Gwent news

[Kev]

AMATEUR archaeologists in Cwmbran have discovered a well while excavating what they believe is an ancient religious site.

The Ancient Cwmbran Society discovered the well on Tuesday during a seven day dig in Greenmeadow Woods.

Volunteers were excavating a walled enclosure which is thought to date from around 1510, when they came found the well within the wall's boundaries.

One of the society's founding members, Richard Davies, said that although they had not yet been able to date the well, it was discovered within the enclosure which they suspect was once an ancient religious site, meaning the well could also have had a holy purpose.

Mr Davies said: "We know there's an ancient pilgrimage route from Llantarnam Abbey, and we are very close it, so this could have been an alternative route for cloister monks."

Mr Davies said he hoped to find a piece of pot or an artefact in the well that would help to date it, and move the volunteers closer to finding out what it was used for.

Between 10 and 20 volunteers have been helping each day with the excavation in Cwmbran.

Mr Davies said they would dig for another two days later this week, and for another week next month.