Beaumont Leys Neighbourhood Association (BLNA) played host to an ‘Introduction to the Archaeology of Castle Hill Country Park’ Beaumont Leys, Leicester on Friday 26th July for the Festival of Archaeology 2013.
Castle Hill; a monastic site is home to the medieval earthworks (remains of the preceptory) and was occupied by the Knights Hospitallers in 1240AD. It holds links to Edward IV; the older brother of Richard III who established a deer park within Beaumont Leys.
The event was developed in association with the Council for British Archaeology, Leicester City Council, and Friends of Castle Hill Country Park to encourage community archaeology and give visitors a hands-on experience including the opportunity to explore the site, gain insight to its history, the work undergone, and uncover the heritage of Leicester.
On the day, exhibits provided information; including artefacts (pottery, stones, etc.) which visitors could handle, and a treasure hunt allowing children to also get involved. There were talks from archaeological experts including Peter Ball of the South Witham Archaeological Group, who talked of the Templars; their time, and construction methods in relation to the ruins. Stefan Cabanuik of Leicester Park Services followed up with a talk and guided tour to help “get an appreciation for the site”; illustrating its history from ownership, to wildlife, horticultural, and points of interest such as King William’s Bridge, the preceptory bank, sewage works, the old pond, spring, and marker stones.
Visitors were impressed with the event, being inquisitive and demonstrating a fascination throughout. Local; David Wilson Sykes said he “enjoyed the day so far, learnt a lot, even as a local didn’t know about this”. Others regarded it as “excellent, informative, interesting, and helpful”, identifying Stefan as “an enthusiast that knows his stuff” and the benefit of getting a “lecture on the site and seeing it after”.
With the possibility to excavate, the event gave room to an on-going community archaeology project; visitors with an interest in fieldwork, research, artefact identification, and experimental archaeology were given the opportunity to sign up to a future dig which offers the chance to reveal more about the history of the site.
Overall the “event went well, and was successful” as Stefan deemed it, with a major turnout of around 60 visitors; which as Peter Ball and Robin Matthewman puts it was “good attendance” and “more than, expected”. Stefan said the event was “all about informing people, it’s fun, and gets them interested and involved in community archaeology” which was affirmed by visitors that were able to identify “where the earthworks were”, the Knights Templars, and those looking “forward to coming back and exploring more”.
Castle Hill Archaeology Project 