Rediscovery and Excavation
The village of Cosmeston was rediscovered in the 20th century during construction works. Archaeologists undertook extensive excavations starting in the 1960s, uncovering remarkable remains of medieval houses, roads, and artifacts.
These excavations transformed Cosmeston into one of the best-preserved medieval village sites in Wales, providing invaluable insight into rural medieval life. Today, Cosmeston Medieval Village is a popular open-air museum and heritage site, allowing visitors to walk through reconstructed buildings and experience medieval history firsthand.
Key Archaeological Finds
The excavations at Cosmeston revealed several important features:
- House foundations: Timber-framed longhouses with stone foundations and clay walls.
- Roadways and yards: Cobbled streets and open communal spaces.
- Manor house remains: The site of the manor, including a hall and associated buildings.
- Artifacts: Pottery shards, metal tools, personal items such as jewelry, and agricultural implements.
- Environmental evidence: Pollen and seed analysis show crops grown, such as wheat, barley, and oats.
These finds have helped reconstruct the economic activities, diet, and daily routines of the villagers. shutdown123