Following a successful HLF-supported project, local residents in Abberley realised that many people weren’t aware of the medieval history of the village. Abberley Hills Preservation Society applied for a grant to carry out a project to uncover medieval Abberley.

My son is really keen to become an archaeologist now.

A dad at the community excavation

Volunteers were trained by professionals to carry out everything from hedge and house surveys to archival research and excavations. Pupils also benefited from a mock training dig in their school grounds. A number of events were held from tours and public talks to an ‘Ask the Expert’ day by Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, where families could bring their own finds to be identified.

The research and excavations resulted in the location of three mill sites, Abberley’s first prehistoric flints and a better understanding of what the village was like in medieval times. The project has created a touring exhibition, schools resource, a geocache (a location for online treasure hunters), a website and interpretation panels. They also published their findings to help others find out about Abberley’s medieval past.