This trip will be led by Dr Bob Higham, who will show us around the site of the Saxon Burh, Norman ringwork and Medieval Castle at Lydford, before continuing to Okehampton Castle. Both are nationally important sites in medieval studies with connections with the Devon Archaeological Society.
The excavations in the 1960s at Lydford, directed by Peter Addyman (at the Norman ringwork site and the Saxon burh generally) and the late Andrew Saunders (at the medieval castle site) were visited by DAS and some DAS members probably worked as volunteers on these projects. The excavations at Okehampton, directed annually by Bob Higham throughout the 1970s, were visited on several occasions by DAS and both of the excavation reports arising were published in the Society’s Proceedings (with John Allan and Stuart Blaylock, in 1977 and 1982). The two places preserve contrasting evidence, both below and above ground, ranging from the late Saxon to post-medieval periods.
We will meet at Lydford at 11am, have lunch there after the visit (either a packed lunch or something at the Castle Inn) and then go on to Okehampton, finishing mid afternoon.
Please let the Fieldtrip Secretary, Denise Allen, know if you wish to join the Devon Society on this trip, we would love to see you: denise_allen52@hotmail.com; 07903 887525