Summary
A small cave entrance discovered in November 1983. Animal bones and human remains were found in the rubble at the entrance - it was suggested that all the fragmentary human bones were from one individual (Davis 1983 p15). They are now in the possession of Mel Davies at the N.C.C. centre at Oxwich.
Identification Images (0)
Description
This small cave entrance located in the north-west facing side of a dry valley was discovered in November 1983. Animal bones, including the remains of fox, pig, and badger were found together with human remains in the rubble and earth at the entrance which was cleared for over a metre square to a depth of 20cm. The human bones were in a fragmentary condition presumably because of disturbance by burrowing animals but all were covered with calcite. It was suggested that all the bones were from the one individual (Davis 1983 p15). They are now in the possession of Mel Davies at the N.C.C. centre at Oxwich.
2003/4 survey
A small cave discovered in November 1983 in the E side of a dry valley ending in Blackhole Gut, located high above the coastal path. Its entrance is 0.3m high, 1.3m wide with a passage over 2m long. The cave is visible today facing NNE with a small entrance 1.1m wide, 0.4m high and passage running off to the south. Disturbed reddish brown sediment is visible, and '36' in orange paint at the entrance. Outside the cave is a small platform c1.5m wide and 2.3m long.
Rubble and earth at the entrance was cleared for over a metre square depth of 0.2m by M.Davies in 1983, within this sediment he found animal bones including the remains of fox, pig and badger, and human remains. The human remains were all in a fragmentary condition, presumably due to disturbance from burrowing animals, but they were all covered in calcite indicating they were of some antiquity. The excavator suggested the bone could have come from the same individual, possibly a young adult judging by the wear on a tooth. The excavation was backfilled as much sediment still remains, with large stones and timbers placed across to discourage sheep. The finds were retained by M.Davies, their current whereabouts is unknown.
The cave still has the appearance of being filled in with grass covered stone at the entrance,
References
- SZO10215 - National Trust Report: E Plunkett Dillon. 1986. National Trust Archaeological Survey, South West Gower Properties - Part One (unpublished).
- SZO310 - Article in serial: M Davies. 1983. Archaeological Caves in Gower - Old and New. William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust Newsletter, 48; 1-5.
- SZO31458 - Photograph - black and white: John Latham. 01/09/1986. Upper Blackhole Cut cave. 88972.
- SZO50086 - National Trust Report: Philip Poucher. 2003/4. The South Gower Coastal Properties, Mewslade - Port Eynon, Pilton Green, Pitton Cross and Oxwich - The National Trust Archaeological Survey.
- SZO5331 - Article in serial: M Davies. 1983. Upper Blackhole, Overton. Archaeology in Wales. 23.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- HER/SMR Reference (External) (GGAT HER): 2152w, 4724w, 4725w
- Heritage Coast
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (Biological)
Associated Events
- ENA3026 - Field Survey, The South Gower Coastal Properties 2003/4, Mewslade - Port Eynon, Pilton Green, Pitton Cross and Oxwich
- ENA3027 - Field Survey, The South West Gower Properties Part I - The National trust Archaeological Survey 1986
Associated Finds
- FZO198 - HUMAN REMAINS (Unknown date)
- FZO199 - ANIMAL REMAINS (Unknown date)
Related Records
None Recorded