Discovery of remains 9,000 year-old encampment in Wales

Rhuddlan in the county of Denbighshire (Welsh: Sir Ddinbych) is in the north-east of Wales (Cymru). Rhuddlan has the highest concentration of Mesolithic sites in Wales. The Mesolithic period of pre-history, sometimes called the middle stone age is dated between 9,600 and 4,000 BC. An archaeological dig, carried out in October 2020, at a site designated for development on Castle Hill, Rhuddlan, has uncovered a 9,000 year old site with more than 300 stone age tools and artefacts.

Experts from Aeon Archaeology, who have been excavating at the site of what would have been a sandy ridge overlooking the flood-plain of the River Clwyd, think that the artefacts were left by a group which was passing through and made camp by the river more than 9,000 years ago. Mesolithic people at this time were hunter-gatherers and didn't have fixed settlements. Along with the rock and flint items found at the site, there were three post holes, material from which was carbon dated at somewhere between 9220-9280 years old.

Given the rich history of the area local Councillor Ann Davies ensured there would be some archaeological oversight when planning permission was granted for a new development on the site. A decision that has proven to have led to a finding of great significance.  The 9,000 year discovery of this encampment has resulted in what has been described as “on a par with the oldest proven Mesolithic site in Wales”. Councillor Davies will now be calling for these artefacts to be displayed in the local archives centre.

Image: Courtesy of Aeon Archaeology some of the Mesothic artefacts discovered.