01 April 2011
Last summer Llancaiach Fawr Manor hosted the Time Team, the popular Channel 4 programme which seeks to solve an historical puzzle through archaeological excavation, scientific surveys and landscape studies.
Diane Walker, the General Manager of Llancaiach Fawr and an archaeology graduate herself, invited the Time Team in to see if they could find the house marked as 'Faldray' on the early maps. Earlier small scale investigations and surveys of the field next to the Manor suggested that there was a moat and possible structures under the surface. Could it be an earlier house on the site before the Prichard's built the imposing manor in the 16th century that can still be seen and visited today?
Tony Robinson, who is probably best known for his role as Baldrick in the Blackadder series, and the team of archaeologists spent three days excavating and looking for clues in the field to the east of the Manor and also in and around the formal gardens.
Diane said, 'For the last five years the late Mike Anthony, a local archaeologist and buildings officer for the Council for British Archaeology in Wales and I have been looking at the old maps of the area and wondering about what might be under the field and when exactly the present Manor House was built. We finally had a chance to find out some of the answers with the help of the Time Team. It was a fascinating experience to be involved with the dig, as well as the making of a programme for television, and seeing how much goes on behind the scenes. All the experts were so helpful and they all loved the Manor House!'
As for what they found, you'll be able to see for yourselves on Sunday 3rd April on Channel 4 at 5.25pm when all will be revealled.
For further information contact Diane Walker by email walked1@caerphilly.gov.uk or 01443 412248.
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