The Marlow Archaeology Group

Marlow Archaeology Group (MAG) is open to everyone who is 18 years and over and with an interest in our hidden past. You don’t need any experience of archaeology to join our friendly and active group.

News

Once again, MAG was fortunate to be involved with the investigations by the University of Reading at Church Paddock in Cookham. Two trenches were opened on much the same plan as last year, although Trench 1 in the north-east of the site was extended to explore the line of the mill leet discovered last year. Investigation of the well was completed, and this produced some rich finds including the base of a rare lathe turned wooden bowl. Detailed examination of the many postholes in the eastern portion of the trench was completed and this suggested a variety of uses of the site, including a large hall which probably served as a communal building for both the religious community and the adjacent lay settlement. Trench 2 continued investigation of the Early Medieval cemetery, with evidence that it was used for reburials that disturbed earlier graves.

The project serves as the Field School for the first-year archaeology students and provision is made also for the participation of volunteers. This includes both excavation and finds processing and is a valuable contribution to the project. Over the autumn and winter, a few volunteers will be assisting with the digitisation of the site records as part of the post-excavation work. This includes also analysis of environmental samples and expert examination of artifacts and interpretation of the findings. This important aspect of the project is funded separately and is supported financially by the Friends of Cookham Abbey charity that relies on donations.  Please consider donating via the Friends of Cookham Abbey website. ( www.cookhamabbey.org.uk )

Fieldwork News

For fieldwork news see our fieldwork page or click here