A FINAL piece of restoration work is set to preserve a slice of history in Prestatyn for future generations.

Work has been carried out at the Prestatyn Roman Baths to help protect and restore the site at Melyd Avenue.

The site was first discovered in the 1930s during a round of excavations.

It was then covered, only to be excavated again in the 1980s, during the construction of the neighbouring housing estate.

READ MORE:

Men admit producing more than 800 cannabis plants in Rhyl

WATCH: Two arrested in Rhyl park on suspicion of drug possession

Bulldogs left ‘dumped’ in Prestatyn taken in by animal rescue service

It is believed that the bath house was constructed in about 120 AD, and further extended in 150 AD.

There is some debate about the reasons for its location in Prestatyn, but it is believed to be linked to the Roman legions in Chester and Caernarfon, lying roughly halfway between the two.

It may also have been associated with a nearby harbour, due to its coastal location.

The Roman Baths are looked after and manged by Denbighshire Countryside Services, who have carried out a programme of restoring the area.

The latest restoration work has been carried out by Ben Davies, and has included restoring the remains - last time they were worked on, the stone was put back in place with cement, which is not ideal.

Ben, who is also an artist, has been removing this and putting stones back in their original position but using lime mortar instead.

Lime mortar is what would have been used historically and allows for expansion/contraction during temperature changes helping to preserve the original stone (preventing cracking etc.)

Voids have also been filled to prevent water sitting on the remains and subsequent frost damage.

Countryside rangers, alongside volunteers supported by the Nature for Health Programme, also carried out work to improve the footpaths at the site.

Cllr Alan James, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for local development and planning, said: “This important site really is one of Prestayn’s ‘hidden jewels’ and we are grateful to all who have been involved in restoring and preserving this historical area.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in history to come and visit the Roman Bath House to view this slice of ancient times that proudly sits in Prestatyn.”