Backyard Archaeology

Carefully scraping back the soil with a trowel, digging further back in time; the anticipation of finding buried treasure. For most of us, that’s what we imagine when we think about the work of archaeologists.

Now in its 22nd year, the Festival of British Archaeology aims to show the public just what archaeology is all about through two weeks of exhibitions, talks, re-enactments, and behind-the-scenes access to archaeological digs.

But what better way to get enthusiastic about local history and get hands-on experience than to dig a pit in your own back garden.

This past weekend, 30 volunteers taking part in a community archaeology project organised by the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) partnership did just that.

Bere Alston in West Devon is one of the earliest planned settlements in the country, explained Helen Smart, one of the archaeologists overseeing the weekend’s activities. It was built up around medieval silver mines that operated from the 1290s up to the 1800s.

But unlike other medieval mining operations, the Bere Peninsula silver mines were owned and run by the Crown, said Chris Smart, a landscape archaeologist from the University of Exeter. Historical records show miners were brought in from other established mines up-country and were employed full time, sometimes creating tensions with the locals.

In 1295, to benefit from the money being generated by the mines, Reginald de Ferrers sought permission to set up a borough and hold an annual fair and market.

“It’s got such an interesting historic development, from the very early settlement that was here, with the references to the borough,” said Helen. “That’s why Bere Alston is so interesting, because you’ve got that planned settlement.”

Surrounding this early settlement would have been open fields used for agriculture. Household waste was often used to “manure” these fields. With this ancient farmland now mostly covered by residential areas, there’s a good chance of finding interesting artefacts dating back hundreds of years beneath the gardens.

Having undertaken a similar community dig across the river in Calstock last year, Chris and Helen were keen to try out another, this time hoping to find more evidence to back up the historical records.

Nine households volunteered to dig 1 metre by 1 metre “test pits” in their back gardens and carefully excavate down layer by layer. A further three pits were dug on the playing fields of the village primary school.

Throughout the two days, Chris and Helen, together with archaeologist Steve Reed, helped the amateur excavators learn how to document finds, draw plans of the pits, and get a real feel for the work of a professional archaeologist.

For Bere Alston resident Julie Marks, being able to take part in the project was a “dream come true”.

“I signed up because I was interested in the history of the village, but ultimately because ever since I was very young I have always wanted to go on a ‘dig’,” she said.

“The work is fascinating and I enjoy the anticipation of finding something really old that hasn’t been touched by anyone for centuries.”

She was thrilled to discover an ancient wall running through her test pit behind the converted barn in which she lives. “This weekend has inspired and motivated me to find out more [about archaeology],” she said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Throughout the weekend, carefully labelled bags of finds were brought to the Parish Hall for identification by expert Graham Langman.

While medieval pottery proved to be rather rare, in among the blue and white china fragments, rusty nails, and Georgian glass bottles were some prize finds.

The school pits turned up pottery dating to between 1300 and 1500. A beautiful clay pipe from 1620 was unearthed in one of the backgarden pits.

The surprise find of the weekend was a piece of Bronze Age pottery from around 3,000 BC, proving that you never know what might lie beneath your lawn.

The British Festival of Archaeology runs until July 29, with over 750 activities taking place all around the country. Visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk for more information.

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