2,000-year-old settlement discovered in Flintshire

The exciting find was made by the team working at the Greenfield Valley Heritage Park in Holywell.

They found the remains of two Iron Age roundhouses as well as a variety of artefacts, including Roman ceramics and metalwork.

One of the most remarkable things discovered was a perfectly preserved Late Iron Age triskele mount.

This ornate fitting used for horse bridles showcased a Celtic triskele design that may have been locally made.

They found a coin  (Image: Heneb Archaeologists)

These findings show that there was a trading relationship that existed between the local Deceangli tribe and the Romans in the late first century AD.

The trade may have been heavily based on metalwork production.

Adding to the excitement, the triskele mount was discovered by a young archaeologist named Edward.

Full of amazement, Edward shared: "It was amazing.

"The fact that it is around 2,000 years old is unbelievable."

The iron age mount   (Image: Heneb Archaeologists)

Dr Carol Bell, chair of Heneb, appreciated Edward's interest and enthusiasm.

She said: "I am sure that discovering this important find will encourage Edward to learn more about local archaeology and history.

"This is testament to the work Heneb does to inspire the next generation of archaeologists and how our archaeological excavations involve local communities and encourage learning about the past through engagement."

The recent dig was carried out with the aim of further exploring the potential Roman activities identified in a successful excavation in 2023 in the fields surrounding the remains of Basingwerk Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery.

Both digs are a part of a larger program aimed at enhancing Greenfield Valley.

READ MORE:

• Wrexham running group donate toys to Maelor Hospital
• RSPCA officers should be able to acquire a warrant
  
   

The funding for these projects came from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and financial contributions from Flintshire County Council and the Greenfield Valley Trust.

Brenda Harvey, Greenfield Valley Trust chair, expressed her excitement over the discovery.

She said: "The Valley is a truly unique place and Heneb’s new discoveries about Iron Age activity here increase our understanding of its historical significance.

"We now have knowledge and evidence tracing the Greenfield Valley’s long history from the Iron Age, through Roman and Medieval times, the Industrial Revolution and up to the present day.

"This is a fantastic story and the Trust is working with Flintshire County Council on plans to bring this story to life in a way that allows visitors and local people to really appreciate it."