Dr Scott McLean, Director of Field Studies at Bader International Study Centre, and Project Manager for the Pevensey Church Farm Excavation, shares his vision for the project.
Excitement built as preparations were finalised for the new archaeological excavation to be carried out at one of Pevensey’s historic landmarks. The excavation, which will take place over the next three years, has the potential to be of interest to every archaeological enthusiast as it is connected to some of the most significant events in British history.
Pevensey Church Farm Excavation website: View progress pictures from days 3 and 4 here
The site is situated just outside the churchyard of St. Nicolas Church, on land managed by the Pevensey Church Farm Trust.
Being just 100 metres from Pevensey Castle, a Roman Saxon shore fort constructed in the 290s AD., there is great potential to learn about Pevensey’s Roman origins, and of course the region’s close association with 1066, as it was here that Norman ships under William the Conqueror would have landed in preparation for his bid for the kingdom of England.
From these early beginnings the town grew into a prosperous medieval port town, the field to be excavated sitting where the medieval high street of Pevensey once ran.
More recently, Pevensey was involved in preparations for the expected Nazi invasion during WWII, with Pevensey Castle itself being modified to house soldiers defending Britain.
The excavation therefore offers a rare opportunity to gain insight into not only Pevensey and its rich history, but important events in the history of Britain as well.
Dr Scott McLean
Project Manager for the Pevensey Church Farm Excavation
Dr Scott McLean is Associate Professor of History at Queen’s University Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle. He has been teaching at the BISC since 1999 and been Director of the school’s Field School in British Archaeology since 2011. His research interests include the history and archaeology of South East England, with a specific focus on the Pevensey Levels. He has written widely on a variety of historical subjects, and has organised both local and international conferences.
Pevensey Church Farm Excavation website
BADER INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTRE at Herstmonceux Castle
