Kelmscott Archaeological Research Programme
Working in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of London, Cotswold Archaeology were pleased to support the delivery of a 3-year community engagement programme to raise awareness in the local community of the history of Kelmscott Manor, the home of the influential Victorian designer and craftsman William Morris.
Situated in a small, rural village in west Oxfordshire, our programme of work included archival research, test-pit and trench excavations, fieldwalking surveys and geophysics. A series of ditches, a pond and a path surface were found, with many archaeological features containing medieval pottery, indicating early activity and land use before the present Manor was built in the 16th century.
We recruited and trained volunteers to work alongside us to help find evidence for the early beginnings and development of the village settlement within its surrounding landscape. Volunteers included families, students, adults and retirees, many of whom had a longstanding interest in archaeology, with many wanting to develop their skills and experience.
We collaborated with the Manor’s Education Team to develop and deliver schools workshops as well as training pupils in excavation and recording techniques. Working with one primary and one secondary school, students had the opportunity to follow the project over all three years. They took part in the excavations, learnt to identify artefacts and assess old maps and photos for archaeological potential in the area. During the final year, the primary school’s finished piece of work followed in Morris’ footsteps by designing archaeology-themed wallpaper using prints of artefacts found during our investigations.
