mud.
The heyday of the Mumbles oyster trade was during the 1850s. By the 1920s it had collapsed and the then-useless specialist boats – or skiffs – were simply left on the beach.
Also of interest was a section of brushwood trackway. This feature is thought to date from the prehistoric period, when the foreshore was very different than it is now and covered in woodland with freshwater streams and pools.
The main pathway timber was removed and sent to specialists for further investigation and dating, as too were a series of wooden pegs that held the timber in place.
Mr Huckfield, a project manager with Archaeology Wales, said: “Mumbles beach offers thousands of years of human history; the sea defences scheme is the latest chapter in its story.
“It was great to welcome members of the history website to this expansive project.
“The Mumbles foreshore is an ever-changing environment. Its tides, sand, peat and mud bring their own challenges to this study but I’m confident that our work will help future generations better understand this area’s celebrated relationship with the sea.”
Beverley Rogers, of The Story of Mumbles, said: “Our members enjoyed a memorable experience, hosted by knowledgeable professionals; we now have a greater insight into the living history of our foreshore over the ages.
“It was a privilege for members to have such access and they were interested to see the artefacts and oyster skiff remains – and to hear the stories of what lay beneath the sand.
“The visit was fascinating. We’ll add details and photos to our website.”
Those who helped to set up the website included community interest company Gower Unearthed.
Archaeology plays a key role in the sea defences scheme, in its planning and development processes.
The experts on site help protect the long-lost items, preserve them by making detailed records, taking photos and in due course, publishing reports.
In Mumbles, they have a watching brief throughout work, undertaking evaluation and analysis with some key material being taken away for study by other specialists.
Reports will be added to the freely accessible public archive on the Archwilio website, a Wales-wide database of archaeological and historical information.
Knights Brown project manager Neil Chambers said: “We were thrilled to welcome Story of Mumbles members to our site.
“It was a pleasure to showcase our archaeological discoveries. The visit allowed the group to closely examine a skiff recently uncovered beneath the sands.
“The visit highlighted the significance of preserving our coastal heritage and helped to foster a strong sense of community engagement as we work to protect our environment and its rich history.”
Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made with the Mumbles coastal protection scheme and the exciting finds they have discovered while making the area safer from flooding.
“Once completed the scheme will benefit an estimated 126 properties in the area, costing more than £20m to construct. It will also help promote the sustainability of the community and include local regeneration of public open space, playgrounds and active travel routes, which will be enjoyed by many future generations.”
