For immediate release

Thursday 17th June, 2010

Nevern Castle emerging from the twelfth century

Exciting unearthings emerging in Nevern Castle recently have revealed what are
thought to be the largest group of 12th century buildings in Pembrokeshire.

The excavations were directed by Dr Chris Caple from Durham University and
supported by Peter Crane, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Archaeologist. The
team also included students from Durham and Lampeter University and local volunteers
from Cardigan, Newport and the Nevern area.

Speaking of the finds, Dr Chris Caple said: "This season's excavations enabled us
to make good progress in revealing and understanding the structures of the 12th
century occupation (two towers and three hall-like buildings) of Nevern Castle. These
constructions now appear to have been a highly desirable stone residence, a visible
display of wealth and significant technical achievement.

"The recent excavation has revealed substantial evidence for buildings. On the inner
castle the remains of a square stone tower have started to appear - the top of the
remaining walls must be over two metres higher than ground on which it was built.
Beside this tower was evidence of a lean-to structure against the castle's perimeter wall.

"Elsewhere in the castle, and probably of similar date, the extent of what was probably
the Great Hall was uncovered. It was built of stone and some twenty- two metres long
by eight metres wide and, given the width of the walls, was probably a two storey
building. This hall was constructed against another building, possibly a chapel or high
class accommodation, to be investigated in the next phase of excavation."

This third season of the Nevern Castle excavation took place over four weeks. The
project is run by a partnership of Nevern Community Council, Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park Authority and Durham University and is funded through Cadw, the Welsh
Assembly Government and the Park Authority, who manage the project. Also working
on the project are Dyfed Archaeological Trust, with additional funding from PLANED.

The next excavation will take place from 20th June to 16th July. There will be guided
tours at 2.45pm for approximately half an hour each day except Thursdays or in very
poor weather.

For details of the excavation, Duncan Schlee from the Dyfed Archaeology Trust has
created a 'dig diary' at www.cambria.org.uk/nevern/neverndigdiary.html . Please
contact Peter Crane at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority or Duncan Schlee
from the Dyfed Archaeology Trust for more information.

Caption: Did archaeologists find the tower in Nevern Castle where the lord Rhys was
held prisoner?

Ends
Nevern.doc

Issued by Janet O'Toole, National Park Authority Communications, tel 01646 624823 or
email janetoto@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Janet O'Toole
Communications Administrative Assistant / Cynorthwy-ydd Gweinyddol Cyfathrebu

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority / Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir

Penfro
Llanion Park / Parc Llanion
Pembroke Dock / Doc Penfro
Pembrokeshire / Sir Benfro
SA72 6DY

01646 624823
0845 345 7275
email: janetoto@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk