A medieval building has been found under our proposed community building for the 50 plus group in Llandaff. As part of the planning requirements, before work could start an archaeological survey was required. The site is next to the 13th Century Old Bishop's Castle in Llandaff, which meant there was always the potential that an important person would have lived there.
A community dig which began in September also unearthed a fireplace, chequered ceramic floor tiles, animal bones and old horse shoes.
Archaeologists said the medieval building dates back to about 1450.
The dig, which involves more than 200 school children and 35 other volunteers, began as the former toilets are being converted to make way for a community and heritage centre.
The toilets were built in the 1930s on an area known as the Pound as it had been used to house stray animals since the 17th Century.
Lead archaeologist Dr Tim Young said: "This was a surprise to find a high status building."
He said the house, about 10m in length, could be regarded as "prestigious" because Bath stone had been used to construct the fireplace. The stone was not commonly used at the time, although it can be found at Llandaff Cathedral.
The findings were reported in the local news and radio as well as archaeology blogs as far away as France and America
A&N Lewis have been appointed as contractors, and work has finally started on this project at the end of November
