Enjoy taking part in community

activities?

Walesby Test Pit WeekendJuly 19th and 20th 2014

Test Pit Definition:Noun | A small preliminary excavation made to gain an idea of the contents of an archaeological site.

Want to discover more about the history of your

village?

Interested in learning how archaeology can build a

bigger picture of Walesby’s history?

Test Pit Invitation:Help make history by taking part in this weekend training and excavation experience. A community Test Pit weekend requires volunteers to dig a metre squared pit in their garden and to record the artefacts they uncover. Professional archaeologists will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer advice and guidance.

Your

Wold

Down

FREE!

Walesby is home to All Saints Church, once the hub of a medieval community. The church now sits alone surrounded by the earthwork remains of a long-abandoned village. The changing face of Walesby raises many questions about what the medieval village may have been like. Archaeological excavation can play an important role in searching for answers to these questions.

These days there is rarely the opportunity for large-scale excavation within established settlements, so the excavation of a series of Test Pits is a great alternative. The artefacts you uncover will be vital clues to help piece together the history of the village.

Test Pits are an excellent way of allowing a community, with the help of professionals, to investigate local history and learn about archaeological excavation. They can also be a great family activity as various jobs are available including digging, washing finds and recording.

To be part of this exciting initiative please sign up by Friday June 27th 2014.

This event is bought to you by

Down Your Wold is a community heritage project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service. It is hosted by Heritage Lincolnshire. For more information please visit www.down-your-wold.co.uk.

Down Your Wold

Walesby Test Pit Weekend

Test Pit Weekend Programme Please note that Walesby Village Hall will be the headquarters for the weekend and will be open from 10am – 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday 19th July 10am – Walesby Village Hall

• Welcome, Introduction and sign in• A potted history of Walesby by local historian Peter

Starling • Introduction to Test Pits and what to look for.

11am – Individual properties Let the digging begin! Archaeologists will visit all participating properties to offer guidance throughout the day 4pm – Site close down for the day

Sunday 20th July 10am – Walesby Village Hall Recap of Saturday’s work and Q&A 10:30am – Individual properties Digging,recordingandbackfilling 2.30pm – Walesby Village Hall Summary of what we’ve found and open discussion 3.30pm – Walesby Village Hall Refreshments and an opportunity to share experiences

Down Your Wold

July 19th and 20th 2014

Test Pit Pointers• You will need a team for each test pit, as there will be

several jobs to do. 4-5 people is ideal. It is up to you who you would like to invite

• As you are digging in your own land you are accepting responsibility for any damage caused. Please remember there may be underground services such as gas and electricity

• You will have access to professional archaeologists throughout both days.

Walesby Test Pit Weekend

• Spade and/or shovel • Hand shovel/garden trowel • Buckets/wheelbarrow • Garden sieve (1cm mesh) • Trowel (plasterers type,

ideally with a 4”-6” blade) • A sheet of plastic/tarpaulin,

c. 2m x 2m – on which to put your spoil heap if you want to protect your lawn etc

• Digital camera • Washing up bowl • Soft nail brush/toothbrush • Garden seed trays • 5m length of string • 2 steel hand tape

measures • 4 large nails/tent pegs • Clipboard • Pencils, rubber, sharpener

Equipment neededYou probably already have most of these items at home. Please contact us if you are struggling to provide anything.

Sign up! If you would like to register your property to be part of the Walesby Test Pit weekend we need to know by Friday June 27th 2014.

To register, or for more information, please contact Sam Phillips,DownYourWoldProjectOfficeron01507609740oremail sam.phillips@lincsheritage.org.

Once you’ve signed up you will receive a more detailed project pack.

Recording sheets will be provided.