Findings from historic First World War training site unearthed during Welsh Water pipe renewal work at Bodelwyddan Castle site

Iron nails, wooden duck-board from the base of trenches, as well as spent .303 rifle cartridges, barbed wire, and fragments of mills hand-grenades – including their ring-pulls, were discovered in the grounds of Bodelwyddan Castle, which is currently on the market with a £1-million price tag.

Also found was a copper-alloy military uniform button, most likely from a cuff or lapel, within the base of a fire trench.

Although heavily degraded, the button appears to depict a beaver which was the insignia of the Canadian 3rd Engineers who were based at Kinmel Camp, during and immediately after the First World War.

Archaeological findings - Mills grenade fragments

The findings come as Welsh Water replace pipes in Bodelwyddan, Kinmel Bay and Abergele.

Work is being carried out to replace one kilometre of pipework in the castle grounds, which supplies water to customers in Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay and Towyn.

Extra care was taken on site not disturb the old training trenches, which can still be seen today and are of great interest to historians and archaeologists.

Richard Cooke, senior archaeologist at Aeon Archaeological, said: “This is the first time these World War I practice trenches have been investigated so extensively and they have given us an exciting window into this most fascinating part of our past.

“The work has shown that, despite ploughing, the bases of the trenches survive well and that they were not being excavated to full depth, but rather would have been reinforced with the addition of sandbags and upcast soil.

Crenelated fire trench under excavation

“As well as evidence of how the trenches were built, a number of artefacts and personal belongings of the would-be soldiers were found at the site.”

During the First World War the castle served as a recuperation hospital for wounded soldiers, but the grounds of the estate also served as a base for trench warfare training for soldiers at the nearby Kinmel Camp.

The not for profit company worked with with heritage body Cadw and Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) to ensure correct procedures were followed before any work at the Bodelwyddan Castle site could begin.

Work underway to lay new water pipe

Aeon Archaeology carried out extensive surveys of the land and as ammunition was used during training on the land, unexploded ordnance specialists Alpha Associates were also drafted in to ensure the area was clear and that nothing was disturbed.

Mr Cooke added: “Other finds include the butt of a flare cartridge showing that they were practicing night-signalling, as well as the priming cap from an artillery shell, suggesting that field artillery guns were also being used at the site.

"One can only imagine the thoughts of these poor souls as they were being prepared for the horrors of trench warfare on the Western front.”

All work in the castle grounds in due to be complete by the end of June.

Flare cartridge butt

Welsh Water has worked with experts to ensure the work to lay the new pipe did not affect the site’s historical significance.

With support onside from archaeologists a section of new water pipe has now been laid, with more to be laid over the coming month.

Denise Yale, Welsh Water’s project manager said: “Before we carry out work like this, we carry out a number of surveys on the land, but knowing the history of the castle grounds it was very important to make sure we preserved the historical significance of the area.

"It’s amazing what they have been able to find on the site after all these years – and that we have been able to work with the experts to ensure the area is preserved for decades more to come."

The project also includes ongoing work to replace the water pipes along St Asaph Avenue, Kinmel Bay, which started in September and is due to be completed later this year.