Archaeologists are hoping to find answers about an historical mound in the centre of Newtown as three weeks of excavation work begins.
Experts and local volunteers will be digging to find out what lies underneath the motte and bailey in the grounds of Newtown Hall near Park Street.
Little is known about the site however historical records suggest it could be from the medieval, Elizabethan or Civil War eras.
On Monday, a large shard of 17th Century yellow-glazed ceramic was found which may be a leftover from the possible Civil War refortification.
Excavation work will also take place at a linear embankment between the council offices and Back Lane car park which has been described as “quite a curiosity” by historians.
Newtown mound (February7, 2022). Picture by Anwen Parry/County Times
Ian Grant, senior archaeologist at Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, at the Newtown mound excavation on February 7, 2022. Picture by Anwen Parry/County Times
Ian Grant, senior archaeologist at Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT), said: “We’re really excited about it and absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of interest we’ve had. I’ve got a list of around 100 plus volunteers from the community.
“These things start off as a small acorn and then people see how it gets embraced by the community and how interesting and fascinating the site can be.”
Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council would like to see the site open as a place for people to visit and learn about the town’s history."
Ian added: “The legacy is that it’s maintained. Once you’ve invested in that it’s something that’s kept for all time and isn’t going to disappear.
“It will attract all manner of positives whether that’s for the gallery or businesses. It should help to raise the profile of the central part of Newtown.”
Volunteers at the Newtown mound dig on Monday, February 7, 2022. Picture by Anwen Parry/County Times
Rachel Matthew, a volunteer from Newtown, said: "As a child I used walk over this route coming home from school and it's exciting to see what it's all about."
Ellie Hughes, from Trefonen, near Oswestry, added: "I was with CPAT at the last dig in Chirk and I'm hoping to study archaeology aUniversityeristy of York and I'm really excited to dig an actual motte. Hopefully we will find something interesting."
Items from the excavation and information about the project will be on show at Oriel Davies Gallery, and there also family-friendly craft activities and resources to take home
Community archaeologist Penny will be on-site at the gallery's cafe from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 9; Thursday, February 10; Wednesday, February 16; Thursday, February 17; Tuesday, February 22, Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24.
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