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Cymraeg

Exploring the past

07 September 2007

The Welsh Assembly’s Minister for Heritage, Rhodri Glyn Thomas is to visit a medieval village where the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Cardiff University archaeologists are helping the public to rediscover and experience the past.

A "living history" village has been reconstructed at Cosmeston Medieval Village near Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan where costumed historical interpreters, buildings, artefacts and gardens show life in Wales during the fourteenth century. First explored 30 years ago, a new community archaeology and research project has now been launched by the School of History and Archaeology working together with the Vale of Glamorgan Council within the only known reconstructed medieval village in Britain.

The Minister and guests will be welcomed to the site by Vale Mayor Councillor Clive Williams on September 12 when Rhodri Glyn Thomas will attend a reception at the village for delegates attending an international conference ‘Ruralia’ hosted by the University’s Centre for Medieval Society and Culture.

Professor John Hines, School of History and Archaeology, said: "Cosmeston is a unique heritage project in Britain. Our new Cosmeston Innovation and Engagement project is helping to deepen public appreciation of this significant site by working with the community, and adding to the attractions for visitors."

To mark the opening of the conference, Professor Hines will deliver a public lecture (September 8) on ‘The Medieval Archaeology of Cardiff and the Cardiff Region’. Attendance is free and the lecture will start at 6:30pm in the John Pryde Lecture Theatre, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, Museum Avenue, CF10 3US.