The project aims are:
- to verify and update the Essex Heritage & Conservation Record database (i.e. SMR) for two parishes;
- to carry out a complete archaeological survey of the area, which will include a buildings survey, fieldwalking and where possible the use of geophysics and metal detecting.
In the process, the methodology for such a comprehensive survey will be developed and tested for application elsewhere.
The project will be carried out by volunteers from the group and members of the local community with professional training, help and advice from archaeologists at Essex County Council Heritage Conservation Branch.
The progress of the project has been recorded in the Bulletins issued at regular intervals from the launch in 2003. The results have exceeded expectations.
Almost 200 fields have been searched and each has been either recorded (10%) or assessed (100%) and there is now a record and plan of the archeological status of each of these fields. The search programme has identified previously unknown prehistoric or Roman sites and other aspects of archaeological activity.
A further valuable aspect of the project has been the exploration of landscape history. The evaluation of this has so far identified areas of medieval strip-farming and evidence of inter-commoning on the manorial waste, previously unknown in this part of Essex.
Other medieval features, moat and windmill sites have also been located. The site of the earliest prehistoric (Mesolithic) settlement of Great Sampford is also believed to have been revealed on rising ground above the early crossing of the River Pant.
Apart from these interesting and important discoveries, the project has provided the opportunity for numerous people, including children, to be involved, through fieldwalking and other practical opportunities with various aspects of community archaeology.
The archaeological investigations will be continued by the Sampfords Society beyond the formal end of the project with more fieldwork, exhibitions, lectures and publications.
