A 'MYSTERIOUS' manor near Wem has been at the centre of an archaeological dig this week.

The team from DigVentures have returned to Soulton Hall after a lost castle, thought to have been on the site between the 1290s and 1400s, was discovered during a similar dig last year.

This week's investigations have seen is students from Cardiff University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Queen Mary and Cambridge University, looking for further evidence of the castle with some interesting things dug up.

Tim Ashton, owner of Soulton Hall, said there is also evidence of pre-industrial activity on the site.

He added: "They are digging the site of a castle that we found last year.

"It was certainly up and running and doing its stuff by the 1290s and in operation until the 1400s.

"There is also evidence of 16th century industrial work like metal working, tile building, ceramic building material and more, which is probably connected with the building phase of the current hall."

A spokesperson for DigVentures said a retaining wall, signs of a drawbridge and multiple 13th century artefacts were discovered at the site.

They explained: "Although it was clear that there was something here, no-one knew exactly what it was. And certainly not that here lay a tiny Medieval castle whose entire existence had been forgotten.

"Measuring just 20x20m, we discovered a retaining wall, signs of a drawbridge and a cluster of 13th century artefacts which all point to the establishment of moated and defendable medieval fortification.

"Who built this tiny castle? How did it get lost to history? And what can we learn about its past?"

Tim said the project began in 2019 and that the team would be excavating the site of a moat bridge during their current visit.

He added: "This is the third seasons of excavations here, the project began in 2019. They are now onto their 14th trench.

"The most intense phase is the one we are on now, finding stuff out. We found the moat bridge for the castle last year. But that is going to be excavated for this year."

Soulton Hall is a place of mystery and Tim said there is an upcoming book which will reveal some of them.

He explained: "There is a forthcoming book expected which will reveal some of the mysteries of Soulton Hall.

"It is a more important building than people realise.

"That book is by James D. Wenn and the expected publication date is October or November 2022.

"This book unpacks some mysteries and they are staggering.

"North Shropshire is holding some quite important secrets."