Gateholm Island

Gateholm is a small tidal island off the southwest coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales. It lies at the western end of Marloes Sands and is accessible only when the tide is low. The island rises to a plateau about 40 metres high and covers roughly four hectares. Its rocks are steeply dipping Old Red Sandstone from the Silurian period. Gateholm is owned by the National Trust as part of the Marloes Sands and Mere estate. The island is recognised for its Romano-British remains and geological importance. It was bought by the National Trust in 1981 to protect the coastline and wildlife. The site is legally protected within several designated areas, including the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation. These protections cover bays, reefs, grey seals and large seabird populations. Excavations in 1910 and 1930 uncovered roundhouses, rectangular huts and artefacts from the Roman period. Visitors find a windswept plateau with the remains of roundhouses and rectangular huts arranged in rows. Some huts had small courtyards and stone facings with turf roofs. Finds include pottery, coins, a bronze stag and a 6th-century Irish pin. A stone phallus was found buried in a post hole of one house. The island also appeared in a Time Team episode and the film Snow White and the Huntsman.