Machen Quarry Extension, Carphilly

Machen Quarry Extension
Archaeological field evaluation

January 2009
GGAT report no. 2009/002
Project no.P1130
A report for Hanson Aggregates National Grid Reference:
by Rowena Hart BSc MA ST 23108 89449
GG GI
ST E R
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I A
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OR
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The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd

Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL
Machen Quarry extension, Caerphilly: archaeological field evaluation
Contents Page
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 2
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. 2
Copyright notice....................................................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Project background and commission............................................................................ 3
1.2 Location and Topography ............................................................................................ 3
1.3 Geology ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Historical and archaeological background ................................................................... 5
2. Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 7
3. Results ................................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Finds ........................................................................................................................... 19
4. Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix I: Context Inventory............................................................................................... 25
Figures
Figure 1. Site location .................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 2. Plan showing location of Trenches 1-5 and MQ1. Inset showing location of section
drawings in Trenches 1 and 2............................................................................................... 8
Figure 3. East facing section in Trench 1................................................................................... 12
Figure 4. North and east facing section in Trench 2 .................................................................. 13
Figure 5. Flint blade (scale 1:1) and Mesolithic flint (2:1) below ............................................. 22
Plates
Plate 1. Trench 1. Showing clearance cairn 104. View to the south west.................................. 14
Plate 2. Trench 1. North facing section showing proximity of the limestone bedrock to the
ground surface. ................................................................................................................... 14
Plate 3. Trench 1. South facing section showing proximity of the bedrock to the ground
surface. ............................................................................................................................... 15
Plate 4. Trench 1. Oblique view of the west facing section showing the shallow bedrock. ...... 15
Plate 5. Trench 2. Showing stony clay 203. View to north........................................................ 16
Plate 6. Trench 2. South-west corner showing clearance cairn (206). View to south-west....... 16
Plate 7. Trench 3. South-facing section showing clearance cairn (307). Oblique view to north
west. ................................................................................................................................... 17
Plate 8. Trench 4. View to the north showing clearance cairn 403 and shallow bedrock 404... 17
Plate 9. Trench 4. View to the east showing very shallow and outcropping bedrock 404. The
possible leading face of a small quarry area continuing to the east. .................................. 18
Plate 10. Trench 5. View to the south-east. showing shallow and outcropping bedrock........... 18
1
Summary
Hanson Aggregates commissioned the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (Projects
Division) to carry out an archaeological evaluation on land to the north of the existing quarry,
in advance of extension works centred at NGR ST 23108, 89449. The evaluation was carried
out during November 2008.
Five evaluation trenches were excavated on the previously identified area of archaeological
potential within the extension area (MQ1). The trenches revealed a number of late post-
medieval or modern clearance cairns and areas of bedrock outcropping to the present ground
surface. No deposits of archaeological significance were encountered. Four flint artefacts
were recovered and retained for specialist analysis. The resulting report outlined that the
assemblage was typical of those found in upland environments and probably the result of
casual loss rather than representing evidence of settlement or occupation.
The archaeological evaluation was carried out to the standards specified by the Institute for
Archaeologists Standard and Guidance For Archaeological Field Evaluation 1994.
Acknowledgements
This project was managed by Richard Lewis BA MIFA and the fieldwork undertaken by
Rowena Hart BSc MA, Rachel Bowden BA, Ellie Graham BA, Andrew Sherman BA and
Chris Bentham BA. The photographs and report were prepared by Rowena Hart BSc MA,
with illustrations by Paul Jones (GGAT Senior Illustrator).
Copyright notice
The copyright of this report is held by Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd; GGAT has
granted an exclusive licence to Hanson Aggregates and their agents to use and reproduce the
material it contains. Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced under licence (AL 10005976),
annotations are GGAT copyright.
2
1. Introduction
1.1 Project background and commission
Planning consent has been granted for a 5ha extension to Machen Quarry, Machen, Caerphilly
(Application No. P/05/1100). One of the conditions attached to the consent states that “no
development should take place within the extension area until the applicant has secured the
implementation of a programme of archaeological works in accordance with a written scheme
of investigation which has been approved in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.”
The scheme (Dunning 2006) allowed for an archaeological field evaluation to be conducted on
a feature identified in a previous archaeological assessment of the extension (Tuck 2004). The
purpose of the evaluation was to elucidate the extent and nature of the feature, as well as to
outline any further works that may be required to fully investigate and record this monument
prior to its removal.
The archaeological works will be carried out to the professional standards laid down by the
Institute of Field Archaeologists.
1.2 Location and Topography

The extensive existing quarry (centred at NGR ST 2271 8913) is situated off the A468
Newport/Caerphilly road between Machen and Lower Machen. The quarry is situated on the
southwest facing slopes of Mynydd Machen and set between a landscape of planted woodland
and pasture to the northwest and farmed pastureland on the southeast. The direction of
quarrying is to the northeast, heading into the rising hillside, from about 90m Ordnance Datum
(OD) near the valley bottom of the River Rhymney to a local high point, a ridgeway at 279m
OD, on the southeast slope of Mynydd Machen. From this ridge, the ground falls northeast to
another valley and the village of Pontymister. The area of the proposed extension is to the
northeast of the current quarry (Tuck 2004).
1.3 Geology
The uncultivated slopes of Mynydd Machen are of rough grassland and bracken with strewn
boulders of Millstone Grit. Distinctive scars and spoil heaps from earlier small-scale quarrying
are visible over the ridge on the northeast boundary of the quarry. Ordnance Survey mapping
of 1885 depicts the earlier beginnings of mineral extraction in a small quarry in woodland
named The Park, located adjacent to the Caerphilly branch of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway.
These earlier workings are now part of the Hanson Aggregates quarry. Limestone quarried for
commercial purposes has already been extracted from an area of around 1.1km by 0.25km. The
underlying bedrock is Dolomitic Limestone (Tuck 2004).
3
Area of Figure 2
GRID
N
Based on the 2005 Ordnance Survey 1:25000
Explorer 152 map with the permission of The
Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, ©
Crown Copyright, Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological 0 1.00 2.00 3.00km
Trust Ltd, Licence number Al10005976
Figure 1. Site location
4
1.4 Historical and archaeological background

Human activity in the area is first evident in the archaeological record in the form of round
barrows which are typical of Bronze Age funerary customs and by a number of artefacts,
notably axes. Two extant Bronze Age barrow sites have Scheduled Ancient Monument status
(SAM), Begwns Round Barrow (00012m/MM071) on Mynydd Machen and Twyn Pant-Teg
Round Barrow (00027g/MM065) both situated on a local high spot to the southeast of the
quarry. Cropmarks identified on aerial photographs suggest two further round barrows may
also have existed in close proximity to Twyn Pant-Teg. There is no obvious reason why these
sites were chosen and the fields of the proposed extension would seem equally suitable for
remains of similar structures, being on the flatter ground of the higher part of the ridge. No
evidence of Iron Age activity has come to light within the assessment area.
The Roman period probably represents the first signs of settlement and industrialisation in the
area with some evidence for mining or surface extraction of the minerals, lead and ironstone.
At Draethen, just across the Rhymney valley, several Roman coins were found in an old lead
mine. At Lower Machen, Roman finds of masonry structures, carved stonework and
metalworking debris were discovered during construction of the A468 bypass road. More
recently in the 1990s numerous Roman artefacts from the fields to the south of the bypass road
were recovered by metal detecting and fieldwalking (Evans 2004). Furthermore, a geophysical
survey of the same fields (Barker and Mercer 2000) revealed a series of features one of which
may be interpreted as a timber building. The north side of the road has also revealed remains
dating to the Roman period but this area has been less well studied. The archaeological
evidence suggests that a fairly densely occupied Roman lead-working settlement of 1st to 2nd-
century date was located within the present village of Lower Machen (Evans 2004).
Three distinct areas of early medieval and medieval presence are noted on the hill slopes
surrounding the proposed quarry extension. They include Pontymister, where place name
evidence points to an early medieval monastic site (Pierce 2000, 135-7); it is documented in the
later medieval period as a grange of Llantarnam Abbey. A second area includes Castell
Meredydd (SAM MM186, ID 00028g) was a house situated atop a rocky outcrop commanding
the Rhymney valley formerly occupied by the Welsh lord Meredydd Gethin. Fortified in the
late 12th century, the building was later captured by Gilbert de Clare in 1236 (Newman 2000,
372); the site is now nearly destroyed. The third area of interest is a series of house platforms,
probably representative of deserted rural settlement located around the northwest-facing slope
of Mynydd Machen. The majority of these belong to the medieval/post medieval periods, but
absolute dating is problematic (Locock 2001). These sub-rectangular platforms, of varying
dimensions (from between 15m by 8m to 6m by 3m) are formed by a cut and fill process,
where the material excavated from the upper part of the hillside is then spread and banked-up
over the downslope side to leave a horizontal flat platform. Apart from other types of building
construction there appears to be a tradition of platform building in the medieval and later
periods in South Wales (Locock 2001).
The historical periods of post-medieval and modern are represented by features linked to the
present communities in the valleys on either side of the hill, Machen and Lower Machen to the
southwest and Pontymister to the northeast. In the main, the landscape of the earlier post-
medieval period was dominated largely by rural farming until the 19th century when modern
industry developed along the river valleys. Extant chapels and disused mines, limekilns,
foundries and tram/railroads are testament to the once prosperous days of industry. Whilst
housing proliferated along the valley bottoms, a core area of rural farmland was maintained on
the hillslopes. Three sites have Listed Building status, Machen House, Panteg Farmhouse and
5
a bee bole at Plas Machen. Ordnance Survey cartographic evidence from 1886 onward to the
present day depicts the proposed extension area as cultivated fields with no buildings shown.
A recent watching brief undertaken as part of the ongoing works at the site was conducted
during the excavation of a series of sixteen test pits within the extension area (Tuck 2004). No
archaeologically important deposits or features were noted in the test pits. However, a
walkover survey noted a sub-rectangular feature (MQ1) on the summit of the hill (see Figure
2), which is the subject of the present evaluation. It measures 25m east-west by 20m north-
south, and is delimited by low banks at the northern and eastern edges, and by shallow ditches
to the west and south. A further two features were noted (MQ2 and MQ3), both sub-circular in
shape and associated with nearby linear-shaped depressions. These may represent demolished
cairns or be associated with industrial workings, such as lead mining.
6
2. Methodology
Five trenches were mechanically excavated by a tracked excavator with a 2m wide grading
bucket. Mechanical excavation was halted when archaeological deposits or the natural bedrock
was encountered and hand excavation implemented. A full written, drawn and photographic
record was made of all archaeological contexts, in accordance with the GGAT Manual of
Excavation Recording Techniques. Contexts were recorded using a single continuous
numbering system, and are summarised in Appendix I. All significant contexts were
photographed using a Fuji Film S9600 9MP digital camera and in monochrome 35mm film.
All classes of finds were identified and catalogued in line with the requirements of the Institute
of Field Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance for the collection, documentation,
conservation and research of archaeological materials (2001). The finds recovered were of
modern date therefore an on-site recording and discard policy for this class of finds was
adopted in line with the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques.
The management of environmental recording and sampling followed the principles and tenets
laid down in English Heritage’s Guidelines for Environmental Archaeology, published in 2002.
All deposits with a high potential for the preservation of palaeoenvironmental material were
sampled by bulk for subsequent analysis.
An archive of records relating to the preparation of the reports has been prepared to the
specifications in Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage, 1991) Appendix 6
and UKIC’s Archaeological Archives: a guide to best practice in creation, compilation,
transfer and curation 2007.
After an appropriate period has elapsed, copies of the report and archive index will be
deposited with the regional Historic Environment Record (HER). A copy of the report and
archive index will also be deposited with the National Monuments Record, RCAHMW,
Aberystwyth.
7
T2
Section MQ1
(see Figure 4) T4
T5
Section
(see Figure 3) T1 T3
0 30 60metres
MQ1
T2
T4
T5
T1 T3
See enlargement top right
GRID
0 100 200metres
Figure 2. Plan showing location of Trenches 1-5 and MQ1. Inset showing location of section drawings in Trenches 1 and 2
8
3. Results
Trench 1
(Plates 1-4, Figure 4)
Trench 1 was excavated to a maximum depth of 1.3m and measured 7.3m in length and 3.8m
in width.
The basal deposit encountered was limestone bedrock (103). This bedrock was dipping to the
south west at approximately 17o. It was encountered at its shallowest point at ground level
where it outcropped to the surface and was deepest at 0.6m below ground level. It was
fractured on its surface with pieces of the limestone being held in the overlying deposit.
Overlying the bedrock was an orange-brown silty clay subsoil (102) containing angular and
sub-angular limestone especially concentrated toward the base of the deposit where it had
fractured from the bedrock. The subsoil also contained occasional manganese staining.
Overlying deposit 102 in a small part of the east facing section was a very thin deposit of
limestone fragments (105) varying in size between 0.02-0.12m in length. The deposit
measured 1.5m in length and had a maximum depth of 0.10m. Overlying these stones was a
deposit of orange-brown silty clay (106). This deposit measured 1.5m in length and only
occurred overlying 105. This silty clay deposit 106 separated the thin stone deposit 105 from
the clearance cairn proper (104). A mid brown, clay loam topsoil (101) overlay 106. The
topsoil contained inclusions of angular and sub-angular limestone and quartz conglomerate
varying in size from 0.04m – 0.47m. Contained by topsoil 101 was a clearance cairn (104)
which was comprised of limestone and quartz conglomerate boulders measuring up to 0.44m.
Trench 2
(Plate 5 and 6, Figure 5)
in width.
The basal deposit encountered was limestone bedrock (205). This was encountered at varying
depths along the trench, the highest being at 0.3m below ground level and the lowest was at
1.2m below ground level. Overlying this bedrock was a red-brown silty subsoil (202) which
measured between 0.19m and 0.88m in depth, being deepest where the underlying bedrock was
lowest. Overlying 202 was a thin deposit (0.07 – 0.22m) of yellow-white clay (203) which
contained frequent small (2mm – 61mm) inclusions of angular and sub-angular quartz. This
was only visible in the south facing section. Overlying 202 in part of the west facing section
was a deposit of angular and sub-angular limestone (204) varying in size between 0.03 – 0.1m.
Directly above this deposit was a significant depth of disturbing root action. The length of the
deposit as seen in the section was 1.84m and a minimum depth of 0.17m and a maximum depth
of 0.32m. Overlying 204 was a mid brown clay loam topsoil (201). This varied in depth
between 0.20m and 0.40m. Contained by the topsoil was a post-medieval/ modern clearance
cairn (206), which comprised large sub-angular fragments of limestone and quartz
conglomerate.
9
Trench 3
(Plate 7)
in width.
The basal deposit encountered in Trench 3 was the limestone bedrock (303). This was
encountered at varying depths along the trench, the highest being at 0.5m below ground level
and the lowest part was at 1.0m below ground level. Overlying this bedrock was a red-brown
silty subsoil (302) which measured between 0.30m and 0.74m in depth, being deepest where
the underlying bedrock was lowest. The subsoil contained inclusions of sub-angular quartz
conglomerate and limestone up to 0.17m in diameter. This deposit also contained isolated
small flecks of charcoal (2mm in length). Contained by 302 were three small deposits of
yellow-brown silty clay (304, 305, 306) having a maximum diameter of 0.12m and a minimum
diameter of 0.07m and each measured 0.04m in depth. Each feature was investigated by box
section and discerned to be natural variations in the subsoil as no distinct cut could be seen in
each case. Two flint finds were recovered and retained from deposit 302 and are subject to a
specialist report (see 3.2.1 below). Overlying 302 was a mid brown clay loam topsoil which
contained moderate inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded limestone and quartz
conglomerate fragments varying in size between 0.01m and 0.15m. Contained by topsoil 301
was a post-medieval or modern clearance cairn (307), which comprised sub-rounded and sub-
angular limestone and quartz conglomerate stones which varied in size between 0.14 – 0.70m
in diameter. The stones were loosely compacted, with the lowermost stones being held within
the topsoil and the upper stones resting upon the stones below.
Trench 4
(Plate 8 and 9)
in width.
The basal deposit encountered in Trench 4 was the limestone bedrock (404). This was
encountered at varying depths along the trench, the highest being at ground level and the
lowest was at 1.0m below ground level. Overlying the bedrock was an orange-brown silty clay
(402) with occasional angular and sub-angular limestone, occurring most commonly where the
bedrock was highest. Flecks of charcoal (2mm) were found in isolation in the south end of the
trench, contained within 402. The uppermost deposit in Trench 4 was a mid brown, clay loam
topsoil (401) varying in depth between 0.28 – 0.52m. This topsoil deposit produced a single
flint find that was retained and formed part of a specialist report (see 3.2.1 below). The
bedrock outcrops in the north-east corner of the trench where a possible ridge of the bedrock
continues in an east-west alignment. Contained within the topsoil was a late post-medieval or
modern clearance cairn (403) comprised of angular and sub-angular limestone varying in size
from 0.14 – 0.64m. Underlying the stones were numerous fragments of barbed wire and non-
barbed wire fencing.
10
Trench 5
(Plate 10)
in width.
The basal deposit encountered in Trench 5 was limestone bedrock (503), which was
encountered at a maximum depth of 0.3m. The bedrock also outcropped to the surface.
Overlying the bedrock was deposit 502, a red-brown silty clay containing frequent inclusions
of sub-rounded and sub-angular limestone. Overlying 502 was deposit 503, this was a mid
brown, clay loam topsoil containing frequent components of sub-angular and sub-rounded
limestone and quartz conglomerate varying in size between 0.04 – 0.47m in length.
11
South North
( 104 )
101
101 101
101 101
106
Stone Deposit 267.78m
105 Site Datum
102 102 Upper surface

of 103
0 1.00 2.00metres
Figure 3. East facing section in Trench 1
12
East South-west North

( 206 )
201 201
268.45m 201 201

Site Datum
202
202
Upper surface
of 205 South-west
corner of
trench
0 1.00 2.00metres
Figure 4. North and east facing section in Trench 2
13
Plate 1. Trench 1. Showing clearance cairn 104. View to the south west.
Plate 2. Trench 1. North facing section showing proximity of the limestone

bedrock to the ground surface.
14
Plate 3. Trench 1. South facing section showing proximity of the bedrock to

the ground surface.
Plate 4. Trench 1. Oblique view of the west facing section showing the shallow
bedrock.
15
Plate 5. Trench 2. Showing stony clay 203. View to north
Plate 6. Trench 2. South-west corner showing clearance cairn (206). View to

south-west.
16
Plate 7. Trench 3. South-facing section showing clearance cairn (307).

Oblique view to north west.
Plate 8. Trench 4. View to the north showing clearance cairn 403 and shallow
bedrock 404.
17
Plate 9. Trench 4. View to the east showing very shallow and outcropping
bedrock 404. The possible leading face of a small quarry area continuing to
the east.
Plate 10. Trench 5. View to the south-east. showing shallow and outcropping
bedrock.
18
3.1 Finds
Several finds were encountered during the evaluation and retained. The assemblage contained
four flints, a single piece of lead slag and two very small pieces of possibly heated clay (502).
The lithics were sent for specialist analysis and the report is included below (3.1.1).
3.1.1 Lithic Analysis (By Richard Lewis BA MIfA)
Introduction
An area of outcropping limestone bedrock at Machen quarry has been evaluated ahead of
limestone extraction. During the excavation of several trenches lithic material from three
contexts was recovered and presented for analysis (see Table 1). The analysis of this small
assemblage forms the subject of the present report.
Methodology
The assemblage is composed of flint and was examined and recorded using a typological
recording system (Andrefsky 2000). Brief details including raw materials, condition and
pertinent technological information was also recorded. No further technical analysis was
undertaken. However, the potential for usewear was recorded where it was found to facilitate
further analysis in the future.
Raw material and condition
There is wide variation as to what is commonly classified as flint or chert (Whittaker 2007, 70).
However, the most common definition limits flint to material formed in chalk deposits while
chert can be found forming in limestone environments. Both materials belong to the
cryptocrystalline group of silicates.
All of the material examined from the present assemblage can be classified as flint. The
patinated conchoidal flint blade (context 401) and undiagnostic conchoidal flint flake
(unstratisfied) shows evidence of heat treatment. This may indicate an inferior parent material,
which needed improving. Cryptocrystalline silicates when heated slowly to 230-260° Celsius
form smooth, glossy surfaces with a soapy feel that become very easy to fracture and thus
easier to manipulate. There are several schools of thought as to why this occurs, some suggest
the silica crystals melt and fuse becoming more homogeneous while the others argue that
microscopic cracks are formed during the heating process that weakens the material
sufficiently for easier fracturing (Whittaker 2007, 72-73).
Description of material
Trench 3 (context 302) produced two flint tools. The first is a Mesolithic conchoidal blade of
pale, almost translucent, light brown flint with a small amount of cortex present on the dorsal
surface at the distal end. The proximal end of the blade has a clearly defined bulb of percussion
and eraillure facet with evidence of a crushed platform. The ventral surface shows possible
usewear damage along the blade edge. The second worked piece of flint is a grey patinated
scraper fragment with a rounded hinge step at the distal end and retouch on the dorsal surface.
Only the distal end of the scraper survives, the proximal end is absent, probably the result of a
natural medial break.
Trench 4 (context 401) produced a Neolithic conchoidal blade of smooth dark grey flint with
mottled white patination, possibly indicating heat treatment. The blade has a prepared platform
19
at the proximal end with a clearly defined bulb of percussion and eraillure facet. The platform
is clean (not crushed) and is angled at 35° towards the ventral surface creating an ideal striking
platform for its removal from the parent core. The dorsal surface has a clearly defined ridge
from previous blade removals and a small quantity of cortex at the distal end. Possible usewear
is present on the ventral surface along the upper half of the blade, terminating at an older step
fracture.
Unstratisfied material included one undiagnostic conchoidal flint flake (possibly debitage). The
flake is a smooth dark grey flint with mottled white patination, possibly indicating heat
treatment. Clean breaks can be found on two edges, the shorter possibly a prepared platform
the longer probably through natural processes. The flake has similar attributes (smooth dark
grey flint with mottled white patination) to the flint blade from context 401 and may have a
common origin.
Discussion
The small assemblage is typical of those found in an upland environment and probably the
result of casual loss rather than representing evidence of settlement and occupation. However,
the presence of at least two pieces of flint, one blade (context 401) and one piece of probable
debitage (unstratisfied), showing evidence of heat treatment, suggests that this may have
occurred in the immediate locale and that these pieces may have a common origin. Heat
treating flint is a hazardous technique, if heated too quickly or exposed to cool air whilst hot
they are liable to fracture or shatter but if carried out correctly indicates considerable technical
ability.
The presence of the Mesolithic blade represents activity of the period. The possible usewear
along the ventral surface (along the one edge) indicates that this piece may have been hafted
along one edge, as found on tools such as arrows, sickles and knives. However, no resinous
residue was visible along the potentially hafted blade edge and the piece was not subjected to
microscopic analysis.
20
Machen Quarry Extension, Newport: archaeological field evaluation
Table 1: Summary of flint assemblage from Machen Quarry. Site no.633

Trench Context Worked Flakes Retouched Cores and Chips Period Summary Total
stone forms core
fragments
Trench 302 - 1 - - - Mesolithic Mesolithic conchoidal blade with possible marginal retouch on 1
3 the ventral surface. However, this may be the result of usewear.
Blade is sub-rectangular in form. Proximal end has a clearly
defined bulb of percussion and eraillure facet; evidence of a
crushed platform. Cortex is present on the dorsal surface at the
distal end. Pale light brown flint. Weight = 0.2g, Length =
17mm, Width = 7mm (distal end), 8mm (proximal end).
Trench 302 - - 1 - - Prehistoric Scraper fragment hinged at distal end, clean medial break, 1
3 proximal end absent. Retouch present on dorsal surface and
ripple marks present on ventral surface. Radial fissures present
from proximal end on dorsal surface. Grey patinated flint.
Weight = 2.4g, Length = 18mm, Width = 29mm, Thickness =
4mm.
Trench 401 - - 1 - - Neolithic Patinated conchoidal flint blade. Prepared platform at proximal 1
4 end with clearly defined bulb of percussion and eraillure facet.
Possible usewear on ventral surface along upper half of the
blade, terminating at an older step fracture. Dorsal surface has a
clearly defined ridge from previous blade removal and a small
quantity of cortex at the distal end. Smooth dark grey flint with
mottled white patination, possibly indicating heat treatment.
Weight – 7.6g, Length = 66mm. Width = 32mm (distal end),
8mm (proximal end), overall thickness 12mm.
- Unstratisfied - 1 - - - Prehistoric Undiagnostic conchoidal flint flake (debitage). Limited ripple 1
marks present. Smooth dark grey flint with mottled white
patination, possibly indicating heat treatment. Clean breaks
found on two edges, the shorter possibly a prepared platform.
Parent material appears synonymous with the flint blade from
Context 401. Weight = 4.7g, Length = 38mm, Width = 26mm,
Thickness = 3mm.
TOTAL 4
21
Use-wear
Cortex
Dorsal View Ventral View
Use-wear
Cortex
Dorsal View Ventral View
Key
Presence and position of
Extent of striking intact striking platform/bulb of Extent of whitened thermal effect
platform percussion (shown as grey)
Figure 5. Flint blade (scale 1:1) and Mesolithic flint (scale 2:1) below
22
4. Conclusion
The results of the evaluation concluded that the stone deposits to the north of the
quarry at Machen were clearance cairns of late post-medieval or modern date (MQ1).
The stone was held exclusively in the topsoil or resting on top of the turf. Underlying
the cleared stones in Trench 4 were several pieces of barbed wire and non-barbed wire
fencing. The bedrock underlaying the evaluation area was encountered at shallow
depths beneath current ground level. The deepest it was encountered was at 1.2m in
Trench 2 where it was unusually deep when compared to the other trenches, where an
average depth of 0.3m was common. The bedrock outcropped to surface extensively
in the vicinity and this is the likely source of the stone that has formed the clearance
cairns. The area both surrounding and including the evaluation area was ploughed
during the twentieth century up until modern times. Prior to this ploughing the
outcropping bedrock and loose limestone fragments would have been cleared in
advance of ploughing to avoid damage to the plough.
The subsoil in Trenches 2 and 3 contained worked flints. The small assemblage was
typical of those found in an upland environment and probably the result of casual loss
rather than representing evidence of settlement or occupation.
No further archaeological finds, features or deposits were encountered.
23
Bibliography
Andrefsky, W, 2000, Lithics – Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis. Cambridge
Manuals in Archaeology, Cambridge University Press
Evans, E M, 2004, Land adjacent to The Old Post Office, Lower Machen:
archaeological field evaluation, GGAT report no. 2004/005
Dunning, R, 2006, Machen Quarry Extension: Written Scheme of Investigation.
GGAT Report 2006/072
Locock, M, 2001, GGAT 65 Deserted Rural Settlements in Glamorgan and Gwent: a
condition survey, GGAT Report No. 2001/016
Newman J, 2000, The Buildings of Wales- Gwent/Monmouthshire, University of
Wales Press
Pierce, G O, 2000, The Welsh mystwyr, Nomina 23, 121-140
Tuck, M, 2004, Machen Quarry Extension, Caerphilly: archaeological assessment,
GGAT Report no. 2004/040
Whittaker, JC, 2007, Flint Knapping - Making and Understanding Stone Tools.
University of Texas
24
Appendix I: Context Inventory

Context Location Context Context Description Depth below Period
Number Type ground
surface (m)
101 Trench 1 Deposit A mid brown clay loam with inclusions 0 - 0.18 Post-medieval/
of angular and sub-angular limestone Modern
and quartz conglomerates fragments
varying in size from 0.04 – 0.47m.
These are likely to be a result of
clearance prior/during ploughing
throughout the 19th/20th century. In
places the underlying limestone
bedrock outcrops to the surface. The
depth of the topsoil varies as the
subsoil beneath gently undulates.
102 Trench 1 Deposit An orange-brown, silty clay deposit 0.18 - 0.49 Unknown
overlying the undulating limestone
bedrock. This deposit contains a
moderate amount of limestone,
especially towards the base of the
deposit where the bedrock has
fractured. In places the bedrock cuts
through this deposit where it outcrops
to the surface. Occasional manganese
staining contained within deposit.
103 Trench 1 Bedrock Natural limestone bedrock. 0.49 – n.b. Natural
104 Trench 1 Deposit A clearance cairn measuring 1.8m in 0 – 0.70 Post-medieval
length and a max of 0.8m in depth
viewed in the east facing section of
Trench 1. The stone includes both
limestone and quartz conglomerates
105 Trench 1 Deposit A thin deposit of small limestone 0.70 – 0.80 Unknown
fragments (0.02 – 0.12m) measuring
approximately 1.5m in length running
north-south as seen in the east facing
section.
106 Trench 1 Deposit A thin deposit of orange-brown silty 0.30 – 0.60 Natural
clay underlying 105.
201 Trench 2 Deposit A mid brown clay loam with 0 – 0.20 Post-medieval/
occasional sub-angular and sub-circular Modern
limestone with a maximum diameter of
0.17m
202 Trench 2 Deposit A red-brown, silty subsoil containing 0.20 – 0.75 Unknown
isolated patches of large, sub-angular
quartz conglomerate and limestone
fragments varying in size from 0.09 –
0.40m. Isolated flecks of manganese.
25

Number Type ground
surface (m)
203 Trench 2 Deposit A thin deposit of yellow-white greasy 0.29 - 0.41 Unknown
silty clay with frequent fragments of
angular quartz .
204 Trench 2 Deposit A deposit of angular and sub-angular 0 - 0.24 Unknown
limestone varying in size between 0.03
– 0.1m. The deposit had a length in the
section of 1.84m and a minimum depth
of 0.17m and a maximum depth of
0.32m
205 Trench 2 Deposit Natural limestone bedrock. 0.40 – n.b. Natural
206 Trench 2 Natural A clearance cairn measuring 2.45m 0 – 0.85m Post-medieval/
min. (extends into section) in length Modern
and a max of 0.85m in depth viewed in
the north facing and east facing section
of Trench 2. The stone includes both
limestone and quartz conglomerates
301 Trench 3 Deposit A mid brown clay loam topsoil which 0 – 0.28 Post-medieval/
contains moderate amounts of sub- Moden
angular and sub-rounded limestone and
quartz conglomerate stones which vary
in size between 0.01 – 0.15m. This
deposit varies in depth across the
trench as the deposits fill undulations
in the underlying deposit.
302 Trench 3 Deposit A red-brown silty clay sub-soil that 0.28 – 0.58 Unknown
contains isolated sub-angular quartz
conglomerates measuring up to 0.17m
in size. This deposit also contains
isolated small flecks of charcoal. This
deposit varies in depth as the
underlying bedrock undulates.
303 Trench 3 Bedrock Natural limestone bedrock 0.58 – n.b. Natural
304 Trench 3 Deposit A sub-circular deposit of yellow- 0.48 – 0.52 Unknown
brown, silty clay which is extremely
fine and greasy. On initial inspection
this was thought to be a small feature,
possibly a stake hole. However a box
section revealed that this deposit was
not contained by a discernable cut and
probably represented a natural variation
in the subsoil.
26

Number Type ground
surface (m)
305 Trench 3 Deposit A sub-circular deposit of yellow- 0.47 – 0.51 Unknown
brown, silty clay which is extremely
fine and greasy. On initial inspection
this was thought to be a small feature,
possibly a stake hole. However a box
section revealed that this deposit was
not contained by a discernable cut and
probably represented a natural variation
in the subsoil.
306 Trench 3 Deposit A collection of at least three sub-oval 0.50 – n.b.. Natural
patches of yellow-brown fine, greasy
silty clay. All natural variations in 302.
307 Trench 3 Deposit A large clearance cairn built out of sub- 0 – 0.80 Post-medieval/
rounded and sub-angular limestone and Modern
quartz conglomerate boulders which
vary in size between 0.04 to 0.7m. The
boulders are loosely compacted and
contained by a loose clay loam, very
similar to the topsoil. Lower boulders
have sunk into the underlying subsoil
through the weight of the stones piled
above.
401 Trench 4 Deposit A mid brown clay loam topsoil 0 – 0.28 Post-medieval
containing a moderate abundance of /Modern
angular and sub-angular limestone. The
bedrock outcrops in the northeast
corner of this trench where the ridge of
a small quarry may be seen. Contains
clearance cairn 403.
402 Trench 4 Deposit An orange-brown, silty clay deposit 0.28 – 0.53 Unknown
with occasional abundance of angular
and sub-angular stone where the
bedrock is high. Tiny (2mm-4mm)
flecks of charcoal found in isolation to
the south end of the trench. A single
flint recovered from this deposit.
403 Trench 4 Deposit A late post-medieval or modern 0 – 0.56. Post-medieval/
clearance cairn. The stone is deposited Modern
on top of barbed wire fencing and other
metal fencing wire. The stone is
angular and sub-angular limestone
measuring between 0.14 – 0.64m and
contained within the topsoil.
404 Trench 4 Natural Natural limestone bedrock 0.56 – n.b. Natural
27
501 Trench 5 Deposit A mid brown, clay loam topsoil with 0 – 0.21. Post-medieval/
frequent inclusions of sub-angular and Modern
sub-rounded limestone and quartz
conglomerate. The stone varies in size
between 0.004m and 0.47m in length.
These deposits of stone most probably
represent post-medieval clearance. The
topsoil is punctuated in places by
outcropping bedrock.
502 Trench 5 Deposit A red-brown silty clay containing 0.21 – 0.34 Unknown
frequent sub-rounded and sub-angular
limestone measuring up to 0.29m. The
natural bedrock outcrops through this
deposit. The subsoil also contained
flecks of manganese.
503 Trench 5 Bedrock Natural limestone bedrock 0.34 – n.b. Natural
n.b. – not bottomed
28

Machen Quarry Extension, Carphilly

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Machen Quarry Extension, Carphilly

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Machen Quarry Extension

Archaeological field evaluation

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd

1.2 Location and Topography

Figure 1. Site location

1.4 Historical and archaeological background

See enlargement top right

102 102 Upper surface

Figure 3. East facing section in Trench 1

East South-west North

268.45m 201 201

Figure 4. North and east facing section in Trench 2

Plate 2. Trench 1. North facing section showing proximity of the limestone

Plate 3. Trench 1. South facing section showing proximity of the bedrock to

Plate 5. Trench 2. Showing stony clay 203. View to north

Plate 6. Trench 2. South-west corner showing clearance cairn (206). View to

Plate 7. Trench 3. South-facing section showing clearance cairn (307).

3.1.1 Lithic Analysis (By Richard Lewis BA MIfA)

Table 1: Summary of flint assemblage from Machen Quarry. Site no.633

Dorsal View Ventral View

Appendix I: Context Inventory

Context Location Context Context Description Depth below Period

Context Location Context Context Description Depth below Period

n.b. – not bottomed

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