NAR SN61NE5

Roman coins found within the castle walls (NPRN 103970) and amid the scree and debris below the mouth of the castle cave (NPRN 84030). Accounts vary and as many as eight six coins appear to have been recovered in the period 1851-66; more than one of Domitian (72-96 AD) and six ranging from Constantius II to Gratian (337-383 AD). The later coins were all found in the 'rubbage' below the cave and might be classed as a hoard. The earlier examples may have been found in the castle itself.
A spindle whorl, with a concentric pattern on one side, was probably found below the cave.
It seems likely that there was a settlement of some kind on Carreg Cennen, although no traces can now be discerned. Alternatively activity may have focussed on the cave, which is one of several in the cliff.

Sources: Archaeologia Cambrensis 3rd series I (1855), 311
Transactions of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society & Field Club 19 (1925-6), xii
Nash Williams in the Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies IV.3 (1929), 251

Recent publications: Robertson 'Inventory of Romano-British Coin Hoards' (2000), 1301
Guest & Wells 'Iron Age & Roman Coins from Wales' (2007)

John Wiles 22.11.07