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Geophysics surveys

Geological survey Downley Common

Archaeology of Downley Common - photos

Downley School excavation

Bricks and brick-making

Events next in the programme

Art and archaeology on Downley Common

Poetry at Downley School

Maps and archaeology

The 'Big Dig'

Art workshop on Downley Common



Archaeology of Downley Common - photos
 Location: Buckinghamshire
The photographs here hopefully give a feel for the project, what we are doing, how we are doing it and what archaeology is all about - finding out much about our past - the who, what and when.

We have been doing this in a number of ways - as the photographs indicate. Everything from geological investigations to map and other research to landscape and geophysics surveys to excavations, etc. Lots of local groups have joined in such as the Downley School and we have recently recorded the 'Downley of the present-day' through art and poetry. I hope you enjoy the photos and maybe you would like to join us?

One of the main pathways across Downley Common
One of the main pathways across...


 A large area of Downley Common is now woodland. This will cause problems for GPS work in the woods.
A large area of Downley Common...


 Here we hit chalk very quickly. The geology is not what was expected from the maps. A geology team will be needed.
Here we hit chalk very quickly....
Training in geophysics - a trial run with borrowed equipment.
Training in geophysics - a trial...


 Judith giving instruction on the geophysics equipment.
Judith giving instruction on the geophysics...


 Roger in working mode balancing the Bartington magnetometer and almost ready for action over the suspected kiln site.
Roger in working mode balancing the...
Training the group on the best use of the magnetometer in the field are two professional geophysicists: Roger Ainsley and Alister Bartlett.
Training the group on the best...


 A test pit is dug in the mystery sandy area to determine exactly what the layers were and in what order (stratigraphy).
A test pit is dug in...


 Jenny discovered a small hole and decided to probe it with the ranging pole to see how deep it was.
Jenny discovered a small hole and...
To our surprise the tiny hole at the surface disappears down more than 2 metres and travels out horizontally some distance, but is too dark to see!
To our surprise the tiny hole...


 The landscape team in operation with tape and GPS measuring the location and size of all the clay pits.
The landscape team in operation with...


 The site square is a useful piece of equipment for ensuring the grids are laid with precise 90 degree corners - very important for surveys
The site square is a useful...


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