PALS

It is in planning that the original camp areas around Larkhill will have planned archeological excavations sometime in the future. Primarily it is to discover the layers of history from pre WW1 to current day around Larkhill including possible identified GW pratice trenches and time capsule laid in 1916. Primarily it will be led by the Military with various SME's and University assistance. I have suggested that there may be some interest from this forum and interested parties who wish to take part who have either the skills/experience or just willing to assist reply on this thread.
It s in the planning stage at the moment and the date(s) will probably depend on Military Exercises and relevant permissions.

Regards
Paul

Very interesting, Paul. Please keep us in touch with developments, not least the sites to be excavated.


Moonraker

I am sure that recorded sites will be looked into but any input by members to any sites that they are aware of, please let me know so they are not overlooked as the originators of the plan are not necessarily the SME's

Regards
Paul

I'm interested to know if the Larkhill layers archeological excavations will also incorporate work at the practice trenches still visible opposite the ranges on Tidworth Road?

Hi Kev, I'm the MOD archaeologist for the Plain and can definitely say that there are no plans to excavate these practice trenches on Beacon Hill.
All things good
Richard

Kev

I can confirm that beacon hill would not be part of any digs. There was a post earlier in the year that there was to be some digs up there in June but I heard nothing more, perhaps it happened without my knowledge but even more important without Richards.

Richard

I know that the idea of the layers of Larkhill are in the early stages but have you been approached/informed of the idea?. I heard yesterday that an archeologist had been approached to front the idea and if it isn't you then there is something wrong. If not I can point them in the right direction.

Regards

Paul

Hi Paul - thanks for the email and your concerns! I'll certainly be offering advice to the project and liaising with the RSA throughout. The chap that might be fronting it is Julian Richards - an incredibly experienced and able archaeologist that used to do Meet the Ancestors and Blood of the Vikings on tv. If the Army get him they will have done very well indeed. The project is looking for lots of local input (including artillerymen and families - and other service persons and schoolchildren) I will ensure that the project looks at Great War layers very carefully too. After all, all along the Packway there is LOADS of potential! Sadly, with work connected with operational requirements on the Plain etc there is no way I could devote enough time to it. I think the project is in a research and development stage at the moment - with no digging yet
all things good
R