History Hunters head for Hillsborough
ASPIRING archaeologists have been busy carrying out a survey of the ancient hill fort at Hillsborough in Ilfracombe. The work using geophysical equipment as seen on television s Time Team series, took place on Friday and Saturday as part of a series of f
ASPIRING archaeologists have been busy carrying out a survey of the ancient hill fort at Hillsborough in Ilfracombe.
The work using geophysical equipment as seen on television's Time Team series, took place on Friday and Saturday as part of a series of free History Hunters events run by North Devon Museums, in association with North Devon AONB.
Little is known about the hill fort, thought to be from the Iron Age and the aim was to find out more about the history of the site, the structure of the fort and surrounding vegetation.
To identify the best site for the survey, members of North Devon Council's parks team worked with AONB staff and archaeologists to assess the area first.
It was part of the Adult Learning Initiative run by the museums service and is one of several free events looking at the region's historical mysteries, open to anyone over 16 years-old but in particular those who might not normally get the chance to take part.
From tomorrow (Tuesday) the History Hunters will be trying to find the site of the Battle of Cynuit in 878, where the invading Hubba the Dane was defeated.
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Author Nick Arnold and North Devon Archaeological Society members will be working with the sessions, which continue on Friday and Saturday, March 13 with field trips to possible battle sites.
There is also an exploration of medieval ruins at Winkleigh tomorrow and on Thursday a search for the mythical tunnels said to run beneath the streets of Barnstaple.
"North Devon is such a diverse area with variety of fantastic scenery to enjoy," said Councillor Eric Ley, lead member for parks. "By taking part in activities like this survey, it will allow us to see what is below the ground and learn more about the history of the area."
The information gathered from the Hillsborough survey will now be looked at and used to get more people involved with future projects at the nature reserve and assist with land management decisions.
To find out more about these and other ALF activities, go to www.northdevonalf.org.uk or call the museum on (01271) 346747.
