A full-scale exploration to hopefully find the remains of Pinchbeck’s ‘lost manor’ is within days of springing into operation.
It is more than three years since Pinchbeck History and Archaeology Group’s last highly successful and rewarding dig at Healey’s Field was closed down, mainly due to lack of funding.
But the project, which unearthed such a valuable wealth of information and artefacts to add new chapters to early village life, was never meant to be confined to the history books.
Group press officer Ray Tucker says that new funding means that the entire project can be brought back to life.
“But the new dig will take place at a different site quite close to Healey’s Field,” he said. “In mid-August last year a full geophysical survey over an area of approximately five hectares was carried out at Abbey Field adjacent to Herring Lane, and compelling evidence that a medieval manor really did exist in the village has been revealed.”
The survey, carried out by Lincoln-based Allen Archaeology, clearly shows building outlines and a number of areas where stone structures lay beneath the surface of Abbey Field.
Mark Allen, of Allen Archaeology, says the results of the survey are some of the most detailed he has ever seen. Now plans are in place to excavate a number of trenches up to six feet wide and to whatever depth is needed to discover what is actually hidden.
Project instigator John Lyon said: “I have always been convinced that this field in particular is the most logical location for a settlement.
“Old maps of the area show an area of ‘ruins’ and the recent survey clearly shows positive signs of possible structural remains, drainage and boundary features.
“The area of land in question is owned by Lincolnshire Field Produce and with the help of the company’s managing director Robin Hancox and his field manager Paul Langford, who have given their full support to the project, we are able to proceed just as soon as the field of vegetables has been harvested.”
