Ep 2. A Village Affair

Episode Description:

In this episode of Time Team, the team travels to the village of Fletching in East Sussex to investigate the history of a site that is believed to have been inhabited for over a thousand years. The area is situated on high ground and is surrounded by fields, woodland, and a meandering river. The team's aim is to uncover evidence of the early settlement of the site and track its development through the centuries.

The team visits St. Mary's Church and meets with the local vicar to learn about the history of the village. They discover that the oldest section of the church dates back to the 12th century and that there are several historical documents that mention Fletching. The team also finds out that the village played a significant role in the English Civil War, with the Battle of Lewes being fought nearby.

The Time Team sets up their base camp in a field adjacent to a large rectangular enclosure. The enclosure has been identified as a possible medieval settlement, so the team starts their investigation by carrying out a geophysical survey of the site. Using modern technology such as ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry, they map out the subsurface features of the enclosure and create a 3D model of the site.

Next, the team begins excavations in several areas of the enclosure. They quickly uncover evidence of the medieval occupation of the site, including pottery, animal bones, and a coin from the reign of King John. The team also finds a large number of metal objects, including nails, hinges, and a horseshoe, which suggest that there was once a building located in the enclosure.

As the investigation progresses, the team uncovers more evidence of the site's long history. They find evidence of Iron Age activity, including pottery and postholes, as well as traces of a Roman road that once passed through the area. The team also discovers a well-preserved section of a medieval road, complete with its original paving stones.

Throughout the investigation, the team is assisted by a group of local volunteers, who help with the excavations and provide valuable insights into the history of the village. The volunteers include a local amateur historian who has researched the village's history for many years and a group of schoolchildren who are excited to learn about archaeology.

The Time Team's investigation culminates in a reconstruction of the site's history, from its earliest occupation in the Iron Age to its medieval heyday and beyond. The team's discoveries provide new insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked in Fletching over the centuries, and the story of the village becomes a microcosm of the broader history of England.