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.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.