Dig The Castle team reveal Great Torrington's history

The Dig the Castle community excavation project taking place in Great Torrington has completed its first full week of digging, and the results and finds have been revealing and well above expectations.

The project, co-ordinated by the Great Torrington Futures Group (John Eeles) and Archaeologists Engage (Emily Wapshott), has been focused on revealing the history of the ‘lost’ castle that once stood proudly overlooking the town and surrounding countryside.

Community involvement has been central to the project’s plans, and over 280 people applied to take part in the daily onsite session, of which 150 have been able to get involved. Many participants have been keen to share their delight at having had the opportunity to be involved in such an undertaking, on our social media pages.

The volunteer staff and community helpers, ably overseen by professional archaeologists, have been hard at work digging trenches and test pits, and cleaning and recording finds. The recent open day saw a steady stream of intrigued visitors visiting the site to view the trenches, ask questions and see some of the finds.

Sunday’s family day saw upwards of 35 adults and young people on site, and included a guided tour of the castle area and a visit to the Heritage Museum in town. The final week will welcome pupils and students from 10 local schools and colleges, discovering what an archaeological dig is all about and hopefully inspiring the next generation of archaeologists and historians.

Every day has seen a vast amount of work done across the site, with each new layer uncovered revealing something of interest. By day four it became clear that the trench at the top of the mound (the original motte) was exposing quantities of rough rubble and stone – indicating that some castle remains were still in–situ. Further exploration of this area is ongoing.

Alongside this, three additional trenches across the presumed area of the castle ramparts have uncovered a series of different layers of various ages, and include evidence of possible post holes.

Finds have been varied and from various historical periods - Medieval pottery from local sources, ironwork, animal bones, glassware and building materials. The finds have enabled the team to start gaining an understanding of the probable design of the castle, and an insight into the people who lived and worked in the area.

The Dig the Castle project team have felt immensely proud of the support given by so many individuals, businesses, local organisations, councillors and councils (a full list of supporters is available on the website), and are extremely grateful for all the assistance received.

The final outcome and realization of what the project has learned is some months away – finds need investigating and reports need writing. As soon as this stage is complete, the dig team plan to hold an open day in town so that the community can come together again to see the results of all their hard work.

The dig is being run specifically by the community, for the community and is free to participate. For more information visit: www.onegreattorrington.uk/digthecastle