New Castell Dinas Bran dig reveals secrets from the past

Official diarist Sam Thomson gives a round-up of the latest archeological dig which has been taking place at Castell Dinas Bran delving into the site's rich history from the Iron Age to the medieval castle ...

"When the excavations on Dinas Bran came to an end the team, consisting of archaeologists from Heneb, Denbighshire National Landscapes Rangers and volunteers, had finally got to the bottom of one of the mysteries of the hillfort.

The rock-cut ditch as part of the defensive ramparts has been excavated down to the bedrock and it has been determined that it was around seven feet deep.

The wall of the ramparts would have been almost vertical, an incredible feat of engineering as it would require sheer willpower and a large community to construct it. Without doubt, this rock-cut ditch would have encircled the entire hillfort at a depth of around seven feet. The most common finds during this excavation has been iron slag form metallurgy, 13th century pottery fragments and nails, all waste from the occupation of the castle during its occupation in the 1200’s. All of the data gathered from this year’s excavation will supplement the evidence gathered from the 2025 excavation to collaborate a report that will piece together the phases of construction of Dinas Bran. We were all incredibly privileged to be a part of this excavation uncovering Dinas Bran’s illustrious history from the Iron age to the medieval castle, taking stock of the challenges we have overcome. It has been a privilege to be a part of the excavations of Dinas Bran once again and to work beside such wonderful and driven people. It might be the last time we get to unearth its secrets but never say never. The final dig diary for Dinas Bran will come out soon."

* Below are Sam's pictures from the dig ...