Field Work > Current & Recent Digs > Burpham Big Dig
A joint project led by Worthing Museum to excavate 30 1m x 1m test pits at Burpham and adjacent hamlets. Work to be undertaken in conjunction with the local community.
For planning documentation see: Field Work > Planning
The daily progress of the excavation is recorded below:
Training day at Burpham Village Hall, 1 June 2024
Day 1 - 10 August 2024
Burpham Test pits today - the team were challenged by roots, ants and hot conditions but excellent efforts were made all round. Finds spanned the prehistoric to the modern. The residents were all so welcoming and some teams even had refreshments and home made cake offered from 'their house'. Going to be an amazing two weeks!
Vicky Lillywhite
Vicky Lillywhite
Day 2 - 11 August 2024
It's been a great start to Day 2 of the Burpham Big Dig. Chris uncovered a coin (Possibly early 17th century) in the spoil of TP2 (test pit 2). Oyster shells, flint flakes and later Medieval pottery abound in other TP's.
At Trench B (one of our two larger trenches) a huge area has been cleaned of vegetation in preparation for a 6x2 metre trench. A marble, clay pipe stems and large quantities of metal slag has been found on and near the surface, an indication that the name of the area, 'Forge Field' is very apt! A good hot day. James Sainsbury
At Trench B (one of our two larger trenches) a huge area has been cleaned of vegetation in preparation for a 6x2 metre trench. A marble, clay pipe stems and large quantities of metal slag has been found on and near the surface, an indication that the name of the area, 'Forge Field' is very apt! A good hot day. James Sainsbury
Day 3 - 12 August 2024
Lots of volunteers on site today, giving us the opportunity to open another large trench (Trench A) in the search for the external ditch of the promontory Fort.
More later Medieval and early Modern material from today's three test pits. Another coin too, though it was only a penny from 1984! James Sainsbury
More later Medieval and early Modern material from today's three test pits. Another coin too, though it was only a penny from 1984! James Sainsbury
Day 4 - 13 August 2024
We've opened our 13th test pit today and work continues on the larger trenches (A & B) which are both reaching levels with 17th century material.
In TP6 Clare uncovered a midden of oyster shells resting on a flint surface, with what looks like a cow bone sitting perpendicular on the floor. This is possibly a Medieval layer.
Three features have emerged across the sites today, with two post holes and a ditch cut into the chalk bedrock.
James Sainsbury
In TP6 Clare uncovered a midden of oyster shells resting on a flint surface, with what looks like a cow bone sitting perpendicular on the floor. This is possibly a Medieval layer.
Three features have emerged across the sites today, with two post holes and a ditch cut into the chalk bedrock.
James Sainsbury
Day 5 - 14 August 2024
A brilliant day in the ever bucolic surroundings of Burpham and Wepham!
We had the remains of a dinosaur emerge from TP15 (Corythosaurus if my memory serves!) plus a Victorian 'Frozen Charlotte' doll from the Trench A spoil heap.
Both larger trenches were put on hold today to give their excavators a well-deserved rest but they will be continued tomorrow.
Plenty of worked flint has emerged across the TPs, and we had our first sherd of Bronze Age pottery, along with a decorated piece which may be of Later Iron Age date.
TP11 has become one of the more intriguing pits, with not one but two posthole-like features cut deep into the chalk bedrock. The lack of finds from this level could suggest, dare I say, a Saxon date...
James Sainsbury
We had the remains of a dinosaur emerge from TP15 (Corythosaurus if my memory serves!) plus a Victorian 'Frozen Charlotte' doll from the Trench A spoil heap.
Both larger trenches were put on hold today to give their excavators a well-deserved rest but they will be continued tomorrow.
Plenty of worked flint has emerged across the TPs, and we had our first sherd of Bronze Age pottery, along with a decorated piece which may be of Later Iron Age date.
TP11 has become one of the more intriguing pits, with not one but two posthole-like features cut deep into the chalk bedrock. The lack of finds from this level could suggest, dare I say, a Saxon date...
James Sainsbury
Day 6 - 15 August 2024
Another good day today despite some rain.
Medieval pot sherds are emerging, especially in Wepham, though we've also had what looks like a midden/rubbish pit at Burpham, containing ceramics and at least one butchered pig skull.
The pot sherd we thought to be Bronze Age yesterday is actually from the time of the Norman Conquest, which is equally exciting. Even more so is the Saxon pot sherd found yesterday, which has been confirmed as an early date of around the 6th century, very very rare indeed.
As you can see from the photos below, the Finds Team have made herculean efforts to keep up with the sheer amount of material arriving at the village hall. Hats off to them!
Finally, we've had a lovely copper alloy buckle from a depth of 1.5m in Trench A, dating 1350-1650 AD.
James Sainsbury
Medieval pot sherds are emerging, especially in Wepham, though we've also had what looks like a midden/rubbish pit at Burpham, containing ceramics and at least one butchered pig skull.
The pot sherd we thought to be Bronze Age yesterday is actually from the time of the Norman Conquest, which is equally exciting. Even more so is the Saxon pot sherd found yesterday, which has been confirmed as an early date of around the 6th century, very very rare indeed.
As you can see from the photos below, the Finds Team have made herculean efforts to keep up with the sheer amount of material arriving at the village hall. Hats off to them!
Finally, we've had a lovely copper alloy buckle from a depth of 1.5m in Trench A, dating 1350-1650 AD.
James Sainsbury
Day 7 - 16 August 2024
We are now half way through the Big Dig! A total of 20 test pits have been opened so far, with 14 to go (plus of course the on-going work at Trenches A & B)
Wepham seems to be leading the way in Medieval pot sherds, with some lovely diagnostic rims emerging from what look like prehistoric lynchets that the later village was built on. We've also had a lovely piece of briquetage, a type of ceramic used in salt working. This is of particular interest as no 'saltings' are recorded in the Arun Valley in Domesday, so perhaps they developed later on and on a smaller scale to those in the Adur.
The absence of coinage across the sites is a puzzle - a lack of even Victorian pennies or later farthings etc is something we didn't expect. James Sainsbury
Wepham seems to be leading the way in Medieval pot sherds, with some lovely diagnostic rims emerging from what look like prehistoric lynchets that the later village was built on. We've also had a lovely piece of briquetage, a type of ceramic used in salt working. This is of particular interest as no 'saltings' are recorded in the Arun Valley in Domesday, so perhaps they developed later on and on a smaller scale to those in the Adur.
The absence of coinage across the sites is a puzzle - a lack of even Victorian pennies or later farthings etc is something we didn't expect. James Sainsbury
Day 8 - 17 August 2024 - Open Day
Wow! What an incredible Open Day for the Burpham Big Dig.
We've had over 250(!!!) visitors throughout the day, with the brilliant Village Team putting on a spread of delicious home-made cakes, teas and coffees. Over 100 people joined our archaeologist James for a short tour of Burpham as well. The Sussex Finds Liaison Officer and Rural Crime Team answered lots of questions from visitors, as did the ever wonderful Worthing Archaeological Society Team.
Archaeologically we've had a very interesting discovery today at TP17, an articulated pig or boar skeleton, found with green-glazed Medieval pottery. We'll be continuing this test pit tomorrow. James Sainsbury
We've had over 250(!!!) visitors throughout the day, with the brilliant Village Team putting on a spread of delicious home-made cakes, teas and coffees. Over 100 people joined our archaeologist James for a short tour of Burpham as well. The Sussex Finds Liaison Officer and Rural Crime Team answered lots of questions from visitors, as did the ever wonderful Worthing Archaeological Society Team.
Archaeologically we've had a very interesting discovery today at TP17, an articulated pig or boar skeleton, found with green-glazed Medieval pottery. We'll be continuing this test pit tomorrow. James Sainsbury
Day 9 - 18 August 2024
Another excellent day at Burpham & Wepham.
We were surprised to see the chalk bedrock in Trench B at a shallower depth that we hoped. This means we haven't found the large external ditch of the promontory fort in this area - we hope to return to solve this mystery in the future.
Trench A is now reaching nearly 2 metres depth, which conversely may be evidence for the aforementioned ditch. Small fragments of possibly late Saxon pottery have been found at this depth which is particularly exciting.
The 'pig burial' test pit has been continued at Wepham, which was associated with Saxo-Norman ceramics...
And finally, one of the lovely residents made this incredible archaeology-themed cake for the very lucky diggers in her garden!!! James Sainsbury
We were surprised to see the chalk bedrock in Trench B at a shallower depth that we hoped. This means we haven't found the large external ditch of the promontory fort in this area - we hope to return to solve this mystery in the future.
Trench A is now reaching nearly 2 metres depth, which conversely may be evidence for the aforementioned ditch. Small fragments of possibly late Saxon pottery have been found at this depth which is particularly exciting.
The 'pig burial' test pit has been continued at Wepham, which was associated with Saxo-Norman ceramics...
And finally, one of the lovely residents made this incredible archaeology-themed cake for the very lucky diggers in her garden!!! James Sainsbury
Day 10 - 19 August 2024
Another wonderful day in the villages of Burpham and Wepham!
Our team joined resident Trevor for an intimate tour of the beautiful St. Mary's Parish Church at Burpham at lunchtime. A beautiful church, showing multiple phases of development, beginning in the mid-12th century. We believe most of our 'Saxo-Norman' ceramics from Burpham probably date to this period.
Another highlight was a surprise visit by Gary Baines, Asda Community Champion, who brought us lots of chocolates for the team!
We may have *finally* located the sizeable outer defensive ditch to the 'burh' (fort) at Burpham in Trench A. A huge effort by all involved. Trench C (located just 2 metres away from A) was dug down, in the hope of finding the slope of the external ditch - we should know if we've succeeded by Wednesday.
The team at Trench B began back-filling, an exhausting task for such a large trench. Despite this, in just a few hours (after drawing and recording) Trench B was nearly closed.
All to play for tomorrow, with two new gardens for test pits. We're particularly excited to see the ceramics from the very bottom of Trench A washed - this should tell us whether they are Saxon in date, or Iron Age. James Sainsbury
My last day at Burpham Big Dig today. It's been simply amazing! More pits opened and closed today coming down on to bedrock fairly close to the top, but Connie continued her journey to the centre of the earth in TA possibly locating the IA ditch on the way, and the ?pig burial in Wepham is closer to being excavated, hopefully tomorrow. Good luck for the rest of the dig everybody. Vicky Lillywhite
Our team joined resident Trevor for an intimate tour of the beautiful St. Mary's Parish Church at Burpham at lunchtime. A beautiful church, showing multiple phases of development, beginning in the mid-12th century. We believe most of our 'Saxo-Norman' ceramics from Burpham probably date to this period.
Another highlight was a surprise visit by Gary Baines, Asda Community Champion, who brought us lots of chocolates for the team!
We may have *finally* located the sizeable outer defensive ditch to the 'burh' (fort) at Burpham in Trench A. A huge effort by all involved. Trench C (located just 2 metres away from A) was dug down, in the hope of finding the slope of the external ditch - we should know if we've succeeded by Wednesday.
The team at Trench B began back-filling, an exhausting task for such a large trench. Despite this, in just a few hours (after drawing and recording) Trench B was nearly closed.
All to play for tomorrow, with two new gardens for test pits. We're particularly excited to see the ceramics from the very bottom of Trench A washed - this should tell us whether they are Saxon in date, or Iron Age. James Sainsbury
My last day at Burpham Big Dig today. It's been simply amazing! More pits opened and closed today coming down on to bedrock fairly close to the top, but Connie continued her journey to the centre of the earth in TA possibly locating the IA ditch on the way, and the ?pig burial in Wepham is closer to being excavated, hopefully tomorrow. Good luck for the rest of the dig everybody. Vicky Lillywhite
Day 11 - 20 August 2024
We're nearing the end of two wonderful weeks in the parish of Burpham but new test pits are being opened, and we *finally* uncovered the beginnings of the ditch slope in Trench C!
Pottery found at the very bottom of Trench A yesterday are confirmed to be Saxon, and are possibly related to a phase of defensive recutting of the ditch during the Viking invasions.
Tomorrow we'll clean up Trench C, before the task of back-filling begins! James Sainsbury
Pottery found at the very bottom of Trench A yesterday are confirmed to be Saxon, and are possibly related to a phase of defensive recutting of the ditch during the Viking invasions.
Tomorrow we'll clean up Trench C, before the task of back-filling begins! James Sainsbury
Day 12 - 21 August 2024
The mighty external defensive ditch of the Burh has finally been revealed and is now being recorded and drawn. A wonderful achievement to crown the Big Dig project! This feature has never been seen to such an extent and we now have a good idea of at least part of its form. The lack of Iron Age pottery at the bottom suggests the Burh is either original Saxon work, or more likely the ditch was re-cut around 900AD and any Iron Age evidence (from this small area at least) was cleared.
The three new test pits today all came down on chalk bedrock shortly after opening, though we did have a midden of shells - the remains of a Victorian picnic or a child's burial place for their collection.
Tomorrow we open our final test pit, with most of the team steeled for the huge task of back-filling trenches A & C.
Hats off as always to the Finds Team, who have been recording thousands of finds and continue to do so at an incredible rate. James Sainsbury
The three new test pits today all came down on chalk bedrock shortly after opening, though we did have a midden of shells - the remains of a Victorian picnic or a child's burial place for their collection.
Tomorrow we open our final test pit, with most of the team steeled for the huge task of back-filling trenches A & C.
Hats off as always to the Finds Team, who have been recording thousands of finds and continue to do so at an incredible rate. James Sainsbury
Day 13 - 22 August 2024
The penultimate day of the Big Dig!
A hard day in grotty weather back-filling trenches A & C but the team did it in record time. We left a ritual deposition of chocolate wrappers in the very bottom of the external ditch so future archaeologists know we've been there before!
A final test pit at Wepham revealed the chalk bedrock at a shallow depth with few finds but even those TP's with few finds tell a story.
Tomorrow we return for a final day of sorting, finds processing, packing up and cleaning the village hall so generously given to us by the village committee over the last two weeks. The residents have been so incredibly welcoming for the duration of the project and tomorrow they are throwing the dig team an afternoon tea!
Look for the 'Burpham Big Dig' exhibition later next year, when we will showcase not just the brilliant finds made but also the people who have made this all possible. James Sainsbury
One of the best sites that we have dug. The village made us very welcome, they even put the flag up for us. And we spent a long time admiring it. Chris Lane
A hard day in grotty weather back-filling trenches A & C but the team did it in record time. We left a ritual deposition of chocolate wrappers in the very bottom of the external ditch so future archaeologists know we've been there before!
A final test pit at Wepham revealed the chalk bedrock at a shallow depth with few finds but even those TP's with few finds tell a story.
Tomorrow we return for a final day of sorting, finds processing, packing up and cleaning the village hall so generously given to us by the village committee over the last two weeks. The residents have been so incredibly welcoming for the duration of the project and tomorrow they are throwing the dig team an afternoon tea!
Look for the 'Burpham Big Dig' exhibition later next year, when we will showcase not just the brilliant finds made but also the people who have made this all possible. James Sainsbury
One of the best sites that we have dug. The village made us very welcome, they even put the flag up for us. And we spent a long time admiring it. Chris Lane
Day 14 - 23 August 2024 - Clearing Up and Celebratory Lunch
It's a wrap folks! The Burpham Big Dig is complete. Many thanks to the villagers who kindly offered their gardens (and provided such munificent sustenance - today's feast being just the finale) and to James Sainsbury (Project Director on behalf of Worthing Museum ) for arranging and organising this wonderful opportunity. Thanks also to everyone from WAS (and the additional students) who made this such an enjoyable fortnight and put up with my photographic intrusion. Robin Bennett