SEDGEFORD HISTORICAL  AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECT

THE SEDGEFORD VILLAGE SURVEY

The aim of the Sedgeford Village Survey was to investigate the origins and development of the modern village of Sedgeford from the Saxon period to the present day.  For the last two seasons we have conducted our research in houses and gardens around the village, including a dig at the pub, and two excavations at the local First School, where the pupils helped sieve the soil for finds.  

Our two main research methods were the study and recording of standing buildings, and the excavation of 1x1m test pits around the village, to recover datable artefacts and evidence of past occupation.  In total, 44 test pits were dug around the village and 15 standing buildings were surveyed.  At this stage, the data is still being analysed.  

Preliminary results suggest that most of the distinct parts of the modern village originated between the late Saxon and late medieval periods.  At least three previous settlements are now abandoned, and documentary evidence suggests more may be discovered in the future.  In one test pit at Cole Green we found part of a Pagan Saxon cremation urn, in an area where none had previously been known. 

During our time in the village, we have eaten innumerable Bounty bars from the village shop, and made friends with many of the local dogs and cats.  In all our work, the tolerance, help and support we have received from the people of Sedgeford has been invaluable.  We have tramped mud into pantries, stuck rulers up chimneys and dug holes through lawns.  In return, we have been given endless cups of tea, occasionally entrusted with house-keys, and on one occasion had our car jump-started when the battery went flat.  For all this, we are enormously grateful. 

Susannah Baldry & Gabriel Moshenska 2004 

Below: GIS Plot by Megan Dennis (2004) showing the numerous test pits (black squares) excavated by the Sedgeford Village Survey team.