North Wales

Archaeology Wales conducted a magnetometer survey at land of Penhesgyn, Anglesey, with the aim of assessing the archaeological potential of an area proposed for development. The results were used to inform the location of evaluation trenches, work that was subsequently carried out during a second stage of investigations.

Archaeology Wales undertook a Desk-based Assessment and Site Visit as part of the successful submission of a planning application for a proposed hydro-electric scheme on land near Hendre Waelod Farm, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, a location within both the Snowdonia National Park and the Ardudwy Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

Archaeology Wales excavated the remains of an early medieval cemetery at Llangefni, Anglesey. More than 40 bodies were recovered during the excavation, which were subsequently analysed by AW’s osteoarchaeologist with the aim of obtaining further information on their provenance, diet and palaeopathology.

A Heritage Impact Assessment was carried out to determine the likely significance of effect of a proposed hotel upon two scheduled monuments located within Parc Cybi Enterprise Zone. The study helped the developer to incorporate appropriate mitigation measures in their planning proposal.

Pre-development Client services, which included a field evaluation and a Desktop Study, helped to demonstrate that building remains associated with Leeswood Colliery survived on parts of the site. Subsequent targeted excavation revealed the presence of a high pressure, egg-end, boiler house and the remains of a tramway.

Open days took place in conjunction with Flintshire County Council to help explain the results of excavations undertaken within the town centre. Enthusiastic local support was maintained via a site blog and information boards, a display in the local library, and through the use of twitter and Facebook.

Excavations on three large sites in central Flint exposed archaeological sequences relating to the development of the town, including sections of the original, late 13th Century, town ditch. The excavations succeeded in removing archaeological deposits from the site and, consequently, allowed all three developments to proceed.

A level 3 Building Survey of a complex of structures at Soldiers Point House, Holyhead, produced a record of external and internal areas damaged following abandonment of the building in the late 20th century and a subsequent fire in 2011.

A detailed contour survey and palaeo-environmental sampling of peats and silts located at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, took place prior to and during groundworks at the site. The work helped to mitigate the impact of the proposed development on these deposits and minimise the need for costly excavation.

Archaeological investigation for Cadw prior to the construction of a new visitor centre at Harlech Castle helped to mitigate the impact of the proposed development on a series of nationally important archaeological deposits. The work was augmented by historic research and surveys of standing structures.