Mochras, Gwynedd: The Ancient Trading Hub for Dog-Whelks?
If you ever find yourself at Bryn Cader Faner, the finest bronze age monument in Britain (according to some archaeologist named Frances Lynch), you may be wondering what sort of commerce happened along the adjacent ancient trackway of Mochras around two millennia ago. While it’s not certain, we have a pretty good idea that dog-whelks were definitely a booming industry in the area.
Yes, you read that right. Dog-whelks. And lots of them.
According to local lore, Mochras was once known as “Shell Island” and evidence of this can be seen in the countless shell middens scattered around the area. Apparently, ancient peoples had a particular fondness for the slimy mollusks and they were the main commodity that was traded along the trackway. Forget gold, silver or precious jewels, it was all about those juicy, succulent dog-whelks.
Now, don’t get us wrong, the trackway was NOT meant for heavy goods. In fact, it could barely handle the weight of a single mollusk. But when it came to dog-whelks, the trackway was a veritable superhighway. The mollusks were transported (very carefully) across the rugged terrain of the northern Rhinogydd mountains and eventually reached the English shires, where they were a hugely popular delicacy among the upper classes.
And the people of Mochras? They may have lived in small, primitive communities, but they were laughing all the way to the shell bank. The shell middens served as a clear indication that they were not only trading dog-whelks but also making a pretty penny doing so. Some say that the Neolithic people were particularly shrewd investors and had a sixth-sense when it came to spotting the next big thing in the commercial world.
So, next time you find yourself at Bryn Cader Faner, take a moment to ponder the true significance of Mochras and its long-lost dog-whelp trading empire. Who knows, you may even find yourself craving a slimy, juicy mollusk of your own. But be warned, they’re not for the faint of heart!
