Gardens offered for landmark archaeological dig

The Burpham Big Dig will be the first undertaken by Worthing Museum since 1998

Villages in West Sussex are set to host Worthing Museums first active archaeological dig of the century.

In association with Worthing Archeological Society, a two week dig will get underway from 10-23 August to investigate the archaeological potential of the area.

The Burpham Big Dig will see excavations in Burpham, Wepham and Peppering.

Residents have supported the project by giving access to 31 test pits in their gardens.

Based on previous finds of the area, Worthing Museum said the excavations could uncover evidence of "significant archaeological features and artefacts" from the Palaeolithic period, right through the Iron Age, and into the Early Modern period.

Undertaking the dig includes members of the Worthing Archaeological Society, village residents, volunteers and James Sainsbury of Worthing Museum.

Historical record

James Sainsbury, the museum’s archaeology curator, said: "We are very excited to be running this project in the bucolic surroundings of Burpham.

"This will be Worthing Museum’s first active archaeological investigation in the 21st century, and has the potential to be a pilot project for further work in and around Worthing in the coming years."

Whilst the dig sites will be private, Burpham village will be open to the public throughout the excavation period for visitors to see the findings and learn about the processing of the items.

On 17 August an official open day will take place to showcase the project.

Many residences have a proven historical record, as well as previous archaeological finds on their grounds.

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