Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM543
Name
Cefn Bryn Burnt Mound
Date of Designation
14/07/2000
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Swansea
Community
Ilston
Easting
251898
Northing
189218
Broad Class
Domestic
Site Type
Burnt Mound
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument consists of the remains of two burnt mounds, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2,300BC - 800BC). A burnt mound is an accumulation of burnt (fire-crazed) stones, ash and charcoal, usually sited next to a river or lake, with hearths and/or some form of trough or basin capable of holding water either within the mound or adjacent to it. The largest mound is crescent shaped measuring 14m by 10m. The remains also include a circular ring bank 9m in diameter, which could represent the remains of a contemporary ritual circle, or domestic dwelling.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric ritual and funerary practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and environmental evidence. A burnt mound may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.