Rich history revealed by treasure
THE latest haul of treasure found in South Wales has offered a rare glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Eleven archaeological discoveries ranging from the ninth century BC to the 17th century AD have been declared treasure by HM Coroner for Bridgend, the Glamorgan Valleys and Powys.
The objects were discovered by members of the public and are said to be significant in adding to our knowledge of the technologies, styles and fashions of people living in and influencing Wales over time.
Six of the 11 discoveries were found in the Vale of Glamorgan, including a Roman coin hoard from Llancarfan, near Barry, and a medieval silver annular brooch from Llangan, near Bridgend.
Five of the objects were discovered in Merthyr Tydfil and Powys.
They include a late bronze age hoard from Llanfrynach in Mid Wales.
The items will now be acquired for museums near to the sites where they were unearthed, for visitors to see what has been found on their doorsteps.
Among them, a personal dress object – a post-medieval silver dress hook – was discovered in Llanfair near Cowbridge in June 2016.
It is a style unknown in Wales, although similar examples have been found in North Yorkshire and Surrey.
David Pierce, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees, said: “Cowbridge and District Museum will be delighted to receive this silver gilt dreshook.
“It will be our first item collected with the help of the Saving Treasures; Telling Stories project.
“The museum has recently been awarded full accreditation under the Welsh Government scheme, which has allowed us to receive treasure objects such as this.
“The item will make a very welcome addition to our collection of local artefacts.”
This accessory was particularly popular in the 16th century, when it would have been used to fasten and lift up the hem of a gown.
Dr Rhianydd Biebrach, a project officer at the National Museum Wales, believes certain finds raise more intriguing questions than answers.
Dr Biebrach, said: “The two Roman coin hoards are both fascinating.
“There’s plenty of evidence for Roman activity in the Vale of Glamorgan, but the Vaynor hoard, from Merthyr Tydfil, is particularly significant as the evidence for the presence of the Romans is scarcer in the valley areas.
“The hoard is also a relatively early example, having been buried at about the end of the first century AD, not that long after the Romans had eventually managed to subdue South Wales.
“The coins were deliberately buried, probably for safekeeping, but why their owner never returned for them we’ll never know.”