Capel y Groes, depicted on 19th century maps, was thought to be the site of a medieval chapel, and to form part of Strata Florida's Mefenydd Grange administrative centre. Excavations, however, suggest that it was post-medieval cottage; no indication of a chapel site was revealed within the area excavated, although several other potentially important sites remain within the area, as depicted on geophysical survey results.
The site is situated in the corner of a pasture field belonging to Ty Mawr farm, a farmstead on the fringes of the small village of Swyddffynnon. The village has medieval origins, possibly as a bond settlement and may have formed the administrative focus for the monastic grange of Mefenydd.
Capel y Groes was identified as an area of potential importance by the Strata Florida Landscape Project undertaken by the School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology, University of Wales, Trinity St David. The geophysical survey (August 2010) and subsequent evaluation excavation (September 2010), was undertaken by Dyfed Archaeological Trust, as part of the Cadw-funded Wetland Margins Survey of the Cors Caron area.
The geophysical survey revealed several small enclosures around the main site; a larger enclosure, located on higher ground; and a possible trackway, correlative with the field boundary. A circular feature, which was also identified within the survey area, may, it is proposed, represent prehistoric activity.
A (single) trench evaluation excavation revealed the remains of a mortared stone; and a possible part-timber built building, with a mortared floor cut by an unusual arrangement of drains. Associated finds dated the building to between the 17th and 19th century, with the concentration of activity being within the late 18th and 19th century. The finds also indicated that this was a domestic structure, but one possibly engaged in agri-industrial activities. Associated enclosures, and a possible earlier trackway were also recorded. One medieval pit was discovered; and an undated ditch, which clearly pre-dated the post-medieval building.
Source: Dyfed Archaeological Trust, April 2011
L. Moore, RCAHMW, 6th May 2011