Medieval cemetery and burial ground found at Fonmon Castle

Archaeologists from Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion carried out a dig in the summer, with further radiocarbon dating and analysis revealing the full extent of their find.

The excavation offers fascinating new evidence about life in early medieval Wales (AD 400-1100) and the history of Fonmon and the Vale of Glamorgan.

It is thought there may be as many as 80 graves on the site (Image: Cardiff University)

Researchers believe the site was not just used for burial. They also recovered many fragments of animal bone, some displaying evidence for butchery and cooking, metal working debris, and fragments of rare imported glass drinking vessels.

They think that some of this material could relate to grave-side feasting rituals.

Skeletons have been found in stone-lined graves (Image: Cardiff Uni)

It is thought that there may be as many as 80 graves, some of which display unusual features such as crouched body positions.

Dr Andy Seaman, lecturer in Early Medieval Archaeology, said: “This is a really exciting discovery.

“Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artefacts.

“The Fonmon cemetery will allow us to discover so much about the people who lived here around 1,400 years ago.

“Other similar sites have found bodies in crouched positions such as this, but considering the number of graves we have looked at so far, there seem to be a high proportion. This could be evidence of some sort of burial rite being carried out.”

He added: “There is nothing to suggest that people were living near the site, so the evidence of cooking and glasses certainly suggests some level of ritual feasting, perhaps to celebrate or mourn the dead.”

Students excavating one of the medieval graves (Image: Cardiff University)

Skeletons have been found in crouched positions (Image: Cardiff University)

Geophysical surveys undertaken in the area during 2021 revealed a number of new archaeological sites, which the team have been investigating.

They initially thought they had discovered an ancient farmstead, but more detailed excavations have revealed a cemetery containing burials dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD.

A grave found during initial excavation (Image: Cardiff University)

The team’s work is one of a number of Cardiff University projects which feature in an episode of BBC programme Digging for Britain.

Nigel Ford, who purchased Fonmon Castle in 2019 said: “I am thrilled by this incredible discovery and find it fascinating.

“I can’t wait to find out more about the people who used to live at Fonmon and believe that we can learn valuable lessons from the past.”

The team working to uncover one of the many early medieval graves found at the site (Image: Cardiff University)

The team working to carefully excavate the ancient site (Image: Cardiff University)

Fonmon Castle near Barry, where the burial ground was found (Image: Supplied)

The excavation will continue for several seasons and is being undertaken with the help of students and volunteers who receive archaeological training on the project.

Cardiff University Archaeology student Jessica Morgan said: “I've worked at Fonmon for the last two summers, and it has been a fantastic experience.”

Fonmon Castle was built as a defensive keep and administration centre in around 1180 AD. It was originally owned by the St John family, who were descended from Norman knights.

The next episode of Digging for Britain is on tonight, January 4, 8pm, BBC 2. All episodes available on the iPlayer.