Google Earth helps spark new survey at archaeological site of medieval and prehistoric finds

© Robin Stott, geograph.org.uk

Email Howard Jones to find out about taking part.

Archaeologists in South Devon will use a rugby clubhouse and farming machinery during a search for prehistoric remains at a set of fields where a Bronze Age settlement was revealed by Google Earth and aerial photographic surveys.South West Archaeology say they will carry out “systematic” field walks and metal detecting at South Hams after Bill Horner, the county archaeologist, secured funding to continue research started by Howard Jones, a treasure hunter and avid Time Team fan who expects to discover Bronze and Iron Age buildings.“The site had been identified as an area of potential by the Devon County Historic Environment Record team a number of years ago, but no further work had been considered until Howard’s discoveries,” says Sam Walls, the Director of the group leading the community excavation.“A huge quantity and variety of material has been recovered from the site, which includes a range of post-medieval, medieval and prehistoric finds.“Bill Horner obtained funds for a geophysical survey across a large part of the site, undertaken by, last year.“He is providing some financial support for the excavations and supporting our applications for further funds from various sources, including from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Devon Archaeological Society.“The Plymouth and District Archaeology Society have also offered their support in our funding applications and in providing additional equipment and experienced volunteers for the excavations.“The local rugby club are providing us with use of their club house for the duration of the excavations, and the landowners are not only kindly providing access, but also a machine to open up the trenches.”The results are likely to depend on the funding available.“The proposed scheme is that we will open two to five trenches across two fields targeting some of the most interesting of the 'anomalies' shown up in the geophysical survey,” says Walls.“The main target the trenches will aim at is one of a number of probable kilns or furnaces which we hope will provide evidence of prehistoric metal working on the site.“The other trenches will target ditches surrounding prehistoric settlement activity.“No matter the level of funding, we should have enough opportunities for all volunteers, of any age or level of experience, and not only those who want to dig, as there will be plenty of opportunity for finds washing, field walking or just visiting and finding out what exciting things have been found.”Jones says historical societies, university researchers and individuals have already approached him about a dig which is expected to begin at the start of March.“We’re trying to make this as much of a community project as possible, inviting visitors from schools and the local community,” he“We’re talking about prehistoric settlements here, which is pretty mind-boggling.“By the time the work begins, this whole project will have been going a couple of years for me. But once you start digging, you never know what you’re going to find.”