HINGHAM YOUNGSTERS GET HANDS ON WITH HISTORICAL ARTEFACTS AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

Around 50 primary school children had the chance to get hands on with Hingham’s history when they paid a visit to a fascinating archaeological dig which is taking place in the town.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils from Hingham Primary School were invited onto the site by Abel Homes and PCA Archaeology, who are completing a nine week investigation on the site prior to the construction of 110 energy-efficient homes.

The children were able to handle artefacts from the Iron Age, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval eras, including an Iron Age loom weight, medieval nails, and pieces of Roman pottery.

They also viewed the footings of a medieval windmill and witnessed the excavation of a Roman pot which had been discovered the day before the visit.

“This was a great opportunity to show the children actual pieces of history from their home town,” said Kelvin Grimes, land manager at Abel Homes. 

“The archaeological excavation, and recording the artefacts found on the site, are an important precursor to building the new homes, and it is always nice to share what we have found with local children so that they can better understand where they live.”

The excavation is being carried out by PCA, a specialist pre-construction archaeology firm which has a base in Norfolk.  The dig has also discovered a Roman field system and enclosure.

Abel Homes is to build 110 energy-efficient family homes, all of which will have the highest ‘A’ rating for energy performance.  A third of the homes will be affordable housing, and the firm will also be creating a new 15 acre public park and green space, on the site, which is off Norwich Road in the town.