This summer the Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust will be continuing the excavation of an important settlement site within the home grange of the Cistercian abbey in the beautiful hills of north Radnorshire. Abbey Cwmhir is celebrated as the burial place of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last welsh born Prince of Wales, in 1282.
The house platform at Cwmffwrn offers a rare opportunity to investigate the origins of a long abandoned upland settlement, working with a small team of dedicated participants, led by professional archaeologists – Trysor.
The purpose of the excavation is to try to explain the origin and purpose of the settlement. Was it an upland farm on the monastic grange, or did it appear at a later date, when settlement spread on to the uplands in later centuries?
This year’s excavation will build on the work of 2023 & 2024, which have already shown that there was activity at Cwmffwrn in the late 16th century or early 17th centuries. Can we push this date back further in 2025, and find evidence of medieval activity, which would link the settlement firmly with the monastic grange
You can take part in the 2025 excavation in a number of ways.
Book an Excavation Experience Day on July 12th or 13th. For £75 you will spend a full day on site (10am to 4pm) working alongside professional archaeologists and volunteers, helping to uncover more of the archaeology site. This hands-on experience will give you a great insight into the site and you also have the option of joining a free guided-tour of Abbey Cwmhir itself at the end of the day. Teas/coffees provided but bring your own lunch.
Book here for Saturday 12th July:
Book here for Sunday 13th July:
Book an Excavation Trainee Week to spend 6 days working closely with professional archaeologists on site. For £450 you will receive a week’s training in excavation and recording techniques plus a tour of Abbey Cwmhir remains and village. You are also welcome to stay on to Sunday 20th July as part of this experience, at no additional cost. Only 4 trainee slots are available, therefore you are guaranteed to be at the heart of activity on site and to be guided and mentored by a professional archaeologist throughout. The week extends from Monday 14th July to Saturday 19th July. You will need to find your own accommodation and food is not provided although tea/coffee will be during the day(s).
It will be possible to purchase the BAJR archaeological skills passport for this event. It will act as a record of practical training during this week. It costs £8.50 and can be purchased when you book as a participant.
Book here to join us for our 6 day Trainee Week:
Book a self-drive tour of the Abbey remains and village followed by a site visit to the excavation on Saturday 19th July or Sunday 20th July with a minimum donation of £1 to help fund costs. Please bring a packed lunch although tea and coffee will be provided.
Book here for Saturday 19th July
Book here for Sunday 20th July
For any of these events, under 18s and vulnerable adults should be accompanied.
If you should have any questions about these events and how to join us, please contact Jackie at cwmhirabbey@gmail.com.
We hope that you will be able to join us.