Norton Community Archaeology Group
Volunteer Archaeology Students Required: July – August 2012
– Neolithic Henge Site: Letchworth: North Hertfordshire.
In August 2010 the Norton Community Archaeology Group uncovered a Neolithic henge site to the east of Letchworth Herts. The site will be excavated this summer by a team of over 50 people. The Group welcomes archaeology students to help supervise and participate in the dig.
The Neolithic ritual site comprises a 55m diameter outer ditch enclosing the remains of a circular chalk bank, once perhaps 1.5m high, and a further inner ditch then circles a level central meeting area of unknown rituals. Despite plough damage the monument is still very rich with undisturbed finds revealing animal bones, flints and ceramics so far. Carbon 14 dating may allow the dating of the henge. It may be the oldest outside the West Country yet discovered in the UK.
Experts including Prof Mike Parker-Pearson of Sheffield University and Anne Teather (University of Chester) visited the site in January. Prof Parker-Pearson is leader of the Stonehenge Riverside research project and a recognised expert on Neolithic monuments.
Stapleton's Field henge could prove to be an unusually early henge monument, referred to in the literature as 'formative' henges. All the 'formative' henges identified to date have been found in Wales and the west of England, so if the identification is correct, this makes the Stapleton's Field henge the most easterly yet discovered and of national significance. However, even if it proves not to be of the 'formative' type, its unusual form and degree of preservation make it a rare type of site in eastern England and deserving of considerable further investigation. Anne Teather (University of Chester).
The henge site plays an important part in understanding the sequence of settlement of this region. We enthusiastically welcome volunteers to participate in the dig. For more information & membership:
Volunteer Archaeology Students Required: July – August 2012
– Neolithic Henge Site: Letchworth: North Hertfordshire.
Details of the 2012 dig: Logistics
Location of the site: To the north of Letchworth, Herts. A1 junction 10. (51º59’33”N 0º12’07”E)
Excavation Director: Keith Fitzpatrick Matthews (NHDC Archaeology Officer) and supervisor.
Dates and Times: Henge dig: 5 days/week from Wednesday 11th July to Sunday 19th August. (i.e. Not
Mondays and Tuesdays). The working day will be 10.00 - 17.00 with a 45 minutes break at 13.00.
Resourcing: 50/day planned with dates that best suit you (schedule available from 1st May 2012).
Tasks include excavation, finds processing and recording (training provided) available on a 'first come-first served' basis, subject to training and experience. Participation is for a minimum of 5 days (no maximum).
Accommodation: Camping 1 mile away: 01462 730242
or
Membership: You will need to join Norton Community Archaeology Group before the dig (£10 max) and sign
the Site Safety Regulations.
Queries and Questions: Email Philip Dean at .
Participant: Excavating the Norton Henge: Summer 2012
Name:
I may wish to join the Norton henge Summer excavation. My preferred dates to participate are:
…………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(The allocation of dates is at the discretion of NCAG)
Current experience:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Contact: (Email/Phone)______
Please send this to Philip Dean at or post to: Philip Thomas (Secretary NCAG), 5 Green Lane, Letchworth G.C., Hertfordshire, SG6 1ED.