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Wichenford Heritage Project
Location: Worcestershire
The history group was formed following a questionnaire and public meeting to investigate the history of the parish. The group is surveying and recording the built and archaeological heritage of the parish and identifying sites of special importance.
The group is also carrying out a geophysical survey, field walking and dating a number of buildings. In order to share their findings, the group is publishing a book, holding talks and mounting an exhibition.
The group is planning to carry out a second stage to the project, during which they will produce on-site interpretation and an education pack.
What has happened so far?
At the end of first year, there is a lot to show for the efforts of the group!
As a result of the field walks, a flint arrow head has been found, and a Neolithic hand axe. This has been sent for examination by an archaeologist. There is ‘napped’ flint in evidence in a flint-free area; this must be the result of trading with areas that do have flint.
Ariel photography has found crop marks of a double-ditched enclosure, thought to be roman or pre-roman. Further research shows that a Roman Mansion was on the site.
Dendro dating in the village was done in January and the Geophysical survey was done in August. The interim report based on magnetometry was disappointing because the site is very ferric, meaning that the equipment cannot get clear results.
The Saxon Charter Bounds, dating from 757 AD under the reign of King Offa, have been walked and examined and are still evident. There are trees and other features on the bounds such as tumuli, indicating Neolithic activity. An old Dyke was also found.
Other achievements include a programme of evening classes being run. Old trees being mapped, indicating that the area may have been ancient woodland before settlement. The tithe map for the area has been digitised.
Finally, the group are to be congratulated for coming third in the Community Pride competition.
What Next?
A lot of information has been gathered and this needs to be collated and presented. There is more to do in terms of surveying the area, including the completion of a small excavation trench.
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: 23,999
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