Eisteddfod and Olympic Targets in South Wales From the Air

All set for the Eisteddfod at the Llandow Airfield  next week. NPRN:307839

A Royal Commission aerial reconnaissance flight on 24th July 2012 in stunning weather conditions in south Wales took in some timely cultural and Olympic targets as part of its wider archaeological work on a three and a half hour return flight ranging from Pembrokeshire to Chepstow. The wet summer has meant that archaeological ‘cropmarks’ in ripening fields of wheat, showing where old enclosures and buildings have been lost to the plough, were not much in evidence.

However, the opportunity was taken to document the site of the forthcoming 2012 National Eisteddfod  at the Llandow airfield in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the Eisteddfod Maes is taking shape. Flight restrictions within the controlled airspace of both Cardiff Airport and RAF St Athan nearby mean that the aerial photographer is reliant on the skills of the pilot to negotiate access for just the right aerial shots. The photographer has to work extremely quickly in such a busy zone!

Flying the week before the Olympics got started also allowed the Royal Commission to document key Welsh sites involved in the games for the National Monuments Record of Wales including the Wales National Velodrome at Newport, where Team GB were practising at the time of the photography, along with the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff the day before the Olympic football tournaments began. As with the recently acquired historic Aerofilms collection for Wales, these images will form a permanent record in the National Monuments Record of Wales of transient cultural and sporting events so important to Wales in 2012.

A wide view of the Wales National Velodrome
(white roof next to running track) AP_2012_3189

Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, NPRN: 309686

Several hundred other targets were recorded in south Wales during the flight which now require processing and cataloguing before being uploaded onto the free online database Coflein. Routing back to Haverfordwest Airport in Pembrokeshire, we also took advantage of the stunning visibility to climb to 4,000 ft and document some key Welsh landscapes on the return journey, including high views of western Gower with Burry Holms (right foreground  ) and Worms Head (peninsula, rear ) framing this view of Rhossili Bay.

Burry Holms , NPRN:301302  (right foreground  ) and Worms Head NPRN: 305465, AP_2012_3280

See other aerial views of Wales, dating from the 1920s to 2012, in the Royal Commission’s new book Cymru Hanesyddol o'r Awyr / Historic Wales From the Air by Toby Driver and Oliver Davis.

For sporting fans Fields of Play: The Sporting Heritage of Wales by Daryl Leeworthy will soon be available with a 10% discount for Friends.


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Royal Commission’s Open Day Success

Royal Commission investigator, Louise Barker demonstarting survey equipment to children from St Padarn's Primary School

The Royal Commission’s annual Open Day on 18 July brought several hundred visitors to Plas Crug for a feast of archaeology, architecture, and local history. Guests included Mark Williams MP and Dylan Lewis, Mayor of Aberystwyth.
 

Royal Commission chaiman, Dr Eurwyn Wiliam with Dylan Lewis ,mayor of Abersytwyth

Mark Williams perusing  the photos from the  Britain From Above project with Natasha Scullion

 Two large contingents from St Padarn’s and Comins Coch Primary Schools created a wonderful atmosphere as specially-prepared children’s activities combined learning with fun. The lectures and hi-tech demonstrations were – as always – well attended by the adults.  There were talks on Cottage Architecture by Dr Eurwyn Wiliam (RCAHMW’s Chairman) on Animating the Welsh Slate Industry by Spencer Smith which highlighted the work undertaken by the Royal Commission for the international Atlanterra partnership project.  Dr Toby Driver introduced the Royal Commission’s latest lavishly illustrated and bi-lingual publication on Cymru Hanesyddol o’r Awyr: Historic Wales From the Air.

Hardy enthusiasts enjoying the guided walk of aberystwyth Promenade and Castle

One of the highlights of the day for those architectural and archaeological enthusiasts with stamina and stout shoes was a marathon tour of Aberystwyth castle and promenade led by David Browne and Richard Suggett of RCAHMW.  Local historian, Barbara Walker of Glandyfi, said afterwards that the sea front will never seem the same again after this enjoyable tour which highlighted the remarkable ups and downs of the promenade from 1790 to the present.


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Dathlu Gŵyl Archaeoleg Prydain yng Nghastell Aberystwyth ac Amgueddfa Ceredigion: 28-29 Gorffennaf, 2012



Castell Aberystwyth

Mae Gŵyl Archaeoleg Prydain yn dathlu’r pethau gorau sy’n digwydd ym maes archaeoleg ym Mhrydain. Wedi’i threfnu gan Gyngor Archaeoleg Prydain, mae’r ŵyl yn cynnwys cannoedd o ddigwyddiadau ar hyd a lled gwledydd Prydain o’r 14 i’r 29 o Orffennaf 2012 sy’n dathlu archaeoleg i bawb. Mae Ymddiriedolaeth Archaeolegol Dyfed, Comisiwn Brenhinol Henebion Cymru ac Amgueddfa Ceredigion yn gweithio gyda’i gilydd i gynnal digwyddiad yng Nghastell Aberystwyth gyda chymorth Cynnal y Cardi. Cynhelir yr ŵyl ar benwythnos yr 28 a’r 29 o Orffennaf a bydd yn dathlu ysbryd Canoloesol y castell yn ogystal â thref glan môr Fictoraidd ac Edwardaidd Aberystwyth.

Dyma’r ŵyl gyntaf o’i bath i gael ei chynnal yng Ngheredigion a bydd yn galluogi pawb i ddarganfod mwy am eu treftadaeth leol ac yn datgelu gorffennol cyfoethog Aberystwyth. Cynhelir y digwyddiad ar diroedd Castell Aberystwyth a bydd yn rhoi cyfle i bobl gael profiad ymarferol o dechnegau archaeolegol, rhoi cynnig ar hen grefftau, a darganfod sut y gallant fynd ati i astudio eu treftadaeth eu hunain. Yn ystod y penwythnos fe fydd yr ymwelwyr yn gallu mynd i’r afael â gweithgareddau megis gwneud basgedi a thurnio, a bydd cyfleoedd i’r plant (neu oedolion!) wisgo a gwneud eitemau crefft y gallant fynd â nhw adref a’u cadw.

Bydd cyfle hefyd i flasu bwyd oes Victoria a gwrando ar chwedleuwyr yn gweu straeon hudol. Fe fydd teithiau cerdded drwy gydol y dydd pryd yr adroddir hanesion diddorol am y Castell. Fel rhan o’r ŵyl bydd Amgueddfa Ceredigion hefyd yn trefnu llwybr trysor archaeolegol i’r plant yn yr amgueddfa ar Ddydd Sadwrn yr 28. Darganfyddwch ragor am eich treftadaeth leol yn y lleoliad eiconig hwn mewn awyrgylch llawn hwyl a bwrlwm!

Bydd yr ŵyl yn ddigwyddiad cyffrous i’r teulu cyfan ac mae mynediad i’r ŵyl, y castell a’r amgueddfa yn RHAD AC AM DDIM. Bydd yr ŵyl yn agor am 10.30 yn y bore a bydd y gweithgareddau’n mynd ymlaen tan tua 4.30 yn y prynhawn.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am fynychu’r ŵyl neu am helpu gyda’r digwyddiad cysylltwch â Sarah Rees yn Ymddiriedolaeth Archaeolegol Dyfed, e-bost s.rees@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk  neu  ffôn 01558 823121.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am Gyngor Archaeoleg Prydain a Gŵyl Archaeoleg Prydain ewch i http://www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/.





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Celebrating the Festival of British Archaeology at Aberystwyth Castle and Ceredigion Museum : 28-29 July, 2012



Aberystwyth Castle

 The Festival of British Archaeology celebrates the best of British archaeology. This Council of British Archaeology extravaganza includes hundreds of events being held across Britain from the 14 – 29 of July 2012 celebrating archaeology for all.  Dyfed Archaeological Trust, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and Ceredigion Museum are working together to hold the event at Aberystwyth Castle with the support of Cynnal y Cardi.  The festival will be held on the weekend of the 28 and 29 of July and will celebrate the Medieval spirit of the castle as well as the Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort of Aberystwyth.

This will be the first festival of its kind held in Ceredigion and will enable everyone to discover more about their local heritage and showcase Aberystwyth’s rich past.  Held in Aberystwyth Castle grounds the event will provide an opportunity for people to have a hands-on experience of archaeological techniques, have a go at heritage crafts and to find out how they can get involved in exploring their own heritage. During the weekend there will be numerous opportunities for visitors to try their hands at activities such as basket weaving, woodturning and plenty of chances for the kids (or adults!) to dress up and make crafts which they can take home and keep.

There will also be the opportunity to taste Victorian foods as well as listen to magical tales from storytellers.  Tours and trails will also run throughout the day with tales from the Castle’s rich past.  As part of the festival Ceredigion Museum will also be running an archaeology treasure trail for children at the museum on Saturday 28.   Discover more about local heritage at this iconic location in a fun festival atmosphere! 

  The festival looks set to be a fun-filled family event with FREE admission to the festival, the castle and the museum. The festival will open at10.30am and activities will run throughout both days until around 4.30pm.

For further information about attending the festival or to become involved with the event please contact Sarah Rees at the Dyfed Archaeological Trust on s.rees@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk or 01558 823121.

For further information about the Council of British Archaeology and the Festival of British Archaeology please visit http://www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/



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Diwrnod Agored y Comisiwn Brenhinol: Dydd Mercher, 18 Gorffennaf 2012, 11am -5pm

Aberystwyth, NPRN: 33035

Bydd y Comisiwn Brenhinol yn agor ei ddrysau i bawb sydd â diddordeb mewn archaeoleg, pensaernïaeth, hanes lleol, a’r technegau cofnodi diweddaraf. Hefyd bydd darlith a thaith dywys drwy

 Teithiau tywys

*Cicio’r Bar: Promenâd a Chastell Aberystwyth
11:00 - Richard Suggett

Ymweliad â’r archif - golwg tu ôl i’r llenni 12:00 / 13:45 / 15:15

Sgyrsiau

13:00 – Dr Oliver Davis a Dr Toby Driver :Cymru Hanesyddol o'r Awyr - Hanes ac Archaeoleg o awyrluniau
14:30 – Spencer Smith:Animeiddio'r Diwydiant Llechi: Cyfraniad y Comisiwn Brenhinol i Brosiect Atlanterra
16:00 – Dr Eurwyn Wiliam:*Y Bwthyn Cymreig

*Cyfyngedig i Gyfeillion y Comisiwn Brenhinol.

Ymunwch â’r Cyfeillion

Arddangosiadau drwy gydol y dydd

Defnyddio awyrluniau
Ffotograffiaeth ymchwiliol
Modelu digidol 3D
Ymchwilio archaeolegol a morol
Coflein - darganfod ein gorffennol ar-lein
Casgliad y Werin Cymru

Mae'r holl ddigwyddiadau am ddim.Rhaid archebu lle ar y teithiau.

I gael gwybod rhagor ac archebu lle, cysylltwch â :Ffôn: 01970 621200 neu e-bost: chc.cymru@cbhc.gov.uk

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am Gyngor Archaeoleg Prydain a Gŵyl Archaeoleg Prydain ewch i www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk


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The Royal Commission's Open Day: Wednesday, 18 July 2012, 11am- 5pm

Aerial view of Aberystwyth, NPRN:33035

The Royal Commission will be opening its doors for all those interested in archaeology, architecture, local history, and the latest recording techniques. The day will also include an exclusive Friends-only lecture and guided walk of Aberystwyth.

Guided tours

*Kicking the Bar: Aberystwyth Promenade and Castle
11:00 - Richard Suggett

 Visit the archive - a look behind the scenes
12:00 / 13:45 / 15:15

Talks

13:00 – Dr Oliver Davis and Dr Toby Driver:Historic Wales From Above-History and Archaeology from aerial photographs
14:30 – Spencer Smith:Animating the Slate Industry-The Contribution of the Royal Commission to the Atlanterra Project
16:00 – Dr Eurwyn Wiliam:*The Welsh Cottage

*Exclusive to Friends of the Royal Commission.
Join the Friends

Demonstrations throughout the day

Using aerial photography
Investigative photography
3D digital modelling
Archaeological and maritime investigation
Coflein - discovering our past online
People’s Collection Wales

All the events are free.Booking essential for tours.

For further information and bookings please contact:Tel: 01970 621200 or  e-mail: nmr.wales@rcahmw.gov.uk

For further information about the Council of British Archaeology and the Festival of British Archaeology please visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk


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Come and Join us for the Festival of British Archaeology: A guided walk of Pen Dinas, Saturday 14 July, 2pm – 4pm.

Pen Dinas: An Iron Age stronghold on Cardigan Bay

 Conquer the largest Iron Age hillfort on the west coast of Wales, and the ancestor of present-day Aberystwyth. With  expert guide, Royal Commission archaeologist and aerial photographer, Dr Toby Driver, the sites of formidable gateways will be explored, round house footings revealed, and the wider Iron Age landscape discussed from this incredible natural vantage point. Hear about the history of Pen Dinas hill from the Middle Stone Age hunters to the memorial to the Duke of Wellington. Meet at Neuadd Goffa car park, Penparcau. SY23 1SA at 2pm. Walking boots recommended for public footpath to and from the summit which can be muddy. It is a reasonably strenuous climb. All ages welcome.

Reconstruction drawing by Toby Driver. This is how we think Pen Dinas looked 2,000 years ago

Refreshments will be provided at 4pm by Communities First
in Y Galeri, 3 Glandinas , Penparcau.(next to the butcher’s shop).

For further information about the Council of British Archaeology and the Festival of British Archaeology please visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

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Surveying Pont Ceunant Generating Station

Suveying Pont Ceunant Generating Station near Aberystwyth in North Ceredigion NPRN 407230.

 Over the last few days, Royal Commission archaeologists Louise Barker and Abby Hunt have been surveying the remains of the Pont Ceunant Generating Station, near Aberystwyth in North Ceredigion (NPRN 407230). This power station was one of the first to be built in Wales, and was commissioned in 1899 by Belgium firm  La Société Anonyme la Métallurgique of Liege to supply constant power to Frongoch mine (c1km to the east), one of the largest and most productive mines in the area, and one that that had been newly equipped with electrically driven plant.  A complex system of lakes and leats supplied water to the power station which housed a Pelton wheel that drove a 2,300 volt AEG alternator. A 360 horsepower Willans and Robinson six-cylinder steam engine and a Babcock and Wilcox boiler were also installed to power the alternator during times of drought and frost.

The cathedral-like shell of the power house is all that survives of this once state-of-the-art ornate building.  It was designed and built by a young Italian engineer Bernardino Nogaro (who later in life became the head of the Vatican Bank) at a cost of £11,400.  Unfortunately soon after construction, Frongoch mine failed to run at profit and subsequently the power station fell into disuse just two years later, with the equipment sold at auction.

The roofless shell of the Generating Station in 2012

 The survey was carried out as part of the Royal Commissions Metal Links Project as well as falling within our Heritage at Risk recording work and strategy.

The power station is located at SN7063 374320 adjacent to the road between Abermagwr and Pontrhydygroes, some 8 miles south-east of Aberystwyth.  There is an information panel at the site, and further information on the valuable work carried out here by the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust  can be found here.

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Casgliad y Werin Cymru yn Amgueddfa Ceredigion

Casgliad y Werin Cymru

Rhowch eich hanesion i ni!

Dewch â’ch lluniau a’ch gwrthrychau!

Dydd Sadwrn 7 Gorffennaf, 10am – 5pm, yn Amgueddfa Ceredigion

 

Fel rhan o’r arddangosfa Y Tu Mewn i Gartrefi Cymru, byddem yn hoffi i chi rannu eich hanesion chi am fywyd yng Nghymru drwy wefan Casgliad y Werin.
Dewch â’ch ffotograffau, hanesion a gwrthrychau i Amgueddfa Ceredigion ar Ddydd Sadwrn 7 Gorffennaf rhwng 10am a 5pm lle bydd tîm Casgliad y Werin yn eich helpu i roi eich deunydd ar wefan Casgliad y Werin.

Agor anrhegion mewn tŷ parod yn y 1960au

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â Rachael Barnwell drwy e-bostio rachael.barnwell@cbhc.gov.uk neu drwy ffonio 01970 621 213.
Ewch i www.casgliadywerincymru.co.uk i ddechrau rhannu eich hanesion!


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