Archaeologists to start excavating Powys Saxon site

Archaeologists were today set to start an excavation on farmland in Powys that could unveil the first Saxon building to be found in Wales.

A team from Cambrian Archaeological Projects will spend a month excavating the site, which might be a rare fifth century Saxon hall or palace on farmland at Gaer Farm in Forden, near Welshpool.

Cambrian Archaeological Projects (CAP) will spend a month, from today, excavating the site and said if it was a Saxon building, it would be the first of its type in Wales to be unearthed.

Project leader Mark Houliston said: "The site was first identified in 1987, and aerial photographs dating back more than 50 years and preliminary excavations have revealed a post-Roman settlement. Large post holes, which would have formed the foundations for a large building, have also been discovered.

"It's difficult to date the site. It is thought to be from the Saxon period, but it could be medieval or a Welsh settlement. We're excited it's a large building and post Roman, but until we excavate the site it's hard to say for certain what it is and when it was built."

He added: "There's speculation it could be a Saxon long house or palace and if that's the case it would be a significant find. "

An open day will be held on August 30.