Fenland Archaeology Society talk to the March Society on interesting finds

Bob Smith from the Fenland Archaeology Society (FenArch) gave a most interesting talk to the March Society.

He explained that the FenArch was formed in 2009 following excavations at Wisbech Castle. These excavations revealed that the present building is not actually a Norman castle but, rather, a grand house.

FenArch has been digging on arable farmland around Wisbech St Mary. A lot of pottery has been found there – much of it brought to the surface over the years during ploughing.

Some of the pottery is glossy and is now known to be around 2,000 years old. Bob showed a picture of a piece of pottery with a fingerprint on it. This fingerprint would have been on the pottery before it was fired and was therefore also 2,000 years old.

FenArch now makes good use of drones, magnetometry, ground radar and metal detectors. Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman finds have been made in the Fenland area.

Evidence of Neolithic farming has also been identified around March, and Bob described some of the amazing Bronze Age finds made at the Must Farm site in Whittlesey.

The March Society’s next talk will be on Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm in March Library, ‘How March has Changed Over the Years’ by chairman Jennifer Lawler. This will be a look at some of the events which have affected how March has developed over the centuries. What events brought about changes to the town? What survives from the past?

Everyone welcome. Members £2, visitors £3. Do come along for the talk, latest news, refreshments, and meet people.