Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Volunteer archaeologists have uncovered three Bronze Age cremations beneath a popular playing field as they continue their excavations.
Trelai Park. Credit: Vivian Thomas
This discovery is part of the Caerau and Ely Rediscovering (CAER) Heritage Project, which involves Cardiff University, Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE), local schools, residents, and heritage partners. The project has returned to Trelai Park for its fourth season of archaeological investigation.
In addition to the previously discovered roundhouse, a new structure has been identified nearby. Adjacent to this smaller building’s foundations are several pits, with at least three containing small amounts of cremated human remains.
The well-preserved roundhouse, discovered two years ago, has been dated to 1500 BC.
Last year, excavations revealed evidence of an even earlier roundhouse beneath it, indicating that the original structure was replaced at some point in history. Additionally, there is also evidence of a timber circle located deeper down, which experts estimate dates back to the Early Bronze Age, approximately between 2000 and 1600 BC.
Currently, volunteers are actively engaged in analyzing these recent discoveries to gain a deeper understanding of their significance.
These findings suggest that the site may be more extensive than initially believed.
According to Dr Oliver Davis, CAER co-director, Head of Archaeology and Conservation at the University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion, the discovery of these cremations is profoundly exciting and serves as yet another testament to the rich historical legacy preserved beneath Trelai Park.
Volunteer Linda Burnell. Image source
The proximity of the cremations to the roundhouse suggests they may have been interred there in remembrance of cherished family members. Furthermore, this proximity could indicate that the site held ceremonial significance for people during that period.
The smaller structure identified by the team of volunteers is located near the original roundhouses uncovered in 2023, which were noted for their luxury and spaciousness. This newly found structure might serve as an additional residence for another family or could function as an ancillary building designated for activities such as food preparation and craft-working.
This area, situated just 200 meters from a well-known Roman Villa, has been recognized as a significant historical site for thousands of years. It offers valuable insights into the lives of some of Cardiff’s earliest inhabitants who resided in Caerau and Ely more than three millennia ago. The current focus of the excavating team is on meticulously excavating each layer and examining the materials discovered here on an hourly basis. This endeavor is truly a collaborative effort among the team involved.
“It’s really fascinating. We’ve found a lot of quartz here so far. I will also work at the CAER Heritage Centre after the dig, cleaning all the finds that come in big bags. I love doing it. It’s given me confidence – it’s nice to get out and meet friends,” said Alice Clarke, 36, who lives in Caerau, has been volunteering with the CAER Project for five years.
Fellow volunteer Hannah Secker, 19, from Grangetown, has just finished her A Levels and wants to study archaeology and ancient history at degree level.
She said: “There is quite an exciting atmosphere here and everyone has been so welcoming. I had no archaeological experience before coming here and it’s been great to speak to students about their degrees. It’s unbelievable finding artefacts that could be 3,000 years old and thinking about the people that have walked on this ground before us.”
Linda Burnell, a retired business owner from Canton, said: “I can’t wait for summer each year. I’ve learnt so much here and it just connects me to this environment and to the community.”
Dan Queally is due to graduate from Cardiff University with a BA in Archaeology. He chose to do his dissertation on the CAER Project and has spent the last year volunteering at the CAER Heritage Centre.
He said: “I’ve loved meeting the volunteers who come to the centre week in week out to help clean and categorise finds. I’ve enjoyed the chats over cups of tea. It’s not just about the archaeology that I’ve learned about, it’s about seeing the difference a project like this can make to people here and now. It’s been a big perspective shift for me.”
CAER co-director Dr David Wyatt added: “The finds from Trelai Park just keep coming. When you piece these latest discoveries with the Roman Villa that’s a short walk away and the more recent sporting history here, it’s not difficult to argue that Trelai could be one of the most important parks for heritage in South Wales. It really has all the potential to be a popular and thriving tourist attraction which could hugely benefit the local communities.”
Sam Froud-Powell, Operational Development Manager at ACE said: “The ACE team is thrilled by the remarkable finds at this year’s community dig. This is a hugely exciting moment for our CAER partnership with Cardiff University, as we continue to grow our programme of community heritage and learning at the CAER Centre — bringing the University into the heart of our community.
“The annual community dig is a cornerstone of our partnership, uniting people from across Ely and Caerau to work alongside University students and staff. The dig enables people of all ages to connect, develop new skills, build friendships, and uncover and share knowledge about our extraordinary local heritage.
“We’re deeply grateful for the sustainability funding from Cardiff University, which enables us to support, develop, and showcase the incredible knowledge, talent, activism, and warmth that thrives in Ely and Caerau.”
Mike Tate, headteacher of Cardiff West Community High School, which is metres from the site, said: “As a school we see real value with our links with this project. Our pupils learn about the history of the area in which they live and they, literally, get their hands on the past. The experiences through the project bring subjects in school to life and can ignite engagement for our pupils. We are really pleased to continue this work.
Source -Cardiff University
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
