Category: News

The archaeological dig at St Patricks Chapel, Whitesands, St Davids is now on Day 24. The Dyfed Archaeological Trust team and volunteers have been working incredibly hard to excavate the site and piece together the stories of the people who are buried here. Who were they and where did they come from?

Over one hundred skeletons have been uncovered, many of them are infants. In addition, a horn pin with copper alloy corrosion and part of a shale bracelet were excavated as well as a clay furnace, which was discovered beside the chapel wall, and may have been used for melting metal. The team have also found a possible gaming board with a checked pattern on the top right hand corner, which was placed on top of a cist grave.

Radiocarbon dating has shown that the cemetery was in use from the 6th century to the 11th century A.D. Analysis of the skeletons at the University of Sheffield has revealed a mixed population of men, women and children of all ages. Graves are aligned east/west with the head to the west. In keeping with the Christian burial tradition there were no possessions buried with the bodies. Some of the skeletons were in cists – graves lined and capped with stone slabs, a burial tradition common across western Britain in the early medieval period. A unique burial rite was also identified: burials of children with white quartz pebbles placed on the top of the cists.

The dig continues until 16^th July, visitors are welcome and free tours are conducted every day.

Ancient Connections is thrilled with the latest developments from one of our community projects led by Village Voices of Llangwm – “The Little Things – A Musical Journey” telling the story of the relationship between St David and St Aidan. This community opera is an ambitious cross-border project in collaboration with Ferns Choir with performances planned in the National Opera House, Wexford and St David’s Cathedral July 2022. Non’s Storm is performed by Emma Evans. Music composed by Sam Howley, words by Peter George. Next video will be a duet between St David and St Aidan, followed by a third all cast and chorus piece. Watch this space!

The Theatr Gwaun mural project kicked off with several days of community engagement at the Theatre with the selected artist Grant Radford of Accent London. Three schools took part in workshops, Ysgol Wdig, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, as well as a number of consultation sessions with volunteers and members of the public.

Over the next few weeks, Grant will develop a draft design for a vibrant mural celebrating the stories and ancient connections that link Fishguard and Wexford while reflecting the essence of the town’s identity and the role of Theatr Gwaun as its cultural hub. The mural will be completed late summer or early Autumn.

An exciting new mural is planned for the exterior wall at Theatr Gwaun this year! Grant Radford of Accent London, originally from Port Talbort, was chosen by a panel made up of representatives of Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard Town Council, Fishguard Art Society and Ancient Connections. Grant will work with Fishguard’s community and schools to develop a vibrant mural celebrating the stories and ancient connections that link Fishguard and Wexford while reflecting the essence of the town’s identity and the role of Theatr Gwaun as its cultural hub.

The panel were delighted by the response to the open call for artists to create this new mural. Many talented artists with great ideas applied for the commission, making this a competitive and rigorous process. Grant’s proven experience, versatile style and community consultation ideas gave confidence to the panel. We eagerly await to see what appears. 

Next steps will be a schools’ and community engagement programme in the Spring and a final design agreed in the Summer. The mural will be completed late summer or early Autumn.