Archeology at Denbighshire attractions this Summer

Two attractions in Denbighshire this summer will be of interest to budding archeologists.

Firstly, a piece of restoration work is set to preserve a Prestatyn slice of history for future generations. Work has been carried out at the Prestatyn Roman Baths to help protect and restore the historical site at Melyd Avenue.

The hidden gem was first discovered in the 1930’s during a round of excavations on the site. It was then covered, only to be excavated again in the 1980s, during the construction of the neighbouring housing estate. It is believed that the Bath House was constructed in around 120AD, and further extended in 150 AD. There is some debate over the reasons for its location in Prestatyn. However, it is believed to be linked to the Roman legions in Chester and Caernarfon, lying around halfway between the two. It may also have been associated with a nearby harbour, due to its coastal location. The Roman Baths is looked after and managed by Denbighshire Countryside Services who have carried out a programme of restoring the area.

Recent restoration  work carried out by Ben Davies who specialises in restoration work on the site included restoring the remains as last time they were worked on, the stone was put back in place with cement which is not ideal. Ben, who is also an artist, has been removing this and putting stones back in their original position but using lime mortar instead. Lime mortar is what would have been used historically and allows for expansion/contraction during temperature changes helping to preserve the original stone (preventing cracking etc.)Voids have also been filled  to prevent water sitting on the remains and subsequent frost damage.Countryside rangers alongside volunteers supported by the Nature for Health Programme also carried out work to improve the footpaths at the site. While its so unusual to have such an exciting historical site found in a housing estate its well worth a visit.

Secondly,up until the 28th of July, visitors to Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens (Ruthin), have the opportunity to get involved in a range of free events and activities organised by the Denbighshire Heritage Service team as part of the annual Festival of Archaeology. Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology, the festival is a UK-wide two-week event that showcases the work of archaeologists and encourages people of all ages and abilities to engage with their own locality and heritage through archaeology.

The 2024 programme at Nantclwyd y Dre offers a schedule packed with informative, fun, and free events for curious families and history enthusiasts alike.

On Thursdays and Saturdays during the festival fortnight, younger visitors will be able to enjoy Roman dress up, mosaic making, and a kid’s dig to introduce budding archaeologists to key fieldwork skills such as artefact discovery, processing, and identification, all included within normal admission to the historic attraction. For those looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of local history from an archaeological perspective, the evening on the 25th will see informative talks from author Martin Kaye and renowned archaeologist Fiona Gale, respectively.

Martin, a Ruthin-born historical author of a series of supernatural romance novels will deliver an intriguing talk entitled ‘Arthur, Lost Leader of the Britons’, examining what we really know about the legendary king while Fiona, an esteemed local archaeologist holding an MBE for her services to Heritage in Wales, will provide expert insight into local Roman history with her talk ‘Romans of North East Wales’, which will combine established knowledge with more recent discoveries.

Carly Davies, Acting Heritage Manager for Denbighshire County Council said:

“We know that Denbighshire has a rich Roman past, with evidence of significant lead mining in the region and a route passing through the county, possibly used by Romans travelling between Chester and Caernarfon.

There is still lots to discover. With each new project we gain a better understanding of our Roman heritage and we’re thrilled that Fiona, who is at the forefront of archaeology in the county, will be joining us to review what we know so far, including the findings of a recent excavation conducted at Nantclwyd y Dre itself.”

For the duration of the festival, a range of the County’s treasure will be on display along with replica ritual spoons, the subject of a recent artwork by artist Olivia Hicks, ‘Blood, Water, Honey and Wine’, which will be installed for viewing in Nantclwyd y Dre’s Coffee Corner, a freely accessible space that the local community is welcome to visit and use without needing to pay full entry to the rest of the attraction.

Also in the Coffee Corner will be the growing 2024 Community Collection, a photographic display dedicated to the prized artefacts and finds made by the local community who are invited to bring any weird, wonderful, interesting, or simply sentimental items they have unearthed, to be photographed by the team at Nantclwyd y Dre, who will add the image and some associated information to the collection.

Carly Davies, went on to say:

“This year’s festival centres on the theme of ‘Community’, so we felt it only right to develop a range of events and activities that our local community can not only enjoy, but contribute to.

Through the Community Collection we want to showcase our own community’s most celebrated finds, whether that’s based on an historical or personal significance. Archaeology teaches us that the objects people cherish can tell us a lot about their hopes, interests, values and lives, so we can’t wait to see which items people will choose to share, and hear the stories behind them.

Whether it is through family-oriented activities, expert talks, or by contributing to the Community Collection, the Festival has something for everyone and promises to be a fun and memorable celebration of the local archaeological past.”

For full festival programme details please visit Nantclwyd y Dre’s Facebook events page or contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.