Scheduled Monuments- Full Report
Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument
Reference Number
GM391
Name
Longhole Cave
Date of Designation
23/03/1977
Status
Designated
Location
Unitary Authority
Swansea
Community
Port Eynon
Easting
245125
Northing
185059
Broad Class
Monument
Site Type
Cave
Period
Prehistoric
Description
Summary Description and Reason for Designation
The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The monument consists of a cave containing archaeological deposits that can date from as early as the Palaeolithic period. A cave may have been used for occupation, storage, burial, refuse, or as a temporary shelter.
Long Hole is a cave situated approximately 40m above OD in a small limestone crag surrounded by grassy slopes, above the sea cliffs 2km to the west of Port Einon. The south south-east facing entrance is 3.5m wide, however, the width narrows to 2m along the 13m length of the cave. The height varies between 1.6m and 2.3m. Excavations undertaken in the 1861 and 1969 produced a finds assemblage dating from the Early Upper Palaeolithic and the Middle Palaeolithic ages.
The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric settlement, ritual and funerary practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.
The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.