Underpinning this comparatively slim volume is a remarkable archaeological programme. The South Wales Gas Pipeline was constructed in 2005-2007, extending from the Pembrokeshire coast to Gloucestershire. It was not a direct route: the Brecon Beacons lay in the way. So in three stages, across Welsh coastal lowlands, in an exaggerated loop around the northern fringes of the National Park, and then across the Wye through the English border counties, it covered 317km. The archaeological approach was textbook: Historic Environment Records searched, field walkovers, geophysical surveys, trial trenching and test pits, re-routing to avoid known sites, and a watching brief and full excavation where required.
As for the discoveries – the roll call is impressive: the Vaynor Farm henge monument [see p.28], the Llwyn-Meurig Early Bronze Age ring ditch, the Mynydd Myddfai Iron Age hut settlement, and a previously unrecognised Roman road near the fort of Brecon Gaer are some of the highlights.
These and many more are brought together in a series of excellent synthetic chapters compiled by specialists with a deep knowledge of the archaeology of southern Wales, and supported by a wealth of colour illustrations. Fuller information on the excavations are to be found in a lengthy series of online reports on Cotswold Archaeology’s website.
