Uncovering the Secrets of Fonmon Castle
In the lush Welsh countryside, just a stone’s throw from the historic Fonmon Castle, an extraordinary archaeological discovery has captured the attention of scholars and the public alike. Researchers from Cardiff University and the University of Reading have unearthed an early medieval cemetery, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and burial practices of individuals who lived around 1,500 years ago.
The site, which contains approximately 80 burials, challenges conventional notions of early medieval funerary rites. While some skeletons lie flat on their backs, a significant number of individuals, particularly women, are buried in a unique crouched position, with their knees tucked against their chests. This distinctive feature, not commonly found in other sites from this period, suggests the presence of coherent cultural or religious practices within the community.
“Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artifacts,” explains Dr. Andy Seaman, a lecturer in early medieval archaeology at Cardiff University. “The presence of the important pottery and glass suggests activity of some status and significance.”
Indeed, the excavation has yielded fragments of glass from Bordeaux and pottery from North Africa, providing insights into the privileged status of those buried at Fonmon Castle. The discovery of metalworking debris and a small bone peg, potentially used in games or as a musical instrument tuning peg, further reinforces the notion that this site served purposes beyond just burials.
Nigel Ford, the current owner of Fonmon Castle, expressed his excitement about the find, stating, “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.”
Bridging the Digital and Physical Realms
The Fonmon Castle excavation is not just a remarkable archaeological undertaking; it is also a testament to the power of digital public archaeology. In 2021, geophysical surveys conducted in the area initially suggested the presence of an ancient farmstead, but the detailed excavations have since revealed the hidden cemetery, shedding new light on the early medieval community that once thrived in this corner of Wales.
“It’s brought me closer to my Welsh heritage,” says Jessica Morgan, a Cardiff University archaeology student involved in the excavation. “It is such an important and fascinating site.”
The project’s commitment to digital engagement has allowed the public to follow the progress of the excavation in real-time. Through social media platforms and interactive online platforms, the researchers have been able to share their findings, engage with the local community, and foster a sense of ownership and connection with the site.
Summer Courts, an osteoarchaeologist from the University of Reading involved in the excavation, has emphasized the potential for further research on the skeletal remains. With the bones in excellent condition, stable isotope analysis and, potentially, ancient DNA analysis could provide valuable information about the inhabitants’ biological profiles, health, and even their physical activities and migration patterns.
Navigating the Ethics of Displaying the Archaeological Dead
As the Fonmon Castle excavation continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the ethical considerations surrounding the display and interpretation of human remains in a public setting. While the researchers have been careful to handle the remains with respect and sensitivity, the presence of actual skeletons in a heritage context can be a delicate and complex issue.
“There is now an ample literature considering best practices and challenges regarding the ethics and politics of putting the archaeological dead on display,” explains Professor Howard M.R. Williams, an expert in early medieval archaeology and the public archaeology of death. “Authors emphasize the need for respect and sensitivity – to carefully work through in specific circumstances affecting the decision to display, select remains for display on clear criteria and to evaluate likely effects of such exhibitions.”
The Fonmon Castle excavation has made a concerted effort to engage with the local community and involve them in the discovery process. This approach, coupled with the clear educational and research-driven objectives of the project, helps to address some of the ethical concerns surrounding the display of human remains.
However, as Professor Williams notes, “critical attention focuses on prominent national, city and university museums rather the wider broad range of smaller heritage sites and museums with displays of human remains and their archaeological contexts, often juxtaposed with an eclectic range of other exhibits with memorial and mortuary dimensions to them.”
Exploring the Digital Public Archaeology Landscape
The Fonmon Castle excavation is not the only example of digital public archaeology in Wales. Across the region, researchers and heritage organizations are embracing the power of technology to engage the public and share the stories of the past.
In the nearby Gwent Levels, for instance, DigVentures, a leading digital archaeology company, is working to build an online map of the incredible archaeology found in this unique landscape. By using a range of digital tools, including photogrammetry and interactive visualizations, the team is empowering local communities to explore and connect with the rich heritage of their region.
Similarly, in Hartlepool, DigVentures is working to carry the legacy of St Hilda, the famous Anglo-Saxon abbess, into the future, using digital platforms to share the stories of the town’s early medieval past.
These projects demonstrate the growing importance of digital public archaeology, where researchers, heritage professionals, and local communities collaborate to uncover, interpret, and share the stories of the past. By embracing the digital realm, these initiatives are not only making archaeology more accessible but also fostering a deeper sense of connection and ownership within the communities they serve.
Uncovering the Past, Shaping the Future
As the Fonmon Castle excavation continues to unfold, it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of digital public archaeology. By combining cutting-edge research methods, community engagement, and innovative digital tools, the project is not only shedding light on the lives of early medieval Welsh communities but also inspiring a new generation of archaeologists and heritage enthusiasts.
“It’s such an important and fascinating site,” reflects Jessica Morgan. “I can’t wait to see what else we uncover and how it will shape our understanding of the past.”
Indeed, the Fonmon Castle excavation, and the wider landscape of digital public archaeology in Wales, offers a glimpse into a future where the stories of the past are not just preserved, but actively woven into the fabric of our communities. Through these collaborative efforts, we can not only unearth the secrets of our shared history but also build a more informed, engaged, and connected society.
