Classic Time Team Season 1 Episode 4 The Fortress in the Lake

The Fortress in the Lake is the fourth episode of the first season of Classic Time Team, a British television show that explores the historical and archaeological aspects of different sites across the country. This episode is set in Wales, where the team is trying to unravel the mystery of a legendary fortress that was once believed to have existed in a lake.

The episode starts with Tony Robinson, the show's host, introducing the site and briefing the viewers on the history and folklore behind the mysterious fortress. The site is Llyn-y-Gors, a lake located in the rugged mountainous region of Snowdonia in North Wales. According to the legend, the fortress was built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great in the 12th century to defend against English invaders. However, there is no concrete evidence of the fortress ever existing.

To uncover the truth behind the legend, the Time Team joins forces with local archaeologists, historians, and scuba divers. The team first surveys the lake and its surroundings using cutting-edge technology, including sonar and magnetometry. The scans reveal the outlines of a man-made structure at the bottom of the lake, which the team believes could be the remains of the fortress.

Next, the team sets out to excavate the site, starting with a small trial trench. The trench quickly reveals a layer of peat that dates back to the medieval period. The team then begins to dig deeper, using hand tools to carefully remove the layers of sediment that have accumulated over the centuries. The team discovers several artifacts, including a medieval arrowhead and a piece of pottery, which they believe are associated with the fortress.

Meanwhile, the team investigates the historical aspects of the site, delving into the archives and consulting with local experts. They discover that the fortress is mentioned in several historical texts, including the 13th-century Welsh chronicle Brut y Tywysogion. The chronicle describes how the fortress was destroyed by the English in 1212, which provides important clues about the site's history.

As the team continues to excavate the site, they face several challenges, including the cold and murky waters of the lake. However, their efforts pay off when they uncover a section of a wall that they believe is part of the fortress. The wall appears to be made of stone, which is a significant finding as most Welsh forts of this period were made of timber and earth. Moreover, the wall is aligned with the outlines of the structure detected by the sonar scans, indicating that they have indeed found the remains of the legendary fortress.

The team's findings are eagerly awaited by the local community, who are fascinated by the mystery of the fortress. The team presents their findings at a public meeting, where they reveal the results of their excavations and speculate about what the fortress might have looked like. The community is thrilled by the team's discoveries and the opportunity to learn more about their local history.

In conclusion, The Fortress in the Lake is an engaging and informative episode of Classic Time Team, which showcases the team's expertise and dedication to uncovering the mysteries of the past. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, careful excavation, and historical research, the team succeeds in shedding light on the legend of the fortress and the rich history of the region.