A gold mine of history

Portia Jones visits a Welsh attraction with a rich past, which she says deserves more attention

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Dolaucothi is known as a Roman-era mine, though archaeologists have suggested gold extraction may have started in the Bronze Age Dolaucothi Roman gold mine, near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire

WALES is full of incredible headline attractions and popular historical sites but there are lots of lesser-known spots which might not get the attention they deserve.

I have a soft spot for our overlooked and slightly odd places, especially when history is involved. Even more so if the Romans had a hand in it, because no empire ever committed to turning up absolutely everywhere quite like they did.

If there is a remote hillside in Britain, chances are the Romans were there first, digging something up and leaving behind just enough mystery to keep historians arguing for centuries.

One of my favourite recent discoveries sits hidden in the wooded hills near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire, where the Romans were mining gold more than 2,000 years ago.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines, the only known Roman gold mine in the UK, is now cared for by the National Trust and offers the rare chance to explore ancient workings without having to trespass. I had barely heard this place mentioned, so I felt I had to investigate, like the intrepid travel journalist I am.

Visiting feels like stepping into a very damp, immersive history lesson. On a guided tour, you can pull on a hard hat, disappear underground with an enthusiastic guide, and wander through atmospheric tunnels surrounded by woodland and mining relics.