Will Beacon Ring secrets be revealed?

One of Welshpool’s most iconic archaeological sites could be revealing its secrets this Friday when the results from a summer dig will be shared with the public at the Town Hall.

The Beacon Ring on Long Mountain (pictured) provides stunning views over Welshpool and is a popular stop off for walkers on the Offas’s Dyke trail.

The site is an ancient hillfort which was acquired by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) in 2008 to preserve it long-term for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

The interior of the hillfort is currently densely wooded with trees planted in the early 1950s to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. From the air, the figures ‘ER II’ can be clearly seen.

Little appears to be known about the hillfort – not even the origin of its name. But with extensive views far across mid Wales and Shropshire it would certainly have been a good site for a beacon.

It is thought to have been built and occupied at some time in the period between the later Bronze Age and the early Iron Age – after 1000 BC and before the arrival of the Romans in about AD 50.

It was excavated for the first time this summer, and this Friday at the Town Hall, the lead archaeologist will reveal their initial findings.

“CPAT director Dr Paul Bedford will be talking about the site's incredible history, archaeology, and what we’ve learnt about it so far,” said a CPAT spokesperson. “It will be a fantastic talk on this iconic Welshpool archaeological site.

Entry is free for Friends of CPAT, or £3 otherwise. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start.