THERE are grave matters afoot at Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshiresauthentic Iron Age site.

Twenty years on from the start of the annual archaeological excavations at the site, the first grave has been discovered, but without an actual body.

With this summers dig in full swing the discovery of a deep grave, located beneath the main earthen rampart which defends the hilltop site, has sparked great interest.

Ken Murphy, of Cambria Archaeology, explained: "We suspected something had happened below the earth rampart to create a large space, because the stratigraphy, or layers of the rampart construction, dipped suddenly at a point above where the grave was later discovered.

"Unfortunately, because the soils in West Wales are so acidic, nothing remains of the body that was there other than stains in the soils. Despite this, the traces will be analysed to prove the original presence of a body. The grave dates to a period before Castell Henllys was substantially defended or might even have been a sacrifice when construction of the defences was started.

Dr Harold Mytum, of the University of York, spoke of his excitement at the discovery, as Iron Age graves are very rarely found in Wales.

Even after 20 years of excavation here at Castell Henllys there are new discoveries to be made. This was probably the grave of someone who was ritually killed at the beginning of the period of earthwork defence construction to placate the Iron Age gods," he said.

Phil Bennett, the Castell Henllys manager for the National Park Authority, added: "It just goes to show the value and importance of long-term research excavations like this. Castell Henllys is one of a shrinking number of digs where students can gain an introduction to archaeology.

The National Park manages the site to enable visitors and education groups to understand our prehistoric heritage and the dig provides much of the information for us to do this."

For the past five weeks a succession of student parties have been involved in the Castell Henllys dig and the project will continue in 2002 to tease out yet more of Castell Henllys historic secrets spanning 2500 years.

Above: Ken Murphy, of Cambria Archaeology, by the recently discovered grave site at Castell Henllys Iron Age fort. PICTURE: Tiv Thomas National Park.