United Kingdom

Cefn Caves

Paleolithic cave network in North Wales

Location

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Historical Context

About

Cefn Caves are a group of four interlinked caves in the limestone cliffs of the Elwy valley, north of Denbigh, in Denbighshire, North Wales. Early excavations found both human and animal remains dating back to the Paleolithic period. The cave network is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The network of caves was first excavated in the 1830s by the Rev E. Stanley, finding fragments of stone tools along with numerous animal bones which had been laid down over a wide period, probably accumulated in the caves by water action. The 'Old Cave' passage is a remnant of a former underground course of the River Elwy, eroded through the limestone and then left behind by the continued downcutting of the gorge. The cave complex is used for caving activities by a nearby outdoor activity centre.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Early excavation

1830s

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

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Miscellaneous Features

Underground Tunnels
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified CavesRock Shelters
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Reference

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

53.22° N, -3.47° E