Paxton Before the House Community Research Project

This is a new community interest project that has been set up to investigate the history and archaeology of Paxton and the surrounding landscape.

It aims to investigate the landscape to locate some of the early settlements that existed in the parish of Hutton.  Archaeologists from Bamburgh Research Project and Edinburgh University will be working with local organisations and volunteers to uncover new evidence of this important historical setting. Members of the community are invited to participate in various aspects of the work including 'hands on archaeology', digging a variety of sites from prehistoric promontory forts to traces of the early origins of 'Fermtouns'. They hope to be able to show continuity between the prehistoric landscape and the present farmland.

A public meeting will be held at Paxton House at the Hayloft on Monday 27th September at 7.30 pm. All welcome !

They are looking for volunteers to get involved in every aspect of the archaeological research at Paxton. If you would like to take part please contact them on 01289 386291 or via the Paxton House website.

Having taken part in archaeological digs before, my experience was that this is often a very exciting way to spend a few days. Not only does one learn about the generalities of archaeology, there's usually lots of opportunity to learn about the objects found. It's very exciting to unearth historic artefacts, and wonder whether your ancestors made, dropped or sold them.