Southwell Archaeology is pleased to announce that Trent & Peak Archaeology – part of the York Archaeology Trust has been chosen as the professional lead for the planned exciting new Burgage project in Southwell.
In 2013 the ‘All Our Stories’ Heritage Lottery funded project the group, with the professional assistance of MBArchaeology & historical research lead by Ellis Morgan, discovered what might be evidence of a hitherto unknown medieval planned village on the Burgage Green in Southwell. The group and its partner Southwell Town Council hopes that the new project which with funding will be for two years and will confirm the existence of the village and will find one of Southwell’s lost churches – that of the chapel of St Thomas the Martyr which is thought to be at the south end of the Green.
John Lock Chairman of Southwell Archaeology said ‘the decision that Trent & Peak Archaeology should be asked to professionally assist the group in the new Burgage project has been taken after a detailed engagement with a number of highly qualified professional contractors. Trent & Peak has not only the professional skills to undertake this project but it is clear it is wholly committed to engaging with the group and involving in a practical way all sectors of the community including, the Newark & District Young Archaeology Club, the local primary schools and the Reach Group – this will be a real community project that is professionally led.”
Dr. Gareth Davies of Trent & Peak Archaeology said “TPA has a strong tradition of work in Southwell, and we are presently involved in laser scanning the Workhouse for the National Trust, as well as partnering on an English Heritage funded project surveying pre-1750AD vernacular buildings in the town. On a personal level, as a medievalist, the possibility of discovering one of Southwell’s lost chapels was an opportunity not to be missed!”
The application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is to be made before the end of the year. If successful the project will start in the spring of 2015 and be for two years. Practical work including surveying, geophysics, excavations on the Burgage Green will be undertaken by members of the group and the community under the professional guidance of Trent & Peak.
For more information on this and other project please see the group’s website www.southwellarchaeolgy.org.uk