A GROUP of archaeologists has received funding to extend investigations into a deserted medieval village in Teesdale and organise film-making, oral history, artwork and creative writing sessions.
Well Head, in Holwick, is one of a number of abandoned medieval sites along the southern edge of the Teesdale valley floor.
Altogether Archaeology excavations in 2017 and 2018 revealed a rich collection of small finds, showing that the settlement was active for a “considerable period of time” during the middle ages.
Among the discoveries last year was the robbed-out remains of a Bronze Age burial monument.
No one knows why Holwick was deserted but theories include the plague and climate change. Cash been given by Northern Heartlands, which subsidies community art projects, to extend the project.
Chris Powell, from Altogether Archaeology, said: “During the past two seasons at Holwick, we have been amazed by the response of the local community and by the wealth of personal stories, memories and family legends we uncovered alongside the remains of the medieval village. Our aim is to tap into and record all of that to create a Holwick archive and to encourage people to develop their own creative work inspired by the site.”
Primary schoolchildren will be involved in processing finds and writing stories associated with the treasures they uncover.
“We want to encourage people to come to the open days and share their experiences and reminiscences, and for adults to engage with sketching and painting at the site. We will be working with Lonely Tower filmmakers who are going to document the excavation and the creative work to produce two short films,” said Mr Powell.
Writer, audio producer and oral historian Rachel Cochrane will be talking to visitors and the archaeologists to record their thoughts about the site.
The next excavation will take place from May 11 to 26. Volunteers will be supervised by a professional archaeologist. But for insurance reasons, people need to be a member of Altogether Archaeology to take part in the dig.However, members of the public are welcome to open days at the site and look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories,” said Mr Powell.
Dates of the open days and further details will be published soon on the group’s website, www.altogetherarchaeology.org.
