AN archaeologist is set to lead a talk on fieldwork and the history of former castle sites in Denbighshire.

The Ruthin Local History Society’s (RLHS) will host Ian Grant, senior archaeologist for the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) for talk titled ‘Recent fieldwork at Tomen y Faerdre and Tomen y Rhodwydd - the castles of Ial’.

Tomen y Rhodwydd is familiar to all motorists who travel from Ruthin to Wrexham over Nant y Garth Pass, where its site is located at the junction to Graigfechan. The castle was built by Owain Gwynedd, the Prince of Wales in the 12th century, however only a motte remains as it was ditched by English forces less than a century later.

Mr Grant, who recently managed a series of CADW-funded projects on Offa’s and Wat’s Dyke, will also discuss the lesser known motte of Tomen y Faerdre, situated near Llanarmon yn Ial. It is also believed to be dated to the 11th century and an important place in Welsh history.

The talk takes place on Wednesday, January 15 from 7.30pm at Ysgol Stryd y Rhos, Ruthin.

Admission to non-members costs £5 with annual membership at £5.