A 120,000-year-old hippopotamus skeleton, uncovered in a remote Welsh cave system, is rewriting the history books on UK prehistory. Beneath the ancient walls of Pembroke Castle lies Wogan Cavern, where an unassuming family holiday sparked an extraordinary archaeological find that could reveal the secrets of early human and animal life on these islands.
Archaeologist John Bolton first stumbled upon the cavern in 2010, drawn by the castle's historic significance. But it was a visit to Tenby Museum that reignited his interest: he discovered a small collection of stone tools from the cave floor, hinting at the site's deeper archaeological potential.
Undeterred by years of setbacks and limited funding, Bolton persisted in convincing Dr Rob Dinnis from the University of Aberdeen to investigate. Initial excavations between 2021 and 2024 confirmed the presence of rare evidence of both early humans and various animal species dating back over 120,000 years.
Dr Dinnis describes Wogan Cavern as a "treasure trove" for researchers, with its pristine condition allowing for DNA extraction from bones and sediment. This unprecedented level of preservation is expected to provide a wealth of information on the site's inhabitants, their activities, and timelines – insights that could rewrite our understanding of this pivotal period in UK history.
With Dr Jonquil Mogg calling the findings "mind-blowing," it becomes clear why these discoveries are being hailed as a game-changer. As researchers eagerly await the next phase of excavations, which will last five years, they're set to uncover further secrets about how ancient humans and animals adapted to Britain's changing climate – information that could redefine our understanding of prehistoric life on these shores.
The Pembroke Castle Trust has confirmed that Wogan Cavern's discoveries will be carefully curated in the castle itself, ensuring their preservation for future generations. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries hidden beneath Pembroke Castle, one thing is clear: this groundbreaking find will have far-reaching implications for our understanding of Britain's ancient past.