A mysterious early medieval cemetery has been uncovered in Wales, leaving archaeologists puzzled.
It’s believed to date back at least 1,400 and possibly 1,500 years, with 18 of the estimated 70 graves having been excavated so far.
The cemetery lies in a field close to Fonmon Castle, located at the end of the runway at Cardiff airport.
For two summers, a team has been busy carefully removing a thin layer of topsoil to expose graves carved into the bedrock long ago.
Some of the remains are flat on their backs, which is normal for the period – but others are placed on their sides, and a handful are buried in a crouching position with knees tucked up against their chest.
Dr Andy Seaman, Lecturer in Early Medieval Archaeology, said: “This is a really exciting discovery. Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artefacts.
“The Fonmon cemetery will allow us to discover so much about the people who lived here around 1,400 years ago.
“Other similar sites have found bodies in crouched positions such as this, but considering the number of graves we have looked at so far, there seem to be a high proportion. This could be evidence of some sort of burial rite being carried out.”
He added: “There is nothing to suggest that people were living near the site, so the evidence of cooking and glasses certainly suggests some level of ritual feasting, perhaps to celebrate or mourn the dead.”
Geophysical surveys undertaken in the area during 2021 revealed a number of new archaeological sites, which the team have been investigating.
They initially assumed they had uncovered an ancient farmstead, but more detailed excavations have revealed it was instead a cemetery containing burials dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD.
The team’s work is one of a number of Cardiff University projects which feature in an episode of BBC programme Digging for Britain.
Nigel Ford, who purchased Fonmon Castle in 2019 said: “I am thrilled by this incredible discovery and find it fascinating. I can’t wait to find out more about the people who used to live at Fonmon and believe that we can learn valuable lessons from the past.”
Cardiff University Archaeology student Jessica Morgan said: “I’ve worked at Fonmon for the last two summers, and it has been a fantastic experience. My time here has given me the valuable skills I need for a career in archaeology, expanded my knowledge about early medieval archaeology, and brought me closer to my Welsh heritage.
“It is such an important and fascinating site, and I can’t wait for us to continue telling its story.”
Fonmon Castle was built as a defensive keep and administration centre in about 1180 AD. It was originally owned by the St John family, who were descended from Norman knights.
Since then it has had a colourful and varied history, opening as a visitor attraction to the public after the pandemic.
