Archaeologists unveil coastal finds to Mumbles history enthusiasts

The guests – from the Story of Mumbles website – enjoyed a tour of the Mumbles sea defences project which is making the community safer against the threat of storms and rising tides.

The project, due to be completed next year and largely funded by Welsh Government, is being driven by your council.

Main contractors Knights Brown are working closely through the scheme with experts from independent specialist firm Archaeology Wales.

Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “We appreciate the careful, meticulous and expert work being carried out by Archaeology Wales and Knights Brown on behalf of future generations.

“It was good that history enthusiasts got up close with the finds. I look forward to seeing the archaeologists’ final reports – and a stronger, improved seawall and prom for Mumbles.”

Archaeology Wales project manager Paul W Huckfield welcomed members of the website team.

Finds so far range from prehistoric peat beds to post holes for scaffolding that helped build the seawall in Victorian times.

Finds have included the lower part, or bilge, of two large timber oyster vessels. The remains of both were photographed and recorded before being re-buried.

The heyday of the Mumbles oyster trade was during the 1850s. By the 1920s it had collapsed and the then-useless specialist boats – or skiffs – were simply left on the beach.

Mr Huckfield said: “The Mumbles foreshore is an ever-changing environment. Its tides, sand, peat and mud bring their own challenges to this study but I’m confident that our work will help future generations better understand the area’s celebrated relationship with the sea.”

Beverley Rogers, of The Story of Mumbles, said: “Our members enjoyed a memorable experience, hosted by knowledgeable professionals; we now have a greater insight into the living history of our foreshore over the ages.

“The visit was fascinating. We’ll add details and photos to our website.”

Those who helped to set up the website included community interest company Gower Unearthed.

Archaeology plays a key role in the sea defences scheme, in its planning and development processes.

The experts help protect the long-lost items, preserve them by making detailed records, taking photos and in due course, publishing reports.

In Mumbles, they have a watching brief throughout work, undertaking evaluation and analysis with some key material being taken away for study by other specialists.

Reports will be added to the freely accessible public archive on the Archwilio website.

Knights Brown project manager Neil Chambers said: “The website members’ visit highlighted the significance of preserving our coastal heritage and helped to foster a strong sense of community engagement as we work to protect our environment and its rich history.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made with the Mumbles coastal protection scheme and the finds they have discovered while making the area safer from flooding.”