Update from day five of the castle's big dig

* Volunteers at work on the Castell Dinas Bran dig.

Sam Thompson of Llangollen Museum gives an update on Day 5 of the Dinas Bran dig diary.

Arriving in the morning to an overcast Dinas Bran, both the weather and the archaeology looked promising. Each day the castle seems to grow taller as the climb tests our aching knees and overstretched hamstrings, yet we march on regardless—drawn to the green and grey in pursuit of priceless knowledge.

Today I was allocated to the castle trench, which is cutting ever deeper and edging closer to the 13th-century floor level of the gate. The finds trays are already filling with the previous day’s discoveries (see Faith’s report from Day Four), a mix of Victorian pottery and hobnails from horseshoes that have worked their way to the surface.

As the morning progressed, more of the trench reached the gatehouse floor level, which appears to be stepped. Slowly we peeled back the layers of soil that have accumulated over the centuries. The architecture is now becoming clearer, offering hints of what the original structure may have looked like in its brief working life—insights that will only sharpen as we dig further.

From the gatehouse trench, more of the sandstone architecture has emerged, including fragments once part of the portcullis guide and door blocks. In my own area, I was thrilled to uncover a beautiful and unmistakable piece of medieval green-glazed pottery—a small but evocative reminder of the people who once lived here.

The castle saw many visitors today: a school trip from Shrewsbury, tourists from across the UK, and even from the Netherlands. All were eager to glimpse the discoveries taking shape, learning more about the monument than they might on a simple visit.

Meanwhile, at the ramparts, the upper section of the trench has now reached bedrock—exposed for the first time in over two millennia. It was a sobering and thought-provoking sight. The context here is now ready to be recorded, and the students from Chester University have the patient task of drawing—an artform in archaeology that most of us attempt, but few truly master.

As the week draws to a close, the team feels triumphant. We have many artefacts to process and much to ponder in interpreting what has been unearthed. It is a moment to take stock: to reflect on the endurance and tenacity required to push through fog, wind, rain, and, thankfully, the occasional burst of sunshine. Even more will be revealed in the week ahead, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you all. Thank you sincerely for the likes, shares, and comments—they mean a great deal to us.

I will leave you with the words of British archaeologist and author Geoffrey Bibby:

“Every archaeologist knows in his heart why he digs. He digs, in pity and humility, that the dead may live again, that what is past may not be forever lost, that something may be salvaged from the wreck of ages.”

— Geoffrey Bibby, The Testimony of the Spade

* See the museum's Facebook page for more pictures of the dig at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AGsNM5ySb/ 

Latest news from Pengwern Hub

 

Eisteddfod hosts first cuppa and a chat learn-Welsh evening

* Welsh doctor in the house: Stephen Rule (Doctor Cymraeg) is looking forward to having a cuppa with the Eisteddfod's volunteers.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced that Doctor Cymraeg will be the special guest at the first ever Paned a Sgwrs (Cuppa and a Chat) evening next month.

The event is organised by the Eisteddfod’s Welsh Language Working Group in partnership with SDCP (South Denbighshire Community Partnership). 

Doctor Cymraeg is the online persona of Stephen Rule. He is an internet sensation, known for making the Welsh language more fun and accessible. His engaging posts, free downloadables and masterclasses have attracted a huge following in Wales and across the World. 

📅 Date: Wednesday October 15 2025 

🕖 Time: 7pm-9pm 

📍 Venue: Llangollen Pavilion, LL20 8SW 

☕ Admission: Free – open to Eisteddfod volunteers and the whole community 

Stephen Rule said: “I’m so pleased to be supporting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. It’s an event with such a proud history, and I’m excited to be part of its work to celebrate and promote the Welsh language in the community. 

"The whole idea behind Doctor Cymraeg has always been to help people realise that learning Cymraeg doesn’t need to feel difficult or intimidating – it can be enjoyable, social, and something we all share in together. Paned a Sgwrs is exactly the kind of relaxed setting where that can happen, and I can’t wait to join in with the conversations in Llangollen.” 

Rhys Davies, Board Director and Welsh Language Lead of the Eisteddfod, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Doctor Cymraeg to Llangollen. His posts have created a real buzz around the Welsh language, making it feel fun and accessible for everyone. This new Paned a Sgwrs night is about exactly that – enjoying Welsh together in a welcoming space.” 

In June, the Eisteddfod received Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner, a prestigious mark that underlines its determination to embed Welsh in all aspects of its work and to create opportunities for everyone to take part. 

The “Paned a Sgwrs” evening is free to attend and open to all volunteers and the whole community – whether beginners, learners, or fluent speakers – and promises a relaxed and welcoming setting to practise the language together over a cuppa. 

* Dr Rhys Davies has been working with Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones to improve the Welsh Language offer in Llangollen.

Young performers to sing live before next New Dot screening

* Ewan Smith and Rose Burgon will sing live before the next New Dot Screening.

New Dot Cinema has arranged to have two young local musicians, Ewan Smith and Rose Burgon, performing an acoustic set before it's next screening, A Complete Unknown, in just over a week's time.

Ewan, who gigs all over North Wales and beyond, has been playing for around 11-15 years, and his catalogue usually consists of 80's to present day rock and alternative music.

Rose, who is only 16 years old, lives in Llangollen. She enjoys singing a wide range of music from 60's folk to musical theatre and opera.

She is often seen performing on the many stages around Llangollen, both solo and collaborating with her friends.

A spokesperson for New Dot said: "We are really looking forward to having them both team up on Friday September 26.

"You can still get tickets for A Complete Unknown, the story of the early days of Bob Dylan, via our website www.newdotcinema.org or cash payments from Laura's Tearoom Llangollen or by scanning the QR Code on posters about town."

MS concerned over drop in the number of visitors to North Wales

* Sam Rowlands MS speaking in the Senedd chamber.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says the fall in the number of visitors to his region this summer is "deeply troubling". 

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, asked First Minister Eluned Morgan did she appreciate the damage their policies were having on this sector.

 

Mr Rowlands, who constantly argued against the introduction of the 182-day holiday let rule and continues to voice his concern at the looming tourist tax, said: “Tourism is undeniably important to the Welsh economy, in particular in North Wales,  where it supports thousands of jobs and plays a vital role in local prosperity.

 

“As we know, the sector accounts for around one in eight jobs, contributing significantly to GVA. Yet, despite its importance, we continue to see policies that actively undermine the sector, and, as a result of this, in North Wales the picture is especially concerning.

 

“I have reported to me that over 70% of attractions in the region have reported fewer visitors this Summer, with some resorts seeing business fall by as much as 30%. For a region so reliant on seasonal trade, these figures are deeply troubling.

 

“Tourism businesses in Wales need our support. So, I ask: First Minister, does the Welsh Government recognise the damaging role that policies like the 182-day rule, underinvestment in marketing and the looming tourism levy are having on businesses like these?”

 

The First Minister said the visitor levy was partly being introduced to balance the needs of visitors with the needs of local communities and, regarding the 182 days, it was important that property owners make a fair contribution to the economy.

 

Mr Rowlands added: “The Welsh Labour Government is not listening to the very real concerns of holiday businesses owners and fears for the future of the tourism sector here in North Wales.

 

“I have said many times, it is heartbreaking to hear that owners face having to discount their properties or rooms to encourage more visitors to reach their 182-day let targets.

 

“Not only that we had the ridiculous introduction of a default 20pmh speed limit, which again puts people off visiting the area and now of course there are plans to charge tourists for staying in overnight accommodation from 2027.

 

“The tourism industry is struggling and the Welsh Labour Government need to give it more support.”

 

Why National Park consultation is not being held in Llangollen

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has responded to a question over why Glyn Ceirog and not Llangollen has been chosen for the venue for a public consultation session on the proposed new National Park which includes the town. The 12-week consultation process on the planned Glyndŵr National Park by NRW began yesterday (Monday).

It follows two years of detailed evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government, including data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders across the region. NRW has arranged a series of consultation sessions and the one for the Llangollen area is due to be held at the Ceiriog Centre in New Road on Wednesday October 15, from 4-7pm. However, llanblogger readers have questioned why it can’t be held in Llangollen itself as the larger area. A spokesperson for the NRW arranging the sessions said: “The choice of venues in 2025 has been influenced by a range of factors including when potential venue availability and our availability overlapped, a desire to provide opportunity in areas newly included in the proposal (Ceiriog valley for example) and a reasonable spread from North to South across the proposed National Park. “Llangollen has been a preferred venue for us and we used it in our earlier consultations in 2023 and 2024. “Unfortunately, we are unable to make it to Llangollen on this occasion, although there will be an event in Corwen which we felt would offer reasonable opportunity to people from the Llangollen area.” NRW’s programme manager, Ash Pearce, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature, support communities, and shape a better future for this stunning part of Wales. We know change can be difficult, but with the right approach, a new National Park could bring real benefits for people, wildlife and the local economy. “Members of the public, organisations and stakeholders are encouraged to attend an event, examine the proposal and have their say by responding to the consultation." The person who questioned the session's location said: "I am concerned that this won't be adequately advertised in the Llangollen area and the response will be lower. The reliance on social media to get feedback or advertise events shows a lack of effort in trying to get a balanced response from the community." The person suggested that those who know about the Glyn Ceidiog meeting should spread the word to those they know are not on social media. * For information on the consultation events, visit: Statutory Consultation Events 2025 * To respond to the consultation, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025 Responses must be received no later than the closing date, Monday 8 December 2025. For more information on the background to the proposal, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/new-national-park-proposal-information-page-wales/

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Latest from the big dig at Castell Dinas Bran

* An area cordoned off for the dig around the castle.

Here's the latest on the archeological dig being carried out at Castell Dinas Bran in partnership with Heneb, the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley team and supported by Cadw.

llanblogger caught up on the excavations with Sue Evans and Sam Thomson from Llangollen Museum to hear how the first days of this year’s dig are unfolding.

Sue Evans said: “It was a very, very blustery start on Day 1 – the weather was against us, but spirits stayed high! Our focus this year is the medieval gatehouse, building on what we uncovered in 2023. 

"But what’s really exciting is that, for the first time, we’re putting a trench on the Iron Age ramparts. That’s completely new ground for us, and the team – including fantastic local volunteers – couldn’t wait to get started. We managed to strip turf on both trenches despite the wind, which felt like a real achievement.”

* A trench dug by experts to look further into the ground.

Sam Thomson: “By Day 2 things had calmed down a bit, at least on the eastern side. At the gatehouse trench we started to see later Victorian pottery coming up – probably linked to the old café that once stood on the castle site. Over at the ramparts, my trench exposed bedrock quite quickly on the slope, while colleagues working in the ditch unearthed medieval pottery – actually more than we found at the castle itself. It’s a reminder of just how complex the story at Dinas Bran is.”

Sue Evans again: “This is such an amazing opportunity for us, and we hope to be able to get some dating evidence during the dig which will enable us to consolidate what we think we know about the site. We will be sharing updates regularly, but if anyone is passing by, we’d love people to come along, ask questions, and see the progress for themselves. Our ultimate aim will be to have a display in the museum of the findings – watch this space!”

Dig background

The latest previous excavations at Dinas Bran shed new light on the medieval gatehouse. Archaeologists were able to confirm the layout of the defensive structures, including the portcullis, main gate door jamb, draw-bar holes, and the base of an elaborately carved wall pillar. 

Evidence also suggests there are still well-preserved sections of high-status masonry buried on site, which could help determine whether the princes of Powys employed Welsh or Marcher masons during construction.

The team also confirmed the location of the doorway into the southern turret guardroom and uncovered surviving medieval floor levels within the gate passageway. Although the original floor in the southern turret could not be reached due to deep backfill, it almost certainly remains intact.

While artefacts were limited, two decorated shards of 13th-century pottery were found at the eastern entrance. Most importantly, the excavation has shown that extensive medieval deposits still survive beneath layers of rubble and landscaping debris. This means there is strong potential for further discoveries and more precise dating evidence in future investigations.