Author: Alberto Pearson

Rye and Winchelsea 17th April 2004 The day started rather cool and windy when we gathered outside the church of St Thomas the Martyr in Winchelsea.  The church is a substantial building, despite that fact that all that remains now is the chancel, which explains its unusual square shape. The question is, how much of […]

  Saturday 17th July – Week 6 Day 4 [Day 29] Last week of digging National Archaeology Day 1. Thankfully the weather was a bit kinder today and there seemed to be a constant stream of people wanting to see the site. The mock excavation was open for younger punters to “have a go” and, […]

Wednesday 23rd June – Week 3 Day 1 [Day 11] Conditions – Wet!!!! The 3rd set of volunteers turn up at 08:30, looking slightly less enthusiastic (and rather more damp) than the previous two lots. There is a delay in the Health and Safety instructions while Dave Hunter (site supervisor) waits for the delivery of […]

As a condition of Scheduled Monument Consent, the Groundwell Site must be returned to the condition it was in. I can say it was. Although I can’t say the same for the bodies at the “end of dig” party. I’m going to miss those lovely people who took my water, used my internet connection, parked […]

Saturday 12th June – Day 4 It appeared that not a lot happened yesterday but cleaning of a possible mortared floor and a possible “decorated” floor surface seemingly slowed down the spectacular progress. Small finds are turning up and the first coin of this years dig is still waiting to be identified. David Hunter, site […]

Friday 16th July – Week 6 Day 3 [Day 28] Last week of digging Typical, site polished to a high gleam yesterday, heaving it down with rain today . Even after a few minutes work the site was resembling The Somme. “Dr Wilson will blow the whistle and we go over the top for the […]

  Sunday 18th July – Week 6 Day 5 [Day 30] LAST DAY OF EXCAVATION National Archaeology Day 2. Weather again excellent. Again streams of people turning up for tours of the site, mock excavations, view the finds etc. Bryn Walters and around 60-70 member of the Association for Roman Archaeology (Association for Roman Archaeology, […]

Friday 9th July – Week 5 Day 3 [Day 23] Last night my family took a vote. I am now officially “sad” and the word “wood” is now banned from use for a 7 day period. After I tried to cheat, another vote was taken and the word “would” has also been banned. . This […]

Gathering at the Hyde Heritage Centre. Earnest discussions! Winchester Public Library, formerly the Corn Exchange  Looking towards the High Street which, as Graham explained, was carved by traffic into a holloway in ancient times. Outside the Westgate The Great Hall  Remains of the Roman fort and the Norman castle. The Round Table inside the Great […]

Panoramic view of Chesters fort from the West Gate An unexpected trip to Yorkshire for a family funeral in mid-September left me with yet another cross-country journey, and time on my hands. I decided that the best use of the day was to retrace my steps along the route of the Wall and try to […]