An early church and medieval farmstead site: excavations at Llanelen, Gower

Abstract

Evidence was discovered at Llanelen for ecclesiastical and domestic occupation from the sixth century to the present day. An early medieval phase of mixed domestic and early ecclesiastic activity is represented by a small timber chapel, eight graves and other features. The timber structure was overlain by a substantial earthen platform on which a stone church was built in two stages. Twenty-four graves were found in association with this structure. By the late thirteenth or fourteenth century ecclesiastical activity had given way to domestic use. At this time major modifications were made to the stone church and a second building constructed nearby. A diverse range of metalwork, ceramics and glass, together with a limited amount of organic material, was found on the site. Geophysical and other survey work was carried out in order to identify features associated with iron production, which formed one element of the site's economy.