An extraordinary early medieval cemetery with women’s bodies placed carefully in crouched positions has been found close to the end of an airport runway in Wales.
The bodies, which were buried about 1,500 years ago, were all laid on their side facing south, suggesting they were the subject of a specific ceremony.
As well as the human remains, fragments of butchered animal bones and pieces of rare imported glass drinking vessels were found, indicating that it was also a spot for feasting.
Dr Andy Seaman, a lecturer in early medieval archaeology at Cardiff University, said: “This is a really exciting discovery. Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artefacts.”
There are believed to be about 80 bodies at the site within the grounds of Fonmon Castle near Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. So far 18 have been examined, and of those, four were buried in a crouched position – a much higher percentage than has been seen at other sites.
Seaman said: “Other similar sites have found bodies in crouched positions such as this, but considering the number of graves we have looked at so far, there seem to be a high proportion. This could be evidence of some sort of burial rite being carried out.
“Certain individuals are clearly being given particular burial rites. Whether that’s to do with their social identity or role in the community, we don’t know. But all the crouched burials are on their right-hand side and they’re looking south, so there’s a coherence to them.
“It may or may not be significant that thus far all of our crouched burials are female. We’re dealing with small samples so far. What we’ll be doing in the coming years is exploring that further.”
Archaeologists believe the site was not just used for burial. The recovered fragments of rare imported glass drinking vessels are believed to be from western France, while some of the animal bones display evidence of butchery and cooking. Metal working debris was also found.
Seaman said: “There is nothing to suggest that people were living near the site, so the evidence of cooking and glasses certainly suggests some level of ritual feasting, perhaps to celebrate or mourn the dead.”
Another fascinating find is a small bone peg that could have been used as a marker in a game or as a tuning peg for a musical instrument.
Geophysical surveys undertaken in the area during 2021 revealed a number of sites of interest, which the team from Cardiff University’s school of history, archaeology and religion have been investigating. The researchers initially thought they had discovered an ancient farmstead, but more detailed excavations have revealed a cemetery containing burials dating to the 6th and 7th centuries.
Seaman said: “It’s a period of Welsh history about which we know comparatively little. It will help us expand and enhance our understanding of this post-Roman period.”
The project will continue for years to come led by experts with the help of students and volunteers. “We’ll be able to tell the story of this community in an unparalleled level of detail and resolution,” said Seaman.
Jessica Morgan, a Cardiff University archaeology student who has worked at Fonmon for the last two summers, said: “It’s brought me closer to my Welsh heritage. It is such an important and fascinating site.”
Fonmon Castle was built as a defensive keep and administration centre in around 1180. It was originally owned by the St John family, who were descended from Norman knights, and is now open as a visitor attraction and venue.
