Sifting through layers of History

Members of Southwell Community Archaeology Group have been supporting Philip Dixon, Consultant Archaeologist for the Minster, looking for possible finds by sifting through the rubble that has been lifted from under the floor of the Chapter House.

As part of ‘The Leaves of Southwell Project’, the Chapter House is having under-floor heating installed in order to stabilise the environment and protect their exceptional 13th century carvings. Since a Roman coin was found in the layer under the existing slabs it is important to see what other mysteries the many bags of lifted rubble might contain. Sieving this material is work that can take place outside safely.

Philip kindly showed members around the Chapter House and explained what the work entailed. A new guidebook to the leaves is being produced and will be available shortly.

Members have also been active at home during lockdown washing and sorting finds that were recovered from pre-pandemic digs. We hope to publish the results later this year. We were also treated to a very interesting virtual presentation by Professor Julian Henderson on “Early Islamic Archaeology”, a recording of which can be found on our blog: www.southwellarchaeology.org

A further series of virtual presentations is being arranged.

Stephen Rogers

Published September 2020