'PROJECT CASTLE': Final Update Update - June 2008

The final meeting of Project Castle was held on 24 April 2008, incorporating the annual general meeting. 16 members attended with apologies from 14 others. Reports on the past year were given, including of course our highly successful Exhibition and unveiling of history panels on 5-6 April (see report elsewhere on this website). The chairman reported on tremendous feedback from the Exhibition, including many requests to either repeat it or set up a permanent history display. A questionnaire is being circulated among members to gather support for various ideas for future projects. The photo album and scrapbooks of the project were on display.

The treasurer gave out copies of the financial report, showing use of the grant to date. In kind hours far exceeded what was needed for the Lottery grant. There were reports from other members too, and after enjoying a special cake provided by one of the members, there was a film show on recent events and a preview of the project CD, copies of which will be sent to all members.

PROJECT RESULTS As a result of Project Castle, the earthworks of the moated site and its surrounding fields have been accurately surveyed and mapped out for the first time. Full results are on the CD, basically we identified the water system, a lost trackway, robber trenches (= former buildings), early ditches and intriguing earthworks. There has been much added value to the project: the Medieval Event 2005 was unforgettable; we cleared scrub to preserve archaeology; improved access with a new gate; introduced people to the site through talks, tours, the exhibition and the history panels and CD; contributed to some great projects at the school; surveyed the wildlife; learnt the art of dowsing; gathered pottery that proved people lived there in medieval times. Not to mention all the socials and camaraderie of survey days – altogether, it’s been an amazing experience.

THE FUTURE Project Castle is almost complete but the Clavering Landscape History Group will continue to explore and record the history of our parish. Various ideas for future projects are being discussed including field walking, a churchyard survey, conservation tasks on the castle site, resistivity surveys, oral history, further work at Clavering School and other ideas, aiming hopefully at having an excavation project later on.

The History Group wish to extend their grateful thanks to Essex County Council Historic Environment section for helping us organize the project, to the Castle landowners for their full co-operation, and to the LHI part of the Heritage Lottery Fund for enabling us to mount Project Castle 2005-8.

If anyone would like a copy of the Survey Report or the Project CD please email jacqueline.cooper@virgin.net

We still need members to keep up the good work. If you would like to remain a CLHG member and receive updates, please continue to give £3 a year individual or £5 family.

	The Clavering history panel at Blacksmiths Corner.
	The Castle interpretation panel in Clavering churchyard overlooking Clavering Castle

Both panels were given to the village by the Clavering Landscape History Group as an outcome of Project Castle 2005-8, and unveiled on 5 April 2008. Click on the titles to see larger versions.