Secrets of town are revealed in South Downs dig
March 13, 2024
The discovery of a basement wall from over 300 years ago and 18th century sewing pins were among the highlights of an archaeological excavation in Eastbourne.
Eastbourne takes its name from the ancient Bourne settlement and stream which developed into the town we know today.
Archaeologists believe that from the 13th century there were buildings in the Manor Gardens and Parsonage areas of the town that were later cleared when Manor Gardens was created in the mid-18th century.
The excavation was led by Heritage Eastbourne in partnership with the Blue Heart Project and wanted to discover if any trace of these buildings, gardens or the wells that served them survive beneath the ground.
Katherine Buckland, Heritage Engagement Officer for Eastbourne and Lewis Councils, said:“The excavation solved some of the mysteries of Eastbourne as a Downland settlement. The discovery of a basement wall from the 17th century from a house that was demolished almost 300 years ago gives us another clue to piece together the story of what life was like for people living here over the last 1000 years or so.
“A selection of 18th century sewing pins and buckles as well as pottery, clay pipes and animal bone have also provided insight into what the day to day would have been for people living in this Downland settlement. All of the finds will be processed over the next couple of weeks and the report will be available on the Heritage Eastbourne website with sneak peeks of some of the discoveries on social media @HeritageEastbourne.”
The Big Dig is run by Eastbourne Borough Council and is part of the Changing Chalk Partnership, which includes the National Park as a partner. The Big Dig aims to uncover the development of a downland settlement from a small farming community to a thriving conurbation through community test-pitting. Changing Chalk is supported by a £2.23m Heritage Lottery Fund grant and is working to restore and protect the internationally rare chalk grassland, as well as bring history to life.
