(Picture Tim Daw)
Craig Rhosyfelin 
Primary Reference Number (PRN) : 115069
Trust : Dyfed
Unitary authority : Pembrokeshire
Event Type : EXCAVATION
NGR : SN117362
In 2011, several archaeological works including excavation and a geophysical survey were carried out at Craig Rhosyfelin as part of the ‘Stones of Stonehenge’ Project.
The excavation demonstrates unequivocal evidence for the prehistoric quarrying of Stonehenge-sized monoliths from a source that can be matched definitively with the ‘rhyolite with fabric’ recovered from Stonehenge.
Craig Rhosyfelin has proved to be a prehistoric monolith quarry at the precise spot identified geologically as a source for Stonehenge bluestone. Further excavation will provide more evidence for the methods of quarrying and moving bluestones.
Parker Pearson, M. et al. , 2011 , The Stones of Stonehenge Project: Investigations in the Nyfer (Nevern) Valley in 2011 ©
In 2012, a excavation was carried out at Craig Rhosyfelin as part of the ‘Stones of Stonehenge’ Project.
In September 2012 an excavation of over 200sq m was carried out against the foot of the outcrop along its northwest face.
Parker Pearson, M. et al. , 2012 , The Stones of Stonehenge Project: Investigations in the Nyfer (Nevern) Valley in 2012 ©
In September 2013 most of the 2012 excavation trench was re-opened, and excavation continued.
Parker Pearson, M. et al. , 2013 , The Stones of Stonehenge Project: Investigations in the Nyfer (Nevern) Valley in 2013 ©
In 2014, Excavations were carried out at Craig Rhosyfelin as part of The Stones of Stonehenge Project. The aims of investigation in 2014 were to investigate any evidence of what methods were used to move megaliths from the quarry to their next destination. To complete excavation of the various quarry installations within the area opened in 2013. To further investigate the Mesolithic prelude to Neolithic use of the outcrop.
In conclusion, Excavations at Craig Rhosyfelin in 2014 have provided evidence of clear zonation within the megalith quarry. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is the degree of pre-quarrying landscaping, with an upper and a lower platform, the latter revetted with a drystone retaining wall. It is also noteworthy that there was a small occupation area and hearth associated with this activity although without any evidence for stakeholes or postholes that might indicate the former presence of a roofed structure.
Parker Pearson et al , 2014 , The Stones of Stonehenge Project: Interim Report 2014 ©
In 2015, Excavations were carried out at Craig Rhosyfelin as part of ‘The Stones of Stonehenge’ Project. The aims of investigation in 2015 were to extend the excavation trench at Craig Rhos-y-felin beyond the edge of the quarry and to complete excavation at Craig Rhos-y-felin of the various features within the area opened in 2014.
In conclusion, a hollow way was found leading away from the stone-built jetty that was interpreted as a ‘loading bay’ for transferring monoliths onto their wooden sledges. The narrow dimensions of the hollow way reveal that rollers cannot have been used; timbers laid in the direction of movement are the preferred interpretation.
Parker Pearson et al , 2015 , The Stones of Stonehenge Project: Investigations in the Nyfer (Nevern) Valley in 2015 ©
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