**Ancient Burial Site Uncovered Beneath Cardiff Park by Local Archaeology Team**
A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in one of Cardiff’s busiest green spaces, revealing that its history goes back far deeper than many residents might expect. Volunteers and students working as part of the Caerau and Ely Rediscovering (CAER) Heritage Project have uncovered a Bronze Age burial site under Trelai Park, just a stone’s throw from the bustling city and only a short distance from a renowned Roman villa.
The newly discovered burial structure, which contains cremated human remains, was found adjacent to a previously unearthed ancient roundhouse. Initial investigations suggest the burial could be up to 3,500 years old, firmly placing it in the Early Bronze Age and shedding fresh light on the lives and customs of Cardiff’s earliest inhabitants.
The CAER Project, a collaborative initiative led by Cardiff University in partnership with Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE), local schools, residents, and various heritage organisations, has been exploring the Trelai Park site for several years. What began with the discovery of a roundhouse dating to around 1500 BC has now evolved into one of Wales’ most significant archaeological endeavours.
Following the roundhouse excavation in 2022—which at the time was celebrated as the oldest dwelling found in Cardiff—the team returned for a fourth season. Their latest findings include several pits located near the roundhouse’s foundations. At least three of these pits have yielded small deposits of cremated human bone, indicating ritual or funerary practices that were until now undocumented at this site.
Dr Oliver Davis, co-director of the CAER Project and a senior lecturer at Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion, expressed his enthusiasm about the discovery. “Stumbling upon these Bronze Age cremations is extraordinarily exciting. The history beneath Trelai Park is not only well preserved but offers a unique window into Cardiff’s ancient past,” he stated. Dr Davis also noted the significance of the site’s proximity to a Roman villa, underscoring millennia of continuous human activity in the area.
Aerial photographs and ongoing analysis suggest the site may be more expansive than previously thought. Underlying the discovered roundhouse is evidence of an even older structure, possibly indicating generational rebuilding. Archaeologists also believe a timber circle found deeper in the ground could date back to between 2000–1600 BC. These layered finds are contributing to an ever-evolving understanding of prehistoric Cardiff.
The park, which today is popular with sports teams and dog walkers, is located only half a mile from the Caerau Hillfort, another key national heritage site. Prior digs have revealed Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman, and medieval artefacts, weaving a dense tapestry of local history that stretches back thousands of years.
Many local volunteers have played an integral role in the project. Alice Clarke, a resident of Caerau, has volunteered for five years and describes her work as deeply rewarding. “It’s fascinating to be so involved in these discoveries,” she said. Clarke will soon be based at the CAER Heritage Centre, where she will continue to help process and clean new finds. She believes the project has boosted her confidence and fostered new friendships, highlighting the community aspect of local heritage work.
For some volunteers, the dig has been an introduction to the world of archaeology. Hannah Secker, aged 19 from Grangetown, recently completed her A-levels and aspires to study archaeology at university. She shared, “Finding 3,000-year-old artefacts is an experience that gives you a real sense of connection to the past. The atmosphere among the team is energetic and supportive, making each new discovery even more thrilling.”
Dr David Wyatt, CAER co-director, commented that the growing list of finds from Trelai Park demonstrates its continuing importance. “Together with the Roman villa and the area’s more recent history as a centre for sport, it’s clear that Trelai Park could become a major heritage attraction in South Wales, with real benefits for the local community,” he said.
Cardiff West Community High School, located near the park, has also built strong ties with the CAER Project. Headteacher Mike Tate believes the project’s hands-on approach brings history alive, engaging pupils by allowing them to physically connect with the area’s ancient past.
An open day at the CAER Heritage Centre is set for Saturday, 28 June, from 10am to 2pm, offering the public an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing excavation and Cardiff’s remarkable Bronze Age history firsthand.