THE results of the Local Heritage Lottery Initiative funded Ewyas Harold Castle Project are to be unveiled in a launch of a new booklet and DVD of the survey work.

Ewyas Harold History and Archaeology Group in conjunction with locally-based Archaeological Investigations Ltd undertook the survey of castle and its surrounding landscape last year.

The site is nationally important, and is one of only three castles believed to have been constructed by the Normans prior to the Conquest. In fact it was two castles the first built by Osbern Pentecost around 1046, demolished in 1052, and rebuilt after the Conquest by William Fitz-Osbern. It appears to have been abandoned in the late 1400's and there are no upstanding features other than the earthwork defences now.

Using various geophysical methods the layout of the castle can, however, be remapped. Of particular interest is the discovery of a large building at the foot of the motte. This is surrounded by an open area - clear of buildings - and may well be the main residence of the lord. A similar feature can be observed in the solar wing at Clun Castle, although this has a much larger footprint.

Another mystery that the project has tried to tackle is the location of the priory that was moved to Ewyas Harold around 1120 AD. The project has provided some interesting new ideas about the location and evolution of this monastic site that was suppressed in 1358AD.

For those interested in finding out more about the site then there is a launch of a new booklet and DVD on Thursday, July 19 at St Michael's Church Hall, Ewyas Harold at 6.30pm. There will be a short talk, DVD presentation, refreshments followed by the group's AGM. Further information can be obtained at www.archaeologists.tv