Portskewett -
Page 2 of 2PORTSKEWETT, MONMOUTHSHIRE
The most surprising discovery, however, was a substantial stone-built structure which (inevitably) lay right on the edge of the excavation area. It appeared to be some kind of tower made from un-mortared crudely dressed stone. It was clearly of two phases with a later addition built on to one side. It measured 8m long by 4.5m wide with very thick walls up to 1.8m across which survived up to six courses high. A narrow passage which showed evidence of burning led into the interior of the tower which had a flagged floor and was separated from the passage by two pitched stones.
The two obvious questions are what is this structure and when was it built? Neither are easy to answer. Later 13th or 14th-century pottery was recovered from rubble derived from the demolition of the tower, but this doesn’t help date when it was first constructed. As to what it was, the thickness of the walls suggests a structure of some height and it is possible that the flagged interior could have accommodated a ladder (there would have been little room for much else). A tower would have had afforded commanding views up the creek to the estuary and dominated an approach up the slope from a beaching point. It might even have formed one side of a gateway, perhaps associated in some way with the other banks and ditches on the site.
At the moment it remains uncertain whether the structure should be associated with the court of the Kings of Gwent; Harold Godwinson’s hunting lodge, or the 13th-century manor. Further detailed research may help in sifting the possibilities, although one suspects that the enigmatic nature of this unexpected discovery will remain. Fortunately Barratt Homes quickly realised the significance of the find, and by working in valuable partnership with Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, who advise Monmouthshire Council on archaeological matters, agreed to amend their design to allow for the preservation of the tower within the development. The marriage of tantalising historical references and top-quality field evidence demonstrate just what an interesting place Portskewett is to do archaeology, and what a challenge it has been to unravel its complexities.
The stone tower during excavation. The later addition is clearly visible to the right
