Archaeologists uncover ‘missing piece of the puzzle’ at Margam
A MAJOR archaeological discovery in Margam has revealed the remains of a Roman villa of exceptional scale and preservation, offering what experts say could be unparalleled insight into Wales’s national story.
The find has been made by ArchaeoMargam, a collaborative heritage project involving Swansea University, Neath Port Talbot Council and Margam Abbey Church. Researchers say the discovery fills a long-standing gap in understanding Margam’s role during the Romano-British period.
The project, funded through Neath Port Talbot Council’s Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events strand of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, has brought together local communities, schools, students, volunteers and small businesses from across the region.
Geophysical surveys carried out by Llandough-based specialists Terradat revealed the clear footprint of a Roman villa complex unlike anything previously identified in the area.
Dr Alex Langlands, Associate Professor and Co-Director of Swansea University’s Centre for Heritage Research and Training (CHART), described the discovery as remarkable.
“This is an amazing discovery,” he said. “We always thought we’d find something dating to the Romano-British period, but we never dreamed it would be so clearly articulated and with so much potential in terms of what it can tell us about the elusive first millennium AD here in south Wales.
“Margam is famous for its Bronze Age, Iron Age, Medieval and Post-Medieval heritage, but until now we knew practically nothing about what was happening during the Roman period. This is the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Although it is too early to determine the precise date, function or occupants of the villa, the geophysical data alone has allowed archaeologists to begin forming hypotheses about the site’s importance and long-term role in the social, cultural and economic development of Wales.
The surveys show the villa sits within a defended enclosure measuring approximately 43 metres by 55 metres. This could indicate an earlier Iron Age settlement or reflect instability during the later Roman period. A substantial aisled building to the south-east may have been an agricultural structure or possibly a post-Roman meeting hall.
Dr Langlands added: “One thing is clear – Margam, which may even have given its name to the historic region of Glamorgan, was one of the most important centres of power in Wales, acting as a gateway between the uplands of the west and the fertile Vale to the east.”
Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the discovery underlined the value of investing in heritage.
“This spectacular find shows why heritage is such a key asset for Neath Port Talbot,” he said. “Our strategy recognises heritage’s power to connect communities, celebrate shared identity and inspire future generations. I am extremely excited to learn more about this untold chapter in Margam Park’s long story.”
Professor Helen Griffiths, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, said the project demonstrated the benefits of partnership working.
“We are delighted that our long-standing collaboration with Neath Port Talbot Council is delivering tangible cultural benefits,” she said. “ArchaeoMargam supports skills development, social cohesion and community involvement in groundbreaking research.”
Terradat Technical Director Christian Bird said the clarity of the results exceeded expectations.
“The high-resolution magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar data are remarkably clear,” he said, “allowing us to map the villa structure, surrounding ditches and wider layout of the site in 3D.”
Alongside the surveys, ArchaeoMargam has carried out excavations west of Margam Abbey Church, engaging more than 900 people including local school pupils, Young Archaeologist Club members, volunteers and students from Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges and Swansea University.
Education officer and Young Archaeologist Club leader Harriet Eaton said the project had brought history to life.
“It turned history into a real-life adventure,” she said, “giving young people practical experience beyond the classroom and making archaeology tangible and fun.”
Beverley Gulley, church warden at Margam Abbey Church, said the work added to understanding a uniquely important site.
“As the only nave of a Cistercian abbey to survive the Dissolution and still be in use today, Margam Abbey Church is of unique importance,” she said. “This is a deeply spiritual landscape, and we are keen to learn more about it in partnership with the wider community.”
The findings of the ArchaeoMargam project, including further details about the Roman villa, will be shared at a free open day at Margam Abbey Church on Saturday, January 17.
