The mystery of whether an old chapel or church had been uncovered during demolition of the old Caerphilly Market and Woolworth’s site has been solved.
According to experts it was neither, Lindsay Whittle, Plaid Cymru MS for Caerphilly has been told by a Welsh Government Minister.
He asked Welsh ancient monuments body Cadw to inspect the site in Pentrebane Street after lots of local online speculation that it might once have been the site of a chapel or church.
Lindsay Whittle said: “Although it was neither a church nor a chapel, I can confirm the site did once contain a dance hall.
“I’m pleased that the research carried out has put an end to all of the speculation.I was quite excited at the prospect of an important discovery, but alas not to be.
“I repeat my previous plea to designers to build an exciting development on this site ,not simply a block of flats. This will be an important site in the town for the next 100 years.”
Culture Minister Jack Sargeant told Lindsay Whittle: “The demolition of a building in advance of redevelopment at Pentrebane Street, Caerphilly revealed the wall of an upstanding building with pointed windows which some have questioned might be a chapel.
“Heneb: The Trust for Welsh Archaeology is the archaeological advisor for this scheme and has been involved in this project. They confirmed to Cadw that they are aware of the building, have investigated and are content that there is currently no evidence to indicate the building ever served this purpose.
“My officials in Cadw have confirmed that Heneb will continue to monitor activities at the site and will inform Cadw if any substantive remains of potential archaeological or historic interest are identified as the demolition work progresses.”