Keith Ray, who leads the county’s archaeology service, has been involved in several new investigations recently, which have opened up new knowledge and understanding of the history of the county.

The Archaeology of Herefordshire: An Exploration by Keith Ray, published by Logaston Press, features many interesting discoveries from the Ross area. Among the many new insights into Herefordshire’s remote history is the revelation of the extent of iron working near Ross-on-Wye, showing that Herefordshire was once a surprisingly industrial county.

An analysis of the discoveries at the Prospect, which is one of the few excavations made in a public park, are also included. The discovery of a Romano-British complex was the spur to undertake the investigation and discoveries of the history of the park were coincidental.

In recent years Keith Ray, leading Herefordshire Archaeology, has worked with local archaeologists and historians, contract archaeology companies, English Heritage, The National Trust, Manchester University, Channel 4’s Time Team and other experts, to generate a wide range of exploratory projects.

The book is complemented by a foreword written by author, historian and county resident Sir Roy Strong. In 2007 Mr Ray was awarded an MBE for services to archaeology.

The Archaeology of Herefordshire: An Exploration by Keith Ray is available at local bookshops.