Winchelsea Archaeological Society’s next talk is on Sunday April 8 at 2:30pm at the New Hall. Nathalie Cohen, National Trust Archaeologist for London and the Southeast will talk about the archaeology of Winchelsea.
Surveys have recently been carried out using magnetometry and ground penetrating radar of the north-west corner of the town, so we expect this will form the main subject of her talk.
The study revealed the hitherto unknown existence of a motte and bailey castle. On grounds of probability this has been attributed to the time of Edward 1, approximating to the founding of “New” Winchelsea, but such is not certain and it could be of earlier date. As the existence of a castle at Winchelsea has long been given the status of myth this promises to be a talk not to be missed.
Entry is free to members of Winchelsea Archaeological Society and non-members are welcome at an entry charge of £3. Membership of the Society costs £10 per year.
Further talks follow. On Saturday April 21, Dr. Thomas Dhoop, Visiting Fellow in Archaeology, University of Southampton gives a talk entitled “Shaped by Ships and Storms: A Maritime Archaeology of Medieval Winchelsea.” Dr. Dhoop is a coastal scientist interested in interactions between humans and the sea. In this presentation he will approach New Winchelsea from the perspective of the sea and show that the aspects of seafaring and storminess are vital for understanding how the town was structured and how life was lived in its medieval heyday. Venue: New Hall, Winchelsea at 2:30pm.
On Saturday May 12, Stephen Gray, historic buildings consultant, will talk on “Regional and Periodic Styles of Timber Framed Houses.” He will illustrate the regional and periodic variations of such buildings and discuss how those variations can help in identifying different phases of alteration and extension in the same house. Venue: St. Thomas Church, Winchelsea at 2:30pm.
On Sunday June 3, Francis Harper, professional geologist and a member of our Society, will discuss ‘Dating Techniques Applicable to Archaeology.’ Venue: St. Thomas Church, Winchelsea at 2:30pm
Photo: Rye News library