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Beneath the historic Pembroke Castle in Pembrokeshire, archaeologists have discovered an exceptionally large cave that has the potential to transform current understanding of Britain’s prehistoric past. Known as Wogan Cavern, this underground site dates back to the 11th century and has yielded rare remains of early humans and various ancient animals, including the bones of a hippopotamus that inhabited the region approximately 120,000 years ago.
Preliminary excavations of Wogan Cavern revealed artifacts and fossils spanning more than 100,000 years. Among these finds are stone tools and well-preserved bones from creatures such as mammoths, hippos, and woolly rhinoceroses. Given its uniqueness in the UK, the University of Aberdeen is now preparing to lead an ambitious five-year research project aimed at thoroughly investigating the site, with hopes of uncovering new information about human ancestors and their environments.
Dr. Rob Dinnis of the University of Aberdeen, who directed the initial phase of digs and will oversee the upcoming large-scale project, described the cave as “a truly remarkable site” and “a once in a lifetime discovery.” He highlighted the significance of the evidence so far, which points not only to early Homo sapiens but also suggests the presence of Neanderthal activity in the area. The stratified deposits in the cavern could provide a timeline of human occupation beginning shortly after the last Ice Age, around 11,500 years ago, extending back to Britain’s earliest Homo sapiens between 45,000 and 35,000 years ago, and possibly even earlier.
Accessed by a spiral staircase from within the castle, Wogan Cavern stretches approximately 23 meters in length and rises up to 10 meters high, making it an impressive geological feature. The site is managed with support from the Pembroke Castle Trust, which intends to preserve and display the discoveries locally. Jon Williams, the castle manager, expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting how the uncovering of prehistoric secrets provides a fascinating contrast to the medieval history traditionally associated with Pembroke Castle. Excavations are set to commence at the end of May, marking an exciting new chapter in the castle’s extensive history
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