News

New Roman fort discovery hints at full integration of Wales into Roman Britain

Published

4 months ago

August 2, 2024

A PREVIOUSLY unknown Roman fort has been discovered in an overgrown field in north Pembrokeshire, suggesting a more militant history for west Wales and indicating that the region was fully integrated into Roman Britain.

The discovery was made by Dr Mark Merrony, a leading Roman specialist and tutor at Wolfson College, Oxford, while he was out on a bike ride. The exact location of the fort is being kept secret to protect the site from potential looters.

Dr Merrony began examining the site for Roman material to confirm his initial suspicions. “I wanted to find a particular roofing slate type, which tends to be hexagonal, with a long point,” he said. “Sticking out of the ground was a triangular piece that looked like a Roman roofing slate. I pulled it up and lo and behold, it’s an archetypal Roman roofing slate, an absolute peach. Flip it upside down and you can see underneath a diagonal line where it was grooved to fit into the one that was underneath it. It’s a real beauty.”

Estimated to be two to three hectares in size, the site would have housed around 500 soldiers during its prime. This finding supports the notion that Wales was completely integrated into Roman Britain, contradicting previous beliefs that only two forts existed in west Wales.

“There are more villas than we think and there are more forts than we think here in west Wales,” Dr Merrony stated. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there were at least another two, three, or even more forts that we just haven’t found yet. West Wales has been neglected, partly because there aren’t the resources to cover it. So the more archaeologists start looking, the more we can start to find.”

Dr Merrony believes the fort dates back to between the first and third centuries, a period when the Celtic Demetae tribe inhabited south-west Wales. This new find challenges the perception that the Demetae peacefully coexisted with Roman invaders. “The tribe, who were thought to have peacefully coexisted with the Roman invaders, weren’t probably as peaceful as we think they were,” Dr Merrony explained.

The fort’s form and scale are similar to Pembrokeshire’s only other known Roman fort, which was excavated at Wiston near Haverfordwest in 2013. Both forts are now believed to be linked to a previously unknown Roman road network.

Despite some local criticism and fears that treasure hunters might be attracted to the site, Dr Merrony reassured the community by stating, “I haven’t said where it is. They’re assuming it’s somewhere that it’s not. They might find some rusty nails for the roofing slates. This is a pretty hardcore military site.”

The fort is being hailed as a site of national importance, but its location will not be disclosed to the public until a geophysical survey is carried out to validate the discovery. This will be followed by potential excavation to further explore the site.

This significant discovery not only enhances our understanding of Roman military presence in Wales but also underscores the importance of continued archaeological exploration in uncovering the rich history of the region.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!