Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Excavation Training at Welcombe Farm: A Joint XArch/ Brayf ord Community Archaeology Group Project - Jim Knights (Newsletter No 14 2007/08) Download a poster for the event.
Have you always wanted to participate in a dig?
Would you just like to brush up previous experience?
Would you like to be part of a Time Team-type dig, but also learn all the bits they miss out of the programme?
At Easter 2008, Exeter University (XArch) is hoping to guide any North Devon persons interested in archaeology through an excavation.
All participants will be given training in the skills and routines that are part of current good archaeological practice. Previous experience is not necessary, and you will only be asked to work within your mental and physical comfort level. A wide range of tasks will be available and, from previous work on the site, we can almost guarantee some exciting progress.
The site, at Welcombe Farm, Charles, has already been thoughly surveyed with topographic and geophysical equipment and the results suggest it contains a multi-vallate hillside enclosure (See image below). We have no knowledge as to its function; it could have been built as a status symbol for a local dignitary or even as a defensive structure allied to the Romano-Briitish iron industry that surrounds it.
The geophysical survey results have already been tested by two earlier small trenches, which not only proved the existence of the ditches, but revealed quantities of Roman pottery sherds.
While acting as a training dig, we do hope that, as a consequence of digging a bigger trench, we will increase the chances of finding evidence to date the construction as well as more detail of the spread of the inner banks and counterscarps, The site is in a very beautiful position, but unlike many other 'hill forts', there are no visible earthworks except for a platform.
We have some large tents that will enable the dig to continue in the event of wet weather, and we have all the tools, unless you wish to use your own trowel. In addition, we are hoping to mount a related theme day, with the local schools participating towards the end of the dig.
Times and dates have not yet been fixed but anyone who would like to have more details should express an interest to Jim Knights, telephone 01598 710014 or by email james_knights@onetel.net Further details will be sent to interested parties.