Subsequently Mr. Carter Blake identified amongst these osseous remains no less than four different kinds of the genus Bos—viz. primigenius, trochoceros, longifrons, and frontosus; as also a specimen of the ibex of the Pyrenees.
Some human skulls were found in the lowest formation of the peat, or immediately over the gravel. Along with these skulls only three other human bones were found; but this, according to the author, might not be the result of an oversight, as both the Celts and the Romans were known to have practised decapitation.
The piles at the south end were identified as elm, the remainder were oak (Quercus robur).
From the above carefully observed and recorded facts it will be observed that in addition to the primary piles which were inserted into the gravel there were others which did not penetrate so deeply, one having been carefully noted which terminated in the peat a foot and a half above the gravel. Facts precisely similar have been observed in almost all pile-dwellings whether on land or in water, showing that the elevations on which the platforms and huts were reared were successively renewed. Another conclusion which we are entitled to draw from the character of the relics and the conditions in which they were found is that in the low-lying districts of London the system of pile-dwellings was known in Britain in post-Roman times. Nor can it be said that this was a solitary instance, for similar remains were found in New Southwark Street, in regard to which the author writes as follows:—
"The piles are of the same scantling, also of oak, but somewhat longer than those of London Wall; the points are driven into the gravel; the peat is three to four feet thick; large beams of the same size as the piles have been laid across them horizontally, and Roman pottery is found at all depths in the peat. Judging from the extent over which these piles have been discovered, there can be little doubt that in digging for the foundations of the many large warehouses and other buildings that are now being built within this district the remains of early habitations are constantly turning up and are destroyed without receiving attention."
As to the relics from these London pile-dwellings let me finally observe, that, to a certain extent, both in character and surrounding conditions they correspond with those from the Terp mounds in Holland and North Germany, from which it is probable the earliest Anglo-Saxon invaders hailed.
CRANNOG IN LLANGORSE LAKE, NEAR BRECON, SOUTH WALES.
Only one lake-dwelling has hitherto been recorded in Wales, viz. that of Llangorse. The partial exploration to which it has been subjected was undertaken by the Rev. Mr. Dumbleton, and the results are recorded by him in the Archæologia Cambrensis for 1870 and 1872. (B. 173.) The following extracts from these reports clearly show that the island was entirely artificial and constructed after the manner of the Scottish and Irish crannogs. Its structural features were well seen in the surrounding stockades and log-floorings, while the heaps of charcoal, remains of food-refuse, and other indications point to a prolonged period of human occupancy. Mr. Dumbleton states that until about seven years ago, when the lake was artificially lowered a foot and a half, this island was not half its present size. He then advances various evidences to show that formerly the level of the water was still lower, when, therefore, the island would have been larger than now. This opinion may be, and probably is, correct; but we must remember that another factor has to be taken into account when discussing the invariable submergence of these islands, viz. their own pressure on a yielding lake sediment, together with the decay of the brushwood and other organic materials which generally formed their under strata. It is to be regretted that no relics were found on this island, and I cannot help thinking that, in the circumstances, a more careful search would have furnished some scraps of the handiwork of its occupiers. From the description it is clear that metal tools were used in manipulating the woodwork, but otherwise, and in the absence of any historical notice, we have no means of determining either the age of this singular lacustrine abode or the social condition of its inhabitants.
"Immediately beneath the southern spurs of the Black Mountains, and in the hollow of the great geological fracture which parts that chain from the Brecknockshire Beacons, is situated a sheet of water now called the Lake of Llangorse. Its name was formerly Llyn Savathan, or the lake of the sunken land. The area of water was once far more extensive than it is now; and it has subsequently been, as I think, considerably less than at present. A circuit of five miles will now enclose it. The margin is flat and swampy, except on the north-east, where the mountain descends upon the shore-line somewhat abruptly. The depth, though by vulgar report vast and fearful, Leland has rather overstated in assigning to it thirteen fathoms."
"Within a bow-shot of the flat meadows on the north side there is an island that would appear but little above the water, were it not for some small trees and brushwood that have fastened upon it.