West Wales: Uncovering history in Carmarthen
Roman pots, tiles, brooches, beads and even a Roman road have been found on the site of our new older person’s housing development in the centre of Carmarthen.
Carmarthen has a long and important history dating back to Roman times. Before our long-term construction partners, Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd, started building work on the former Lidl site in Priory Street, we called in archaeologists to dig for historic remains.
The team from Wessex Archaeology started excavating on site last year and has made some exciting finds.
Their dig has uncovered evidence of Roman buildings, floors and tiles as well as hearths that would have been used for industrial metalworking.
Some more personal items excavated include:
- a copper-alloy bow brooch
- a lead lamp
- a bead that may have be worn by a wealthy Roman
- a clay pipe in the shape of the goddess Venus
- Roman Samian tableware
- a bone pin, which is likely to have been worn as a hair decoration
The team are carefully photographing and recording all the archaeological findings. They are due to finish on site this summer and will report their results to Heneb, the Trust for Welsh Archaeology.
“It’s fascinating what has been lying beneath the site for thousands of years,” said Andrew Davies, WWH Development Delivery Manager.
“The archaeologists have been excited by what they have unearthed and believe the area is significant to the town’s history.
“Once they have recorded and reported all their finds, we’ll take advice from Heneb on what to do with the items. We would like to donate them to a local museum so they can be shown as part of the town’s history.”
Our long-term contractors, Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd, are working alongside the archaeologists and have started building work in areas not affected by the dig. The development of 48 apartments for older people is expected to be ready for new residents to move in to by 2027.
193 new homes for affordable rent in West Wales
The homes in Carmarthen are just some of the 193 new homes we’re building in West Wales.
In Fishguard, Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd are making good progress at Parc Y Chwarel, where 50 new homes are expected to be ready for residents this summer. At Angorfa, on the site of the former Ship and Anchor pub in the town centre, 12 new apartments for older people are expected to be ready later this year. Further along the coast at Newport, they are building 12 new homes at Parc Nantwen, Dinas Cross.
In the popular coastal town of Aberaeron, Ceredigion, 20 new apartments for affordable rent are taking shape (pictured). We are working with local construction company Jamson Estates to redevelop the former Aberaeron Hospital. The homes are expected to be ready for residents to move in next year.
Later this summer, work is due to start on a major affordable housing development near Cardigan town centre. We’ve been granted planning permission from Ceredigion County Council to build 51 new homes at New Mill Road.
