A Reassessment of the Neolithic Chambered Tombs of South-West Wales (Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire)

Barker, Christopher Thompson (1989) A Reassessment of the Neolithic Chambered Tombs of South-West Wales (Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire). MLitt(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The megalithic chambered tombs of south-west Wales represent a local development within a widespread Neolithic tradition. As a group the tombs have been relatively neglected by archaeologists; indeed this thesis provides the first modern reassessment of these monuments within the former Counties of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The Introduction documents past antiquarian and archaeological investigation of the megalithic sites of SW Wales and considers the deficiencies and limitations of these earlier studies. The Inventory comprises a review of every site within the two Counties which has ever been described as a cromlech or chambered tomb. The descriptive account of each site is drawn from the available antiquarian and archaeological records, together with detail obtained by personal survey. Fresh plans and elevations have been prepared for each of the monuments at which chamber-like structures remain. The Discussion reviews both our present knowledge of the Neolithic in South Wales and the archaeological evidence recovered from the tombs of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Critical examination of the 'perceived' tomb typologies cast doubts on the validity of imposing systems of classification on such diverse and disturbed sites. In particular the alleged dominance of the Portal Dolmen within the region can no longer be sustained.

• Item Type: Thesis (MLitt(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Archaeology
• Date of Award: 1989
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1989-78041
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 15:42
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 15:42
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78041