A COMMUNITY archaeology project returns to Longtown to try and find out once and for all why there were two castles in the village.

The Longtown and District Historical Society and Herefordshire Archaeology are starting a second three-week season of excavation at the two Norman castles on July 3.

Archaeological digs took place last summer at Longtown castle and the lesser known Ponthendre castle, which is just half a mile away towards Clodock.

At Ponthendre, it appears possible that the castle, known as a motte and bailey, may have never been completed.

There are impressive earthworks but no evidence was found for any buildings.

Martin Cook, from the historical society, said: "Perhaps the local Welsh population drove off the Norman colonists before they were able to complete their defences."

This year the project aims to establish whether the castle at Ponthendre was ever finished and occupied. At Longtown Castle Green the excavations will go deeper and investigate the earliest periods of occupation – perhaps Saxon, Roman or even earlier.

It’s also hoped that the excavations, sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will find answers to the mystery of why there are two castles in one parish.

Most of last year’s volunteers, whose ages ranged from 12 to 80, will be returning this year, but new volunteers are welcome. There is more information about the project on Facebook – Longtown Castles Project and www.longtowncastles.com