THIS weekend visitors can learn firsthand about the archaeological dig that is revealing the secrets of The Lost City of Trellech.

As well as tours of the excavation site and an insight into the history of the dig, the open weekend (on 28th and 29th July, 10am to 4pm) includes cannon firing and long-bow demonstrations and talks and living history displays staged by the Cardiff Castle Garrison.

The site of the lost city was discovered some years ago by archaeologist Stuart Wilson in fields just outside the present-day village of Trellech and the on-going dig is revealing much about its size and importance.

An industrial town producing iron principally for the De Clares army, it began life in 1245 AD and grew rapidly to become the largest settlement in medieval Wales, about one quarter the size of London. It was weakened, however, by the death of the De Clares in 1314, and went into further decline from the subsequent effects of plague and war.

Substantial remains exist which allow both the archaeologist and the visitor to gain a good idea of how things would have existed. Finds on the site have included a nearly complete pot over 600 years old, leather shoes, wooden objects, bronze buckles, including a buckle glided in gold as well as numerous pieces of pots, iron and stone.

All the buildings unearthed so far were built in stone and may well have given the city its name of Trellech, Tre meaning town and llech meaning stone.

The Trellech Project was one of a handful of projects chosen for Archaeofeed.com’s ‘Archaeological Project Worldwide Award for 2016’.

Admission to the Open Weekend is free but donations will be gratefully received. Refreshments will be available on site throughout the day.