Archaeologists See A Different Angle

... as new clues are found.

Craig Lewis, of Neyland (left), and Paul Harries, of Pembroke, were among volunteers who helped out at the West Angle archaeological dig. They are pictured with Cambria Archaeology’s Richard Jones.

Image by: PCNPA

 

• Print Article
• Email Article
• Discuss

by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

August 03, 2006

Remains of one of Pembrokeshire’s early Christian residents - reverently laid to rest in a coastline cemetery over 1,000 years ago - have been found during a two-week long archaeology investigation.

A skeleton discovered in a stone-lined cist at the West Angle Bay site has been sent for scientific dating but will, in time, be returned to Angle for re-burial.

The dig was carried out by Cambria Archaeology and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority staff along with Cardiff University archaeology students and volunteers from the area, including the village of Angle. It follows on a successful first investigation last summer.

“This is a fascinating site which deserves a large-scale survey,” said the National Park Authority’s Archaeologist, Polly Groom. “We have found out much more this year but it has thrown up lots of new questions as well.”

Several graves have been discovered very close together, suggesting a long use of the cemetery which is in a field known locally as Church or Chapel Field.

Budding archaeologists from the Pembrokeshire area helped out during the two-week dig, taking advantage of ‘taster’ sessions under the guidance of Polly Groom and Cambria Archaeology’s Richard Jones.

“The students and volunteers were very enthusiastic and hard workers in very hot conditions,” said Richard. “This was not the usual archaeology weather!”

An unexpected find was a deep ditch, which may date to the Iron Age, in the field containing the later cemetery. “This is dug in bedrock and must have taken great human effort,” added Polly.

“There is so much to discover about this site. We hope that further funding will become available for us to carry out a long-term investigation.”

*… For further information contact Polly Groom at the National Park’s Pembroke Dock headquarters, 0845 345 7275 or e-mail pollyg@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk