Digging Sedgeford – A people’s archaeology
A new book from Poppyland Publishing
The Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Project, SHARP, undertook its first dig in the Norfolk village
in 1996. Every year since volunteer archaeologists have continued exploring 5,000 years of history - from
Stone Age to First World War. Digging Sedgeford – A people’s archaeology is the story of the dig so far.
The ‘authors’ of the book are the whole SHARP team, the hundreds of people who have dug on the site
over the 19 years so far. An editorial group has drawn together the many stories associated with the site in
a book that will satisfy both the general reader and the academic specialist. With 256 pages and colour
throughout, Digging Sedgeford – A people’s archaeology gives an account of one Norfolk settlement from
the Mesolithic through to the 20th century. Whether it’s the shocking story of the murdered body in the oven
or a scientific analysis of nearly 300 skeletons from the Anglo-Saxon cemetery, the mystery of pre-historic
burials or the glisten of golden ornaments, there’s plenty to satisfy all.
Flint arrow heads and a bronze age burial indicate the length of time that people have settled in this Norfolk
village. Exploratory pits in today’s village, now on the north bank of the river Heacham, help with the
understanding of the movement of the site of the village. Detailed study of St Mary’s church indicates
changes that match the fortunes of the village and skeletons that indicate a violent death lead to speculation
as to unsettled times in the 8th and 9th centuries.
And as is usual in archaeological digs, the work of SHARP opens up perhaps more questions than it
answers! In covering both several millennia of history and nearly two decades of archaeological
investigation, the book indicates that there is much more to come.
There are free resources on the Web that go with the book. A look in at www.poppyland.co.uk and a click
on the button ‘Support and Resources’ leads to links to Digging Sedgeford – A people’s archaeology.
The book will be in stock in East Anglian bookshops from 15th August and direct from
www.poppyland.co.uk. It can also be ordered at all good bookshops throughout the UK.
Digging Sedgeford: A people’s archaeology
Author: SHARP
Publisher: Poppyland Publishing
ISBN 978-1-909796-08-9
Paperback RRP £19.95
15th August 2014
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An electronic version of this release, a cover picture, further information and photographs for press use are
available at www.poppyland.co.uk/press
Poppyland Publishing titles – books and DVDs – can be purchased at shops and museums across East Anglia or
directly from the www.poppyland.co.uk web site
Poppyland Publishing is at publisher@poppyland.co.uk or telephone 01263 510969, mobile 07799 127864.
SHARP can be contacted on site until 15th August at 07786644980 (reception permitting!)