Barry Arts Festival archaeology talk to uncover hidden past

The early medieval History of Fonmon is the subject of an archaeology talk at this year's Barry Arts Festival on Wednesday, March 13.

Dr Andy Seaman from Cardiff University will talk about the Fonmon Castle Landscape Archaeology Project, which began in 2021.

He said: “The Fonmon Castle Landscape Archaeology project was initiated in 2021 and seeks to enhance our understanding of South Wales and the Vale of Glamorgan in the early medieval period (fifth to eleventh centuries AD).

“This period was formative for Wales and the development of its language, religion, and culture, but it is poorly understood and often labelled a ‘Dark Age’ for a region on the ‘Celtic fringe.’

Andy Seaman, from Cardiff University. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)“Our research challenges these outdated notions and provides new insights into the lives of a dynamic community who live in the Vale of Glamorgan during this important but neglected period of history.

“We aim to transform our understanding of the early medieval period and tell the stories of individuals and communities whose lives are not otherwise documented.”

The archaeology talk will take place on Wednesday evening between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm at Ysgol Sant Baruc on Barry’s Waterfront Ffordd Y Mileniwm.

Barry Arts Festival organiser, Dot Connell, said: “We are looking forward to a fascinating event looking into the origins of life in the Vale of Glamorgan, and hope that people can join us to learn a little more about the communities who lived here more than a thousand years ago.

The dig at Fonmon Castle. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

“We would like to thank Dr Seaman for giving up his time to talk to us about the project, and Barry Town Council for their Vibrant Culture and Communities Grant which supports the Barry Arts Festival.”

Tickets are £5 per person and available online from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/barry-arts-festival/ or on the night.