Page 30 • The HERALD • 25th January 2024 v THE HERALD - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE v WILLIS DECORATING & JOINERY SERVICES Est Since 1986 Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating Wallpaper Hanging Hand-painted Kitchens & Spray Finishes Wardrobes, Bookcases, Radiator Covers Call David on 023 8084 9800 or 07946 048261 E: david.willis24@btinternet.com PVCu FASCIAS & GUTTERING CLEANING SERVICE Gutters checked for leaks and repaired Also new installations Driveway, Patio and Decking Cleaning and Restoration Service Very reliable and fully insured Good Rates and Professional Service Special Rates for OAP’s Call us now for a free quote Holbury 07884 112416 WESTWOOD BUILDING BUILDING & LANDSCAPING WE ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE BASED IN THE NEW FOREST. WE OFFER FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE WHAT WE DO: • PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS AND BLOCK PAVING • GROUND WORKS • BRICK WORK • EXTENTIONS • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • CHIMNEY REPAIRS • ALTERATIONS • WE OFFER A FULL PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICE TO SUIT YOUR PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP Call: 07725 002162 Email: westwoodbuilding@outlook.com • Foxhills, Ashurst, SO40 7ED Ancient Treasures Unearthed in Alresford Archaeologists have discovered remarkable Bronze Age ndings at Taylor Wimpey’s Alresford Down development in New Alresford. An extensive excavation, led by environmental consulting group RPS and archaeological consultants PCA Winchester, has found a treasure trove of historical signi cance, shedding light on the rich heritage of the site and the wider landscape. e investigation, which began in July 2023, has revealed the remains of a Bronze Age (2300 BC – 800 BC) barrow cemetery and one of the largest AngloSaxon cemeteries discovered in Hampshire, with over 120 graves identi ed dating back to the 7th century AD. Located high on Tichborne Down and overlooking the River Alre, the three barrows, initially discovered in 2015 through trial work prompted by an aerial photograph taken in 1968, have yielded invaluable insights into the previous populations that once thrived in the area linked to the initial use of the barrows. Unfortunately, some burials and the barrow mounds were lost to modern ploughing. Notable among the discoveries is the poorly preserved skeleton of a young woman buried with a rare gold disc pendant and adorned with intricate gold ligree forming a cross shape. Many of the other graves included small iron knives, while one was buried with a sword. e burial pattern showed that almost all graves aligned east-west, placing the head at the west end. e cemetery’s organisation is clear and evident in limited instances of overlapping graves and distinct rows as captured in the aerial view of the excavation. All works are being undertaken under the help and guidance of the Winchester District Archaeological Advisor Tracy Matthews. e site featured on ‘Digging for Britain’ on BBC 2 at 8pm on Wednesday 3rd January, showcasing the historical signi cance of the site and the signi cant treasures uncovered in its archaeological excavation. With archaeological investigations now complete and the ndings recorded and preserved, Taylor Wimpey has been given clearance to start enabling works on site ready for its launch in Spring 2025. Taylor Wimpey plans to commemorate the historical ndings on the site by proposing the installation of a plaque or information board in the public open space, pending approval from Winchester City Council. To nd out more information about the development, visit: www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/ winchester/alresford-down e RPS team will now create a formal report documenting the historical signi cance of these discoveries, ensuring their lasting record in the area’s history, contributing to a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. e archaeological ndings will also be exhibited at the Winchester Museum. Interested parties are encouraged to come forward with relevant information and if no claims arise, the artefacts will be respectfully reinterred. Matthew Smith, Director of Archaeology and Heritage at RPS, said: “The archaeological findings at Alresford Down are nothing short of extraordinary. Unearthing the remains of a Bronze Age barrow cemetery and a vast Anglo-Saxon burial ground has provided a rare opportunity to piece together the rich history embedded in this site. We are proud to contribute to the preservation of our shared past through this remarkable excavation.” Katie Brandham, Technical Director for Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “We are humbled by the historical treasures unearthed at Alresford Down. The discoveries offer a unique window into the lives of those who lived here centuries ago. We are committed to working closely with the archaeological teams and local authorities to ensure these findings are preserved prior to any building.” The three barrows unearthed, identified by the surviving quarry ditch provide a glimpse into Bronze Age burial practices, with two urned cremation burials and two crouched inhumation burials Sun Lane aerial view Archaeological investigations Gold disc pendant Upcoming Courses at Minstead Study Centre Minstead Study Centre are running the following courses over the coming months: Saturday 3rd February Stag Dri wood Workshop, Sunday 4th February Heart Dri wood Workshop, Saturday 17th February Fruit Pruning, Saturday 2nd March Macrame and Sunday 3rd March Drawing workshop with Artist Karen Coulsen. For further information and to book your place please visit: www.hants.gov.uk/ minsteadstudycentre and click on events.
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