The Pound and The Dig
The Pound
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In 2019 we achieved grants from Welsh Government, Cardiff YMCA (1910) Trust, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund and a local charitable trust to help provide a 50+ activity centre and heritage room in the heart of Llandaff village.
The Pound, finished in 2022, can accommodate small-scale activities for older people, to alleviate loneliness and isolation, and promote wellbeing and community cohesion. Llandaff has the second highest proportion of older people in Cardiff but had no designated centre for socialising, sharing information and making new friends. Its eco-friendly features make it a model for sustainability into the future, so it is also a place to visit to learn about the latest eco-initiatives. The building initially built in the 1930s is an example to show that an old building (the size of a small bungalow) can have an ‘A’ energy rating. It showcases different technologies and constructions, using photo voltaics, air source heat pumps and water recycling.
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Our building is located next to the 13th Century Bishop’s Castle at the top of the High Street. So, ​it also gives our volunteers the opportunity to share the history of Llandaff in a small heritage room, whenever The Pound is open.
The Pound Centre is run by volunteers on a self-sustaining basis and funded by users attending the weekly activities.
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​Our architects, Downs Merrifield Architects, were with us from day one. Carolyn Merrifield's vision and expertise made possible the transformation from a derelict toilet to an adaptable, comfortable and sustainable community space. Carolyn is now a Llandaff 50+ Trustee.
The Pound Today
The Main Entrance and members of the Heritage Room Volunteer Group on duty
The courtyard today
Floor plan, © Downs Merrifield Architects
The Dig
Llandaff 50+ held a community archaeological dig between Monday 16th September and Friday 27th September.
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The Dig, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Cardiff YMCA (1910) Trust was led by professional archaeologists Dr Tim Young of GeoArch and Louise Mumford, Archivist of The Cathedral School, Llandaff. The equipment was loaned to us by the Archaeology Dept of Cardiff University.
Local schools brought 288 children to take part and experience the fun and learning involved in an archaeological dig, and they learnt about the history of the ‘city within a city’ from local storyteller, Richard Berry. Llandaff 50+ and Llandaff Society volunteers worked throughout the event. There was a viewing area for locals and visitors to see the dig in progress, and many booked a session to try digging or washing and identifying any finds.
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However, on the final day, the corner of a building was discovered and so the dig continued until the middle of November.
It was an exciting time with new discoveries virtually everyday. Our dedicated team of volunteer diggers and stewards were kept busy revealing the treasures of the late 14th, early 15th century hall house, and made sure that visitors were given the latest information, some even came twice a day for updates.
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Two walls were uncovered, one 75cm thick and its return was 95cm thick, with a fireplace. After digging down 2m, Keith Edger found the floor (and we lost Keith!). There was a hearth, and clear evidence that the fire surround was made of carved Bath stone and, therefore, a house of high status. On the very final day (well, sort of) the right hand side of the fireplace was found, indicating that it was a two storey building. Dr Tim and Keith came back to uncover it.
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Dr Tim also found a lovely 14th century French jeton, an accounting coin, hidden in the fireplace. Its excellent condition makes us wonder if it was placed in the fireplace to ward off evil spirits!
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This unexpected continuation of the dig could only have taken place with the support of our wonderful archaeologists (professional and volunteer): Dr Tim Young, Keith Edger, Cathy Morris, Janis Pringle, Luke Collins, Gail Chester, and Louise Mumford for her conservation advice. Thanks, too, to our volunteer helpers: Tim Egan, Roger Martin, Geoffrey Barton-Greenwood and Cllr Sean Driscoll and many others.
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We also thank Robert Matthews Construction for their constant help removing concrete, finding cables and giving advice.
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It is hoped that, in the near future, we will be able to fund another project, working with local schools, to identify the many finds and learn about medieval life in Llandaff and Cardiff.
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