An archaeology field school will open at an historic abbey near Pontrhydfendigaid this summer.

The school will run for six weeks from 13 August to 23 September at the 12th century Strata Florida Abbey.

The new field school, being delivered by the Strata Florida Trust in partnership with The Prince’s Foundation, Allchurches Trust, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Breaking Ground Heritage and Sacred Landscapes Research Project, builds on established archaeological training programmes conducted at Strata Florida between 2004 and 2015.

Allchurches Trust has given £177,400 over three years to fund the field school at Strata Florida during the summers of 2019 to 2021.

Prof David Austin, director of the Strata Florida Archaeology Field School, said: “We are extremely grateful to Allchurches Trust for their very generous grant.

“It means that we can fulfil our wish to share Strata Florida’s very special history, archaeology, heritage and links to Welsh culture with as many people as possible, including members of the public, students, veterans and experienced archaeologists.”

Sir Philip Mawer, chairman of AllchurchesTrust, said: “We’re proud to support this exceptionally exciting project that will help halt the decline in practical archaeological opportunities and skills in the UK, breathing new life into this fascinating profession as well as enriching the local economy and protecting an important cultural site in Wales for future generations.”

In 2018, the Strata Florida Trust entered into a partnership with The Prince’s Foundation to transform Strata Florida into a vibrant visitor destination and a centre for heritage skills training.

“We hope that this project is just the beginning, and that it will lay the groundwork for a sustainable, long-term archaeological training school at Strata Florida,” Prof Austin added.

Full details of the field school are available at www.stratafloridatrust.org/join-the-dig.

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