A five-year archaeological project is set to explore Wogan Cavern, a vast cave beneath Pembroke Castle in Wales, which researchers describe as a 'once in a lifetime discovery'. Initial small-scale excavations between 2021 and 2024 uncovered bones of mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, reindeer, wild horse, and hippopotamus, alongside stone tools and evidence of human occupation spanning over 100,000 years.
Dr Rob Dinnis, who directed the initial digs, said the site is 'truly remarkable' and 'no other site' like it exists in Britain. The cave contains sediments that have remained largely intact, providing a rare archive of prehistoric life. Evidence suggests early Homo sapiens and possibly Neanderthals inhabited the cave, with hippo bones dating back around 120,000 years to the last interglacial period.
Funded by the Calleva Foundation and led by the University of Aberdeen, the project aims to uncover details about early human ancestors, their lifestyles, and environmental changes. The Pembroke Castle Trust will support the work, expanding their team and developing the castle to curate and display the finds locally.
Pembroke Castle, already a popular tourist attraction as the birthplace of Henry Tudor, is entering a new chapter. Dr Jonquil Mogg, collections manager, said the cave has 'the potential to establish it as a place of huge significance to British archaeology'. Castle manager Jon Williams expressed excitement about working with the team and securing the collection for the public.
