THE 'BURH TO BOROUGH' PROJECT

Many of Wallingford’s early secrets lie hidden beneath the town and the ‘Wallingford Burh to Borough Project’ is hoping to uncover some of them.

The pilot phase of this exciting project ran from 2002-05 but it was then awarded funding for a three-year extension so that the archaeological and historical roots of our town can be researched in great detail. The work is being led by a team from the universities of Leicester, Exeter and Oxford, in partnership with the Town Council, SODC, The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society (TWHAS), and Wallingford Museum. By analysing the rich archaeological and documentary data for Wallingford for the period from 600AD to 1250, the Project has scope to discover fresh and vital evidence: firstly, about the origins of the Saxon burh – why it developed where it is, its layout and its defences; secondly, the impact of the Norman Conquest - the building of the castle and the remodelling of the town; and thirdly the medieval development of the borough.

The pilot project included geophysics and topographic surveys in all key areas of the town, charting and seeking to interpret buried and remnant archaeology and to assess potential for more detailed analysis. The present phase of study involves fuller geophysical assessment, systematic analysis and mapping of the town and castle defences, field walking, targeted excavation, analysis of church buildings, landscape survey, and archive collation and re-interpretation.

The documentary research is already well under way through the work of the TWHAS Research Group which is actively assisting the project. TWHAS organised a highly successful one-day conference in May on The Origins of Wallingford: a Reassessment and the papers given that day will be published towards the end of this year by Archaeopress in their British Archaeological Reports series.

There will be a variety of opportunities for community participation in the Burh to Borough Project, such as open days, talks, excavation training, garden archaeology, and finds recognition. Field seasons will comprise a week-long block each April and a three-week summer block. All this activity is being co-ordinated by the full-time Project Officer - Dr Matt Edgeworth – and is supported by students from the universities and members of TWHAS. Wallingford Museum is displaying the Project’s findings as work progresses. This April the geophysics undertaken by the Project team and members of TWHAS (see photo - Matt is the one with the apparatus!), revealed some interesting results. Excavations from 21 July to 9 August will investigate potential features on the Kinecroft, Bullcroft and Castle.

Later in the year some Garden Archaeology (also known as Keyhole Digs) will take place. So if you want a chance to dig, why not join TWHAS now?

If you are interested to know more, please contact Judy Dewey (Tel 01491 651127 or e-mail: judy@piepowder.co.uk).