History was brought to life for children at Dines Green Primary School, Worcester, with a visit to a lost medieval hamlet.
Children aged 10 and 11 were invited to Earl’s Court Farm in Bromyard Road to see archaeologists in action as they carried out excavations of the site.
The archaeological investigations by Worcestershire County Council Historic Environment and Archaeology Service have been commissioned and paid-for by Redrow Homes (Midlands), who hope to be building new homes at the site in the New Year.
Excavations have revealed two small medieval buildings, thought to be the homes of 12th century agricultural workers. The buildings are associated with field boundaries and features that are garden beds, all dating from the medieval period.
Stephen Gough, head teacher of Dines Green School, said: “The children had worked with the archaeologists last year so were keen to see them in action on site as it’s just across the road from the school. Understanding the past isn’t always an easy concept for children but if they can experience things for themselves it helps bring history to life.”
The excavation is now complete, and the team is analysing the results.
Worcestershire archaeologist Darren Miller explained: “It was a great educational opportunity for the children and a chance for us to engage the local community in our work by showing them what we had uncovered and explaining the excavation process.”
The medieval hamlet was unknown until archaeologists discovered it in 2006 during a preliminary survey of the area. The excavation site is very close to the well-preserved moated site at Earl's Court Farm, which was undoubtedly the residence of a local landowner in the medieval period. The moated site will not be affected by the housing development.
In addition, evidence of prehistoric activity has also been found on the site. A distinctive flint arrowhead, a flint blade, and a pit full of fire-cracked stones indicate that the area was also occupied in the Bronze Age (4,500 years ago).
Redrow has submitted a detailed planning application to build 146 new homes at Earl’s Court Farm. Subject to planning approval, the development will offer a choice of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes from Redrow’s New Heritage Collection of traditional looking homes with modern interiors.
Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), commented: “We’re glad that the children were able to see the archaeologists in action and picture what life was like in Worcester all those years ago. As the school is close to the development, the children will hopefully be able to see work progress and homes occupy the site once again.”
Archaeologists will continue to keep a ‘watching brief’ over parts of the site when Redrow begins digging foundations. The majority of mature trees and hedgerow on the site will also be retained.
See Also: Property News (6701), Redrow (148), Earl’s Court Farm (1), Worcester (17)
Date Published: 07 December 2010
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