CLAVERING LANDSCAPE HISTORY GROUP

PROJECT CASTLE: PRESS RELEASE (No 2): 10 June 2005

CLAVERING CASTLE SURVEY STARTS

Volunteers from the Clavering Landscape History Group this week began surveying the central platform of Clavering Castle, the first phase of their grant-aided 'Project Castle'.

A grid was measured out last week by Essex County Council archaeologists Helen Saunders and Ellen Heppell in preparation for the survey which will be done using a magnetometer, taking underground readings. The grid had to be very carefully positioned so that the readings can then be mapped out accurately to give a picture of what might lie beneath the surface of Clavering Castle.

The same grid will be used again later in the year for a surface survey of the earthworks. The two sets of data will then be put together to produce a picture of how the castle looked in the past. It is believed to date from the 11th or 12th century, but all that can be seen today is a hummocky grass meadow.

A particular feature of Project Castle is the involvement of the community. The CLHG was given the opportunity to provide up to nine volunteers who can receive training in the use of the magnetometer. Once trained, they will be able to borrow the ECC magnetometer later on in order to survey other parts of the castle complex, which extends over several acres.

Meanwhile preparations go on apace for another aspect of the project, the Medieval Event which takes place on the Dam meadow adjoining the Castle on Saturday 16 July all day, offering a day of completely free activities for all the family. Running alongside it will be a two-day Flower Festival in the church also on a medieval theme.

While the surveys form the 'investigation' aspect of the project, the Medieval Event is the 'celebration' part, and the third and final phase Will be 'interpretation', providing an information board and CD ROM of the material discovered during the project.

The whole project is made possible through the co-operation of the ECC Historic Environment Branch, and a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative, a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency.

Further information: tel 01799 550462 or email jacqueline.cooper@virgin.net