What lies beneath church farm field?
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL study taking place before additional burial space at a Pevensey church is freed up may uncover medieval relics.
Pevensey Church Farm, behind St Nicolas Church and alongside the Cattle Market car park, is due to become the subject of the study this summer.
The farm was taken over 12 years ago by the Church Farm Trust on behalf of the village church.
The trust wanted to extend the graveyard and build a church hall on the land but was told it must carry out an archaeological exploration, costing around 100,000, before starting work.
This was too expensive but the trust has reached a compromise with East Sussex County Council.
Trustee and churchwarden Owen Visick said, "After discussions with the county archaeologist and the Environment Agency it has been agreed that we may carry out a dig on a limited area of the field – enough to provide space for three or four years of burials."
He added, "This process can then be repeated as the first site becomes filled.
"Volunteers at Eastbourne Archaeological Society are prepared to do the field work, which has been provisionally booked for July this year."
Local historian Hugh Miller said, "There have been previous archaeological digs on that site and a number of items have been found.
"It is well known that a road passed through that field and there are sketch maps from 1595 showing buildings along what used to a little lane."
It is also thought an ancient manor house from the Dark Ages may be buried beneath the surface of the field.
Mr Visick added, "The estimated cost of the professional work involved in the observation and analysis of the findings will be approaching 10,000. Grants are being sought and donations are invited.
"It is hoped we will be able to continue serving the needs of the parish for many years in this way."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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