CosmestonMedievalVillage is a "living history" village in the Vale of Glamorgan near Penarth and Cardiff in south Wales.
Based upon remains discovered during a 1980sarchaeological dig in the grounds of Cosmeston Park, it is a re-creation of 14th century peasant life.
The village regularly plays host to groups of reenactors, who camp in authentic tents around the outskirts of the village, and do displays of combat for the public.
CosmestonMedievalVillage is set in the year 1350, a troubled period in the history between the English and Welsh.
The village grew out of a fortified manor constructed around the 12th Century by the Costentin family, who were among the first Norman invaders of Wales.
In 1350, the chosen year of life we see today in Cosmeston, many of the small villages along this coast were multi-cultural with populations made up of Welsh, English, French and Flemings.
The remains of this medievalvillage were discovered and excavated during the 1980's by a team of archaeologists working for the local Authority who owned the land.
Two of the wardens were locking up the village one evening, they looked across the field towards the site of the old manor house, on the left hand side they saw two people walking across the field.
During medieval re-enactments, which are frequently held at the village, people have been known to turn to the person they have sensed standing next to them, to find there is actually nobody there.
Extensive landscaping has transformed Cosmeston to an area of woodlands and meadows, rich in wildflowers and animals.
During excavation in the 1980s remains of a medievalvillage were discovered, and has been reconstructed.Visitors can tour the village by a costumed guide and experience life as it was in those early days.
There is a large car park which is free, as is the country park,except the medievalvillage.
At Cosmeston Lakes Country park you will find over 90ha of lakes, woodlands and meadows open to the public all the year round.
Now visitors to Cosmeston can see the excavated buildings and gardens re-created, costumed villagers working the land and livestock of the middle ages roaming the paddocks and fields.
The main entrance is 1.5 miles south of Penarth town centre on the B4267 Lavernock Road to Sully.
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EASTER visitors to Cosmestonmedievalvillage will be able to look at life in 14th CenturyWales.
“For those of you with tastes of a more violent nature, there will be displays of medieval weapons and armour, and a chance to see some medieval warriors in training.
The medievalvillage can be contacted on 029 2070 1678.
