Last Saturday and Sunday, Cadw's Lamphey Bishop's Palace played host to '40s and Forces - a Festival of British Archaeology' event, which explored the hidden history of one of Wales' most beautiful and tranquil sites.

The Bishop's Palace at Lamphey evokes a period when religion was the order of the day and bishops were powerbrokers par excellence. Lavish decorations, corbels carved as human heads and striking chequerboard stonework are all testament to the wealth and status of these medieval men of religion.

During World War II, Lamphey played host to American servicemen prior to the Normandy Landings. Visitors were able to see traces of this phase of the site's history which have survived, and Cadw's archaeologist showed visitors what they were looking for, to explain this important and little-appreciated phase of the site's history.

Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), Festival of British Archaeology was a fortnight long series of events which ranged from excavation open days and behind-the-scenes tours to family fun days, hands-on activities, guided walks, talks and workshops.

For more information about Cadw's summer events, visit http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk">www.cadw.wales.gov.uk.

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