Nearly �3 million worth of work is being done at Carmarthen Castle

To many Carmarthen Castle is one of the less impressive medieval fortresses in Wales.

But the discovery of a network of medieval walls could change all that as a �3m enhancement scheme gets underway in the town.

The find has led experts to believe key streets in Carmarthen town centre were once lower than they are today and an area is being cordoned off so archaeologists can uncover the hidden secrets.

Stonework believed to be once connected to a drawbridge has been unearthed along with a barbican thought to have faced Bridge Street.

The work taking place here at the castle is good for the economy, and it also gives people a sense of pride in their town Council chief executive Mark James

The castle lacks the grandeur of Caernarfon, the setting of Carreg Cennen or the presence of Cardiff.

But when the work is complete it is hoped Carmarthen will be recognised as being an equally important fortress.

Carmarthenshire Council's building conservation officer John Llewellyn said: "The findings are very exciting and we are now calling in experts to do a dig to find out exactly what is there.

Cobbled floors

"In one of the cellars we have found a blocked doorway leading into Bridge Street, which we believe to be of Tudor age.

"We think it proves that the street was once a lot lower.

"We have also found cobbled floors and the remains of walls believed to date back to the medieval age.

"There is also what we think is the receiving stonework of a drawbridge and a barbican facing Bridge Street."

Work to date appears to authenticate an existing map of Carmarthen which dates back to 1610.

An area around the castle will be cordoned off for about three months

It was based on an earlier map from 1460.

"There is a real air of mystery about the findings," added Mr Llewellyn.

"We are now tendering for archaeologists to carry out the dig and we look forward to their findings."

Council chief executive Mark James said: "Carmarthen is the oldest town in Wales with a great heritage and tradition.

"That hasn't always been made enough of in the past.

"The work taking place here at the castle is good for the economy, and it also gives people a sense of pride in their town.

"The more we can do to open it up to people the better."