A MEDIEVAL city which disappeared 700 years ago may finally have been unearthed.

Monmouth Archaeological Society believes it may have discovered the location of 'the lost city of Trellech' just a few miles south of the current village of the same name.

In the 13th Century, Trellech was the largest community in Wales and with nearly 400 burgages (houses) it was bigger than Cardiff or Caerleon.

Evidence has suggested the city may have burned to the ground more than 300 years prior to the Great Fire of London, bringing a violent and sudden end to civilisation there.

Until now archaeologists have been unable to locate the city's remains, despite more than 30 digs in the past three decades.

However, during Monmouth Archaeological Society's current third excavation of land along the wide Catbrook Road, two medieval homes have been uncovered. The society claims that this finally points to the city's original location.

Society chairman Stephen Clarke said: "The latest evidence conclusively proves the location of the lost city of Trellech."

"During our investigation within today's village the only evidence of medieval occupation is at the church, the castle, the manor house, a forge and a tithe barn.

"Now it appears the rest of the community would have been located along the road that leads to Catbrook."

The investigation is ongoing and the group has planned a series of digs in a nearby field where it believes there is evidence of several other house sites.

The group will continue the excavation until Sunday, August 22, and try to discover more about the structure and layout of the two uncovered buildings and any structures related to them.

Volunteers are always welcome and anyone interested in this year's or future excavations can contact project leader Stuart Wilson on 01600 715938.