Red Lady of Paviland Project

Leaflet Download - English
Leaflet Download - Cymraeg
Trail Download - English
Trail Download - Cymraeg

In 1823, geologists investigating mammoth remains in Gower found a what would later be known to be one of the oldest ceremonial burials in Europe – a partial human skeleton, bones heavily stained with red ochre and surrounded a wealth of grave goods including shell beads and carved ivory – the enigmatically (and erroneously) referred to as the “Red Lady of Paviland”.

Two hundred years on, Tourism Swansea Bay launched The Red Lady Project and Heritage Trail to explore new ways of the celebrating the legacy of this charismatic find, involving guided walks, radio interviews and a craft festival held on 22nd June 2024. that we hope to continue in the future. We were grateful to receive funding form the Rural Anchor Scheme, part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, without which the project would not have been possible.

Several trips to the cave were conducted, including a live
broadcast of a BBC Radio Wales program with Gower Unearthed who assisted in the
archeological archaeology explanation. This initiative has sparked new
discussions surrounding the potential return of the Red Lady remains to
Swansea. The project has also generated tremendous interest among visitors to
Gower, who are captivated by the Red Lady story.

To further engage the public, a trail leaflet has been
developed to guide visitors to other significant Paleolithic sites across the
Gower Peninsula. Moving forward, we are keen to collaborate with local
businesses to promote the story of the Red Lady and other prehistoric
narratives. This collaboration will help attract new visitors, including those
during the off-season, and raise awareness of the region’s rich archaeological
heritage.

Paviland Cave, located on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, is the site of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Britain—the burial of the so-called "Red Lady of Gower." This discovery, made in 1823 by archaeologist George Beaufort, is notable for being the earliest known example of a ceremonial burial in Britain, dating back to around 33,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period.
On the way to Paviland Cave
Paviland Cave Expedition
InspireU Studios, who made this Paviland Cave display at the Gower Heritage Centre, run children’s educational and wellbeing activities centred around a variety of subjects including the history and prehistory of the local area.
Wayward Pilgrim Crafts runs prehistoric jewellery making experiences
“Hedge Burger” from A Taste of Times Past made from foraged greens and mushrooms, served with neolithic cheese, barley bread and honey, served at the first Red Lady Festival in 2024. A Taste of Times Past runs cooking and baking workshops immersing people in local heritage through food.
Talk on Stone Circles at the Red Lady Festival
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