The quay was discovered in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, and would have been used for ships and boats to dock and load cargo or passengers just outside the town walls
Archaeologists have made a unique discovery of a quay at the base of a medieval castle in a Welsh village.
Unearthed at Island House in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, a 16th century, Grade-II listed building, the quay would have served as a docking point for vessels to load and unload goods or passengers just beyond the town’s fortifications.
This find has the potential to alter the current understanding of Laugharne Castle and its environs, with dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating placing the timber found during Island House’s restoration to the year 1437 AD.
Island House Restoration Ltd embarked on this venture at the start of 2020, committing to return the structure to its former glory before transforming it into a hotel, bar, and restaurant.
The property is situated a mere stone’s throw from the castle, adjacent to the River Taf, and in 2020, excavation teams had previously stumbled upon evidence of a waterway believed to have functioned as a refuse channel for Laugharne Castle and the neighbouring settlement since the 12th century, reports the Express.
“We knew that Island House had an interesting history, but the discovery of a quay was unexpected,” said Ken Murphy, who is overseeing the excavation for Dyfed Archaeological Trust.
“Medieval quays have already been excavated in large UK ports, such as London and Bristol. To find one in Laugharne was quite a surprise.
“It makes us re-evaluate the importance of Laugharne within the trading network of the British Isles in the Middle Ages. It also emphasises the importance of sea trade in the past.”
The tidal waterway has long been filled with sediment and now forms part of a town car park. Vessels are believed to have abandoned attempts to navigate the channel during the 17th century.
Additional stone structures were discovered during the excavation, including a substantial, high-status hall house that once boasted an impressive fireplace, presumably owned by a prosperous trader.
Stephen Kirkwood, director of Island House Restoration, which funded the excavation, commented: “We are trying to find out as much as possible about the history of Island House.
“The archaeological discoveries are very exciting. They will complement historical research and other investigations we have commissioned.
“We have always been fascinated by Island House and took the opportunity to buy it over five years ago with the aim of making it into a small hotel. It was in very poor condition when we bought it and was in danger of falling down.
“It is now safe, and the building work is progressing well. One of the things we are thinking about is how we can preserve and display the important archaeological discoveries for the enjoyment of future visitors.”
Excavation will proceed at the location, with multiple open days scheduled for the public to examine the long-forgotten finds.
Dr Carol Bell, Chair of Heneb, remarked: “What Ken and the Heneb team have discovered at this site is remarkable. It is easy to picture how busy this medieval quay would have been, with small boats coming and going to the quayside.
“Furthermore, it underlines the importance of Laugharne as a port during this period. The discoveries add significantly not only to our understanding of Medieval Wales but also about Laugharne’s place in extensive trading networks to other parts of Britain and beyond.”
