XArch Project: Bow Community Archaeology Project

XArch Projects has agreed to support Bow History Society in undertaking an archaeological project that will investigate the shrunken settlement of Nymet Tracey. Over the next couple of years, the plan is to gather all the historical information relating to this early settlement and Bow itself for publication initially in the XArch project publication. We will also carry out archaeological fieldwork (Geophysical study starting in the forthcoming months) in the fields around Nymet Tracey. The objective is to gain a greater understanding of the movement and changes in the settlement pattern of this archaeological rich area.

The fieldwork aspect of the project involves geophysical, earthwork and field boundary survey. All fieldwork events linked to XArch are free and all members of the community are invited to assist.
To start the ball rolling we have organised the following meetings and events:-

Friday 2nd February 2 - 4 p.m. in the Community Room of Bow Village Hall taking digital photographs of the 1847 tithe map for future use and to redraw it. We also looked at the Manorial map and the 1884 Ordnance survey map for comparison.
Caroline and Sean also photographed the tithe map and apportionment in Devon Records Office and members of the working group then transcribed it onto an Excel document.

Sunday 11th February in the Village Hall 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Archaeological Antiques Road Show. At this event, we invited anyone who had found anything in the Bow area to bring it along. This included documentation, deeds, old maps, photos, flint, funny shaped stones etc. Members of XArch Project from were there to identify anything brought in and there was a prize of Belgian beer or chocolates for the most interesting find! With permission, a few items were photographed and recorded but there was little of significance brought in. However, local people had an opportunity to look at documents from the Bow Historical Society archive and it was a very sociable event.

Friday 11th May Geophysics in fields around Nymet Tracey.

During September 2007, we are planning to continue with the geophysical survey of fields around Nymet Tracey. As part of the geophysical survey, participants will be offered training in off-set tape survey and triangulation.

For the results from the geophyscial survey follow this link

November 2008 - Test Pit Survey in Bow and Nymet Tracey (follow the link for more information)

For more details contact:

Caroline Taylor, 01363 82950 carolineataylor@uwclub.net