News

Early evidence of prehistoric humans found in cave below castle

Published

3 years ago

June 18, 2023

BURIED in a bat-ridden cave beneath a Welsh castle, archaeologists have made a significant discovery that provides early evidence of prehistoric humans. Dating back to the last Ice Age, the artifacts left behind by these individuals indicate that they were among the earliest Homo sapiens to inhabit Britain.

The remarkable find was made during ongoing excavations at Wogan Cavern, located beneath Pembroke Castle in southwest Wales. The cave has gained recognition as one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain due to the wealth of artifacts it has yielded, spanning thousands of years of history.

Although a wall sealed off the cave’s entrance around 800 years ago, it remains accessible through a spiral stairway from the castle above. While it likely served as a storeroom during the Middle Ages, the artifacts discovered in the cave demonstrate its use throughout the Roman period.

Of particular interest is the strong evidence suggesting that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers inhabited the cave during the middle of the last Ice Age. Although human remains have not been found at the site, analysis of stone tools unearthed during the 2022 excavation confirms that they were crafted by some of the earliest Homo sapiens to arrive in Britain.

In addition to the tools, the excavation also revealed the bones of reindeer, wild horses, and woolly mammoths, indicating that the cave may have served as a prehistoric butcher shop and dining area.

The recent discovery in Wogan Cavern has the potential to unveil further insights as the cave’s scale suggests that there is much more to be uncovered. The arrival and lifestyle of Homo sapiens in Britain remain largely unknown, and even less is known about the history of Neanderthals, close relatives of Homo sapiens, in the region.

With plans for further excavations at Wogan Cavern in the summer of 2023, researchers hope to shed light on this crucial period in human history. Dr. Rob Dinnis, an archaeologist from the University of Aberdeen and co-leader of the project, expressed optimism, stating that the discovery of this remarkable cave allows for the application of modern archaeological methods to gain a better understanding of the period. Questions regarding the timing of human arrival in Britain, their origins, and their way of life in the Ice Age environment can now be addressed.

“Wogan Cavern is proving to be an extraordinary site. While our European counterparts have made significant progress in understanding the early presence of Homo sapiens, we have lagged behind. However, the discovery of this new site has the potential to change that. Thanks to this incredible cave, we can now employ advanced archaeological techniques to delve deeper into this pivotal period,” remarked Dr. Dinnis.

He further added, “Our work has already demonstrated the immense importance of Wogan Cavern, but what truly intrigues us is the wealth of discoveries we’ve made with such limited excavation. The cave is extensive, and we have barely scratched the surface. Who knows what else we may uncover in the years to come? Could there be evidence of even earlier occupation by our Neanderthal relatives? Given our findings thus far, I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.”

Community

Concern grows after child hospitalised following Tenby sea swim

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARENT SAYS BOY BECAME SERIOUSLY ILL AFTER SWIMMING DURING FAMILY VISIT

CONCERN is growing in Pembrokeshire after a parent claimed their child was admitted to hospital after swimming in the sea at Tenby.

The post, shared in a local Tenby Facebook group, said the family had visited the resort between Monday and Thursday, with the boy swimming in the sea on Tuesday (May 6).

His parent wrote: “My son swam in the sea on the 6th and the next morning came down with terrible sickness and diarrhoea — he’s been very unwell since and has tonight been admitted to hospital.”

They added: “It’s terrible we can’t swim in our seas and rivers safely anymore. Please be aware.”

The post prompted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments, with many people expressing sympathy for the family and others raising wider concerns about sewage pollution and water quality around the Pembrokeshire coast.

One commenter said: “This is a national disgrace, please put in a written complaint to Dŵr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales.”

Another asked: “Why were there no signs put up on the beaches to warn people it was unsafe to swim in?”

Others claimed they or family members had suffered illness after swimming at locations including Tenby, Amroth, Newgale and Coppet Hall.

One person wrote: “I got sepsis from a cut in Newgale surfing. Took six weeks in hospital and seven months recovery and still not right to get over it.”

Another said: “Please check with your son’s doctors regarding E.coli and a condition called HUS, which can develop from E.coli. My daughter swam at Amroth in 2022 after a sewage incident in the area and became seriously ill.”

No medical evidence has been published linking the latest reported illness directly to seawater exposure, and there is currently no official confirmation that conditions at Tenby caused the child’s illness.

However, the post has reignited anger over sewage discharges, pollution alerts and the information available to visitors and local people before entering the water.

Lydstep warning

The concern follows a recent warning at Lydstep Haven after Natural Resources Wales informed Pembrokeshire County Council of an “abnormal situation” which could temporarily affect bathing water quality.

Pembrokeshire County Council said officers from its Pollution Control Team had placed warning notices at various locations around the beach, temporarily advising against bathing while the matter was investigated.

Some residents questioned whether warnings were clear enough, particularly during busy holiday periods.

One commenter wrote: “Why aren’t there any warnings to holiday makers and visitors to our local area? It’s not fair that they find out information after someone becomes ill.”

Another said: “There should be notices and announcements on the beaches if there is an outage.”

Others pointed out that Surfers Against Sewage’s water quality app was not showing an active alert for Tenby itself, and suggested some online comments may have confused the current Lydstep warning with previous pollution notices affecting beaches in the Tenby area.

Protest at Broad Haven

The issue comes less than a week before campaigners stage a Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out protest at Broad Haven.

The protest is due to take place on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm, as part of a UK-wide day of action calling for an end to sewage pollution in rivers and seas.

Surfers Against Sewage says communities across the UK will gather on beaches, riverbanks and in the water to demand stronger action on sewage pollution.

The campaign group said: “We are sick of it. Sick of the lies, sick of the greed and sick of a system that’s rigged against us.”

A large banner has already been placed on Broad Haven seafront encouraging people to attend the protest.

Tourism concerns

The row has also raised concerns about the potential impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry, with Tenby, Broad Haven, Newgale and other seaside communities heavily dependent on visitors during the spring and summer months.

One commenter wrote: “Not very good for a holiday destination is it.”

Another said: “Tourism will be massively affected by incidents like this, and people’s health and lives are being put at risk.”

Others called for stronger action from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

The Herald has approached Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for comment.

Community

Milford Haven remembers those lost at sea

Published

2 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

Local Government

Jonathan Grimes becomes 647th Mayor of Pembroke

Published

3 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

JONATHAN GRIMES has said he is “incredibly proud and deeply honoured” after becoming the 647th Mayor of Pembroke.

Cllr Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, thanked those who had placed their trust and confidence in him.

He said: “With the support, commitment and dedication of Pembroke Town Council and our wonderful community, I am confident we can meet every challenge together, celebrate our successes, and continue building a brighter and more inclusive future for Pembroke.

“It is a true privilege to serve as Mayor, and I look forward to working alongside the people of Pembroke in the months ahead.”

Cllr Grimes said he was also looking forward to attending this afternoon’s service at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke for the Blessing of the Bells.

He added that he hoped to meet as many people as possible as the town celebrates the return of the historic bells.