Fonmon Castle Landscape Archaeology Project

Location: Fonmon, Rhoose, Barry CF62 3BJ, UK

Season: May 24, 2027 to June 18, 2027

Application Deadline: April 1, 2027

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Fonmon Castle/Cardiff University

Project Director:
Dr Andy Seaman PhD ACIfA FHEA FSA

Project Description:

Fonmon Castle is situated in the Vale of Glamorgan in southeast Wales just a few miles from the coast and Cardiff International Airport. The Castle is thought to date back to the late twelfth century and has been adapted by succeeding owners adding features such as the Rococo library built in the 18th century. The history of the surrounding landscape, however, is much older. At the start of 2021 the fields around Fonmon Castle were just normal agriculture land – but a geophysical survey was undertaken and revealed a wealth of archaeology hidden beneath the topsoil. This led to the discovery of fifteen new sites. The ‘Fonmon Castle Landscape Archaeology Project’ was setup to investigate and record these sites, which range from prehistoric to medieval in date. The project is a collaboration between Cardiff University and Fonmon Castle Ltd.  

Llancadle South is one of these sites. The primary focus at Llancadle South is an early medieval cemetery dating to late 5th – 7th centuries CE. Prior to our work this site was suffering damage due to agriculture, so it was decided that the burials should be fully excavated and recorded. The resulting discoveries have been remarkable and continue to provide rare and valuable insights into life and death in the early Middle Ages. Due to the significance of the site, it has received international media attention and has been featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain and international news.

Period(s) of Occupation: The Llancadle South cemetery dates to the 5th to 7th centuries AD - the crucial centuries following the ending of Roman admiration in Britain. It contains the remains of around 100 individuals and is associated with settlement evidence and an enclosure complex. Our Field School focuses on the excavation of the cemetery and ethical recovery of remains. Ethical treatment of human remains is central to all we do, and all participants will receive training and instruction in the careful and considerate excavation and recording of burials. Participants will also receive training in Single Context and Recording techniques, including archaeological drawing, photography, GNSS survey, and processing of environmental samples. Our training programme is aligned with the Archaeological Skills Passport, but instruction in specialist techniques such as photogrammetry, 3D laser scanning, and sampling for pathogens are also available. Llancadle South has an onsite post-excavation cabin providing the opportunity to learn about cleaning and preserving finds and skeletons. The story of Llancadle South is still being understood, but the finds reveal tantalising insights into a high-status cemetery, potentially associated with an early nunnery. The rare glassware is finely crafted and imported from the Continent while the ceramic materials evidence European-wide connections in the early Christian world reaching to the Byzantine Empire. The Archaeology at Fonmon is an amazing opportunity to learn archaeological techniques at a significant site. Understanding the wider archaeological landscape of Wales and Britain is key to understanding the site in context. Teaching in the field will therefore be supplemented by workshops, practical exercises and visits to important local sites in the wider region. Group activities on the weekend will also be available to those who are interested.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None - all training provided

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation is provided in the 12th century castle in shared and single rooms, with access to bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities. Participants will be able to explore the Castle and its grounds, which include herb gardens, woodland walks, lawns and manicured gardens. Evenings and weekends can be spent relaxing, socialising with the project team at local pubs, exploring the Castle and its grounds, and visiting sites and monuments in south Wales.

Academic Credit:
None