United Kingdom

Llyn Fawr

Reservoir and Bronze–Iron Age hoard, South Wales

Location

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Historical Context

About

Llyn Fawr ('large lake' in Welsh) is a reservoir that occupies one of a series glacial cirques that form the northern escarpment of the South Wales Coalfield uplands, overlooking the heads of the Vale of Neath and the Cynon Valley, South Wales. It is known as the site of an important hoard of weapons and tools from the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. It lies on the northern flanks of Craig-y-Llyn, a mountain that is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The western cirque contains Llyn Fach ('small lake'). While in government terms, it falls in the unitary authority of Rhondda Cynon Taf, in geographic terms it is actually in the Vale of Neath and its excess waters (all its water before conversion) flow into Nant Gwrelych, which flows into the River Neath at Pont Walby near Glynneath. Less than 1 km to the southeast and south lie the headwaters of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach rivers, while 1.5 km to the southwest lie the headwaters of River Corrwg.

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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Iron sword date

c. 650 BC

Hoard discovered

1909–1912

Reservoir conversion contracted

1909

Reservoir completed

1913

Classification

Archaeological Features

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Miscellaneous Features

Buried Treasure
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Water Management Features

ReservoirsDams
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Industrial and Craft Structures

Mines
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Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters
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Reference

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

51.72° N, -3.57° E