STOKE ST MARY AND DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP
STOKE ST MARY VILLAGE DIG -
This took place 0n 20 May 2014 and test pits were dug at Fyrse Cottage and Tuckers Farmhouse.
The History Group were exceedingly lucky to have the County Archaeologist, Mr Bob Croft to teach the volunteers of the History Group how to make a test pit, and to explain what were were looking for. What ,most of us thought was just another piece of rock turned out to be mediaeval pottery!!
Digging the Past in Stoke St Mary
Posted on 21/05/2014
Yesterday archaeologists from Somerset Heritage Service joined members of the Stoke St Mary local history group for a day of test pitting. We hoped to uncover early Medieval evidence (pre 13th century) for Stoke St Mary. Rain was forecast but thankfully held off enabling us to dig test pits in two back gardens.
It wasn’t long before finds were quickly discovered and these included pieces of willow patterned and transfer printed pottery, nails, animal teeth, clay tobacco pipes and a thimble. As the digging progressed we were rewarded by sherds of probable early 12th century pottery, just what we were hoping for! Then some even more exciting finds turned up including some Saxo-
Thanks are due to the villagers of Stoke St Mary for the loan of their gardens, the cups of tea (and biscuits!) but most of all for their boundless enthusiasm and their local knowledge.
STOKE ST MARY VILLAGE DIG -
Taking a break from trowelling. Tom Mayberry, Head of Somerset Heritage Service and Chair of the Stoke St Mary Local History group, on the right.
Sieving to discover finds in the garden at Tuckers
Bob Croft, County Archaeologist with a newly discovered find at Tuckers
Wheelbarrow duty at Fyrse Cottage
Saxo-
A Romano-