Man Who Discovered An Ancient Welsh City Finally Recognized By Archaeologists

For fifteen years, Stuart Wilson, an archaeology graduate student, worked very hard to get acknowledgment from the archaeology organization for finding a medieval city in the UK. He was always rejcted. Until recently, he is eventually vindicated, as science substantiate his discovery.

He spent £32,000 for an exploration – he had an inkling, that a farm field on England’s Welsh border was previously the site of Trellech, a forgotten medieval city. He was then a toll booth attendant when he decided to embark on the project. He refused to change his plans despite the criticisms of his friends and family urging him to invest the money in more relevant ways.

He mobilized volunteers to assist with the excavation, and it took them fifteen years to complete. Wilson discovered what appears to be the ruins of a city --- particularly, a manor house and surrounding moat.

When he brought his findings to known archaeologists, he was met with profound skepticism. However, recent events changed their perspective. He was invited to give a speech at a Cardiff Archaeological Society event at Cardiff University.

Giving someone the benefit of the doubt does pay off at times. Wilson was the only person who believed the farmer, who originally possessed the land, when he raised to the attention of the Monmouth Archaeological Society the shards he found at his property. These appeared to be Medieval-era pottery scattered around the grounds, dug up by moles.

Several years had passed, Wilson bought the 4.6 acres when it went up for sale. Wilson, extremely zealous about this excavation, inspired about a thousand volunteers to aid in the effort.

Soon after, eight buildings have already been unearthed and Wilson expects that they will be able to dig more.

Hopefully, he plans to develop the land and create an interpretation center among the ruins. He also aims to build a campsite for those volunteers and visitors who intend to stay long-term.

During the 13th century, Trellech -- small by modern standards -- was actually among largest settlements in Wales. It is currently designated as a Conservation Area. Wittingly, Trellech has 26 spellings. As a matter of fact, the road signs at the entrance give it three different names: Trellech, Trelleck and Trelech.

This year, Wilson at 37 years old, will continue the investigation.