Ipplepen Archaeological Project

“Today we excavated this post-hole, which is one of three others that may link together,” described student Alison.

Today student Rachel shared her fieldwork experience on site so far with the local community at The Hub. Every undergraduate student spends one day at The Hub, under the supervision of PhD student Charlotte Young, engaging with the public about the significance of this archaeological project. The information point at The Hub is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm until Friday 24th August 2012. Please come and visit for further information about the project.

Today postgraduate student Will found part of a copper bracelet or buckle whilst digging in his trench.

“Quite happy to find something that is not shillet!”

Today we investigated the relationship between the ring ditch and another intersecting ditch.

Roman Coins, courtesy of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the University of Exeter

Below is a list of comments from the public regarding how useful the information point at The Hub at Ipplepen has been in sharing live information from the site to the public so far:

“Wonderful opportunity to see/hear about a local dig. Interesting and very friendly students!” Sue Kadow.

“Very interesting to have a personal awareness session!’ Geoff King.

“What a great idea to have the information centre. Charley and Gill were very helpful and impressive!” Pete Thompson.

“Great!” Richard Randell.

“Great to have this information point!” Fin Heath.

“A most interesting explanation of the dig so far. Thanks very much!” Linda and Roger Large.

“A most interesting view of the excavation!” Brian and Alison Pilkington.

“Fascinating- thank you!” David and Kerry Glenny.

“A fantastic opportunity for all of us to learn about the past!” Andrew James.

“We would love to be involved!” Bob and Jo Donaldson

A pot sherd was discovered today, possibly late Iron Age, found within what appears to be a later Medieval quarry pit!

Site Open Day Friday 17th August 2012 11am to 3.30pm. Admission to the site excavation is open to the public only on this day. Please come to the information point on the day at The Hub, Methodist Church, Ipplepen for further instructions.

“Since the start of the week we have panned the entire area which has highlighted a number of circular enclosures and at least one structure. We are also excavating discreet pits and post holes set within larger enclosures. We are also starting to recover Late Iron Age/ Romano-British pottery, including one complete rim and associated body shreds representing approximately 60% of one vessel. Interestingly we have also recovered some 13th-14th century medieval green glaze pottery. We will be continuing excavation of large circular enclosure over the coming days,”  explained Site Director, Marc Steinmetzer.