Ancient tales from two of Pembrokeshire's best known historic sites, ghostly goings-on at a medieval palace and restoring historic boats are just part of a packed programme of events for National Archaeology Week.
The week - from Saturday, July 16, to Sunday, July 24 - is happening UK-wide and is arranged by the Council for British Archaeology. Locally, it is being co-ordinated by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park archaeologist, Polly Groom.
There are activities on each day of the week, at different locations throughout the National Park. Some are arranged by the Park Authority, but a range of other organisations are also involved. Lamphey Palace's ghost stories will be explored in a late evening tour of the palace, led by a costumed guide, on Tuesday, July 19, while both Pentre Ifan burial chamber and Foel Drygarn Iron Age hill fort will have an archaeologist in residence on Saturday, July 23. The archaeologist will explain to visitors the importance of the sites and their long history. Events will also be taking place at Castell Henllys and Carew Castle, which the Park Authority manage.
Said Polly: "Pembrokeshire has a huge wealth of archaeological and historical sites and the aim of National Archaeology Week is to encourage people to visit them and find out more, especially about sites which are not always open to the public. For example, on Monday, July 18, you will be able to visit an historic dockyard in Pembroke Dock and see the work of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society. This group is rescuing, restoring and sailing historic vessels, and you will be able to see how they do this.
"Some of the events are free, and there is a charge for others. Some have to be booked in advance, but we are confident that everyone will enjoy themselves. One thing I'm particularly excited about is an excavation which will be going on during that week, at a site near Angle. Further details will be available soon, but we will be having an open day at the dig, so come and see what we've found."
Brief details of the week's events are as follows:
Saturday, July 16: Summer dig begins at Castell Henllys.
Sunday, July 17: Archaeology tours at Carew Castle, 11.30 am and 2.30 pm. Included in normal admission. Tel 01646 651782.
Monday, July 18: Historic Dockyard Open Day, Front Street, Pembroke Dock, courtesy West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, 11 am to 4 pm. Historic vessels and their restoration, and Pembrokeshire's long-standing links with the sea. Tel. 01646 624880/ 07866 771175. Free event. Demonstration of Iron Age crafts at Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort, from 10 am. Tel. 01239 891319
Tuesday, July 19: Archaeology tours at Castell Henllys - find out more about the reconstructed Iron Age Fort and how we know about it. Details: 01239 891319. Haunting and Heretics - guided tour at Lamphey Palace, 10 pm. History of the palace through its ghost stories. Booking essential, tel. 01646 672224.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, July 19, 20 and 21: Archaeotours run tours to archaeological and historic sites in the north of Pembrokeshire, including Pentre Ifan, Carreg Coetan Arthur, Nevern church and Garn Fawr hill fort. The tours start in Fishguard or St. Davids. Booking essential, fee payable. For details: 07974 356350 .
Thursday, July 21: Archaeology tours at Castell Henllys. As Tuesday.
Friday, July 22: Open Day at West Angle Bay excavation site. Meet the diggers and find out what has been discovered. Further details, tel. 01646 624880/07866 771175.
Saturday, July 23: Meet an archaeologist at two famous sites and find out the stories behind these monuments. 10 am to 1.30 pm at Pentre Ifan Neolithic burial chamber (SN 099370), dating back to 3,500BC, 2 pm to 5 pm at Foel Drygarn Iron Age hill fort. Meet at lay-by on road from Crymych to Mynachlog-ddu (SN 164330). Some steep sections. Further details, tel. 01646 624880/07866 771175. Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24: An audience with Sir John Perrot - flamboyant favourite at the court of Elizabeth I - at Carew Castle from 10 am. Demonstrations, have-a-go archery and historical interpretation. Included in normal admission. Tel. 01646 651782.