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The Nevern Castle Project
Nevern Castle is one of Pembrokeshire’s best-kept secrets. This quiet and atmospheric site, lying less than 2 kms from Newport on Pembrokeshire’s north coast, played a key role in the 12th century wars between the Welsh princes and English invaders. The original defences of the site are, however, believed to be much earlier, built as part of an Iron Age fort over 2500 years ago. Between the Iron Age and the 12th century it is likely that Welsh princes established a court or 'llys' in the castle. If so, the castle may have been in continuous use for almost 2000 years.
The Lord Rhys
Principal amongst Nevern Castle’s characters is the Lord Rhys. The
Lord Rhys ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth (south-west Wales) and was the
dominant Welsh leader for nearly four decades. However, he could not control
his feuding sons, and in 1194 his own son imprisoned him in the tower
at Nevern.
The project
The Nevern Castle project aims to find out more about this site through
a programme of archaeological excavation. The excavation will run for
three separate seasons over two years, and will look for evidence of building
styles and techniques, and of day to day life in a 12th century castle.
The dig will be open for the public to visit, and we welcome visits from
groups including schools, history groups etc.
Afterwards, the project will improve access to the site, and present Nevern Castle as somewhere to come to enjoy the atmosphere and appreciate the history.
Aims of Excavation and Site History
The Site and Archaeological Excavations
The team
Partners in this project include Nevern Community Council, the University
of Durham and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Funding has
been provide by Cadw. The Castle is owned by the Community Council.
The excavations
It is planned to excavate a series of 5 trenches over the forthcoming seasons. These have been located in order to investigate specific areas within the castle and to address specific archaeological questions.
Trench A – located within the interior of the castle bailey - to investigate remains of wooden buildings identified in 2008.
Trench B - located within the interior of the castle bailey – to investigate the extent of a masonry building identified in 2008.
Trench D – located across the defensive ditch and possible course of the entrance roadway
Trench E – located at junction between the motte and the defensive bank – to investigate which came first the bank and ditch or the motte.
Trench F – located on the top of the motte – to reveal the nature of the masonry structure
Dig Diary
Richard Jones, from Dyfed Archaeological Trust, has been working with
the team from Durham University to enable local people to find out more
about the site and its history. Richard is helping visitors and local
volunteers to make a record of their time at the site which can be viewed
here on their dig diary.
Here you can find out about the fun and excitement of discovery as the excavations at Nevern Castle take place. Richard will be posting photographs of the excavation staff and volunteers as they reveal more of the hidden secrets of the castle. To accompany this picture record he is asking the staff and volunteers to set down their own experiences, thoughts and ideas to give a real flavour of life on site.
Find out more …
There are loads of ways to find out more about the Nevern Castle project!
· Go on-line – www.neverncastle.com
· Visit the site and take a free guided tour of the excavation
· Come and volunteer to take part in the dig
· Bring your school out to the site to see archaeology in action
· Arrange for someone to come and talk to your group or society
· Take a walking tour of Nevern, including the church, pilgrim’s cross and castle – free leaflets are available
For information about any of these options, call Richard Jones on 07814 526757 or 01558 823121