Iron Age and Roman Archaeology in the UK

This dig season, get involved in a truly groundbreaking archaeological project, the excavation of the Iron Age and Roman British fort of Castell Henllys in southwest Wales. For over 20 years, the inland promontory fort of Castell Henllys (Welsh for “castle of the old court”) and its surrounding region have been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation and innovative experiments in public archaeology. Every year, thousands of people from across the UK visit the site to see extraordinary examples of reconstructed Iron Age timber roundhouses (built with the same material and methods as their Iron Age precursors), as well as ongoing experiments in the reconstruction of prehistoric farming techniques. Near the fort, archaeologists have also been uncovering the remains of medieval and historical era houses, including the home of the 16th-century antiquarian George Owen.

The excavations at Castell Henllys, directed by Harold Mytum of the University of York, have long been a training ground for future archaeologists specializing in Britain and Europe. As part of the field school, students will not only learn how to properly excavate and record archaeological data, but they will also gain experience with survey techniques, geophysical detection methods, botanical flotation and the archaeological issues particular to historical-era sites. This season, volunteers will be helping uncover more of the Iron Age and Roman-era farmstead that was positioned just outside the walls of the fort, and excavation of the nearby historic manor house will continue as well.