Classic Time Team Season 6 Episode 11 Bawsey, Norfolk
- March 14, 1999
- 50 min
In this episode of Classic Time Team, the team heads to Bawsey, Norfolk to investigate an abandoned village. The site is believed to have been occupied from as far back as the Bronze Age, but the focus of the investigation is on the medieval period. The team hopes to uncover evidence of a lost church and potentially gain insight into the lives of the villagers who once inhabited the area.
The team begins by examining a series of earthworks that are believed to be the remains of the village. The shapes of these earthworks suggest the presence of houses, but the lack of any visible foundations poses a challenge to the team's investigation. With the help of ground-penetrating radar and geophysical surveying, the Time Team is able to identify several potential locations for building remains.
The team then turns their attention to a small pond on the site, which was once thought to have been excavated as part of the church building process. After dredging the pond, the team begins to uncover a number of medieval artifacts, including pottery and animal bones. As the excavation continues, the team discovers the location of the lost church, which had been previously unknown.
The discovery of the church allows the Time Team to gain a deeper understanding of the village and its inhabitants. With the help of archaeologists from the Norfolk Historic Environment Service, the team is able to examine the church's structure and identify various architectural features from the medieval period. They also uncover remnants of the church's floor tiles, which provide insight into the church's design and decoration.
Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges, including inclement weather and difficult excavation conditions. Despite these difficulties, they are able to uncover remarkable evidence of the village's past. The episode also features interviews with local historians and archaeologists, who provide additional context and insight into the site's significance.
Overall, Classic Time Team's investigation of Bawsey, Norfolk offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of medieval villagers and highlights the important work of archaeological research. With a mix of insightful analysis and exciting discoveries, this episode is sure to captivate history buffs and amateur archaeologists alike.