Ep 8. Castles and Cannons

In Time Team season 18 episode 8, titled "Castles and Cannons," the team is tasked with investigating the ruins of a castle in Llansteffan, Wales. The castle was built by the Normans in the early 12th century and played a significant role in Welsh history, serving as a stronghold during the invasion of Wales by the English in the late 12th century.

The team uses a range of techniques and technologies to uncover the secrets of the castle and its surroundings. They begin by conducting a topographical survey of the area to get a better understanding of the castle's layout and identify any areas that may have been damaged or disturbed over time. They also use ground-penetrating radar to get a clearer picture of what lies beneath the surface.

The team discovers several interesting features, including a possible medieval garden, a well dating back to the 13th century, and the remains of a 16th-century gunpowder store. They also find evidence of human activity that predates the castle, including a site believed to have been used by prehistoric people for flint-knapping.

As they begin to piece together the story of the castle and its inhabitants, the team encounters several challenges. The castle's location on a steep hillside makes excavation difficult, and the area is prone to flooding, which can wash away valuable clues. In addition, some of the castle's walls are unstable and could collapse, posing a danger to the team.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres, uncovering new information and gaining insights into the castle's past. They use the data they collect to create a 3D digital model of the castle, which helps them to visualize the castle as it would have looked when it was first built.

Throughout the episode, the team is joined by several experts who provide context and insight into their findings. These experts include historian Marc Morris, who discusses the significance of the castle in Welsh history, and archaeologist Raksha Dave, who sheds light on the tools and techniques used by prehistoric people.

By the end of the episode, the team has uncovered a wealth of information about the castle and its surroundings. Their discoveries shed new light on Welsh history and provide insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked at the castle over the centuries.