Volunteers are needed for a Community Dig
Have you ever wanted to dig a little deeper into the history of Bexhill-on-sea? Now’s your chance!
An opportunity has arisen for volunteers from the local community to help explore the site of a former historic farmhouse. Recent demolition of the historic building, by fire, has destroyed much of the standing structure but the below-ground archaeology remains intact – and ready to be excavated.
Archaeologists from Chris Butler Archaeological Services (CBAS) are preparing to explore the site of the former-medieval farmstead which contains the remains of a recently demolished 17th century farm house that once dominated the sprawling farmyard. The house at Glover’s Farm was a traditional timber-framed farmhouse that appears to have replaced a former medieval farm house, later additions to the timber-framed building included an 18th century kitchen and 19th century Brewhouse.
Volunteers are needed for the Community Project, which will take place from 15th October – 3rd November 2018. Archaeological experience would be an advantage, but not essential as some training will be provided. We are seeking volunteers to take part in archaeological excavation and/or finds processing. Our project will reveal the historic phases of the farmhouse structure and associated artefacts relating to the residents of Glovers Farm. We will attempt to date the structure and establish a historical narrative for the farm and its historic rural setting.
Historical records, dating back to 1533 (when Henry VIII was on the throne), demonstrate a series of owners and occupiers who lived and worked on the site and the surrounding land. Will the archaeology of Glovers Farm compliment the historic records, or will we discover an unknown history of rural Bexhill?
The findings from this Community Project will form the comprehensive historic record of a farmstead that survived centuries of toil in the Sussex countryside and will contribute to our knowledge of the development of farming and traditional farm buildings in South East England.If you would like to volunteer for this Community Archaeology Project, please contact Kirstie at Kirstie.riley@cbasltd.co.uk or call on 01323 811785. Download details and booking form here