Since 2018 Mônolith Archaeology has been busily researching the archaeology and history of Llanerchymedd, one of Anglesey’s oldest recorded market towns. During the Festival Ash and Mike will be doing a tour around the town (must be booked) focusing on recent discoveries made by Mônolith Archaeology close to the church and will be giving an exclusive presentation of a newly discovered Neolithic tomb just outside of the town, with a display of the artefacts recovered from the recent excavations, followed by a QnA session afterwards.

Mônolith Archaeology was founded in 2020 by Arwyn ‘Ash’ Owen and Mike Woods – archaeologists with over 25 years combined experience. Mônolith is at the forefront of archaeological research in North Wales and the British Isles, with recent projects discovering prehistoric rock art, stone circles, Bronze Age burials, Iron Age hill fortifications and possible evidence of 17th century witchcraft.

Arwyn (Ash) Owen is an Archaeologist and Historian with a deep interest and passion for Anglesey history. Following graduation at Bangor University with a BA Hons. degree in Welsh History and Archaeology in 2010, much of Arwyn’s archaeological research has focused on Central Anglesey where he lives. His discoveries have included Mesolithic lithic scatters, Bronze Age ritual landscapes, Roman find-spots and a previously unrecorded settlement site near his home.

In recent years, Arwyn has been busy raising awareness for local history and heritage during his time working at various places in the heritage sector both in Anglesey and Conwy. Working with others in the community, Arwyn has helped collaborate on a heritage trail in Central Anglesey with Menter Môn (‘Calon Môn / Heart of Anglesey) as well as setting up heritage stands promoting local history and archaeology.

Mike Woods is an Archaeologist, Geophysicist and Prehistorian that specialises in Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual landscapes, Iron Age hill fortifications and 17th century witchcraft in Lancashire. Mike graduated his masters with a 1st from the University of Central Lancashire and is currently completing his PhD thesis at Manchester Metropolitan University which focuses upon the prehistory of the Isle of Anglesey with recent discoveries including a stone circle, a Bronze Age cemetery and an Iron Age settlement.

His work has been featured on BBC’s Digging for Britain, Sky Travels Expedition Unknown and Channel 5’s Digging Up Britains Past with the witchcraft episode focusing on Mike’s search for the lost Malkin Tower, home of the Pendle Witches. Mikes’ work has also been reported on by the BBC, The Guardian, The Sun, The Daily Mail and Fox News.

Mônolith Archaeology hope to see all who wish to take part in the festivities and look forward to presenting the exciting (and sometimes surprising!) new discoveries found in the heart of Anglesey. Mônolith also wish to thank the Council of British Archaeology for their kind invitation to this exciting event!