ARCHAEOLOGISTS could be on the verge of a startling discovery when they head to Great Bedwyn this summer to try to find out about its Anglo Saxon past.

A team from University College London’s Institute of Archaeology will be in the village in July to study its origins, which could date back more than 1,000 years, by carrying out excavation work.

However, residents are being given the chance to carry out small archaeological test pit digs in gardens to find out how the area has developed over hundreds of years.

And as the village is just one of four places in the country to have a 10th-century guild, an association of craftsmen or merchants that controlled the practice of their craft in an area, archaeologists are optimistic they can make further discoveries this summer.

“This has the potential to be an incredibly exciting project and hopefully we will make a really big discovery,” said UCL’s Dr Stuart Brookes. It is possible the layout of the present village reflects that of 1,000 ago, but we cannot be certain without uncovering new evidence.

“We have had several really good talks with the Bedwyn Historical Society, which has generated a lot of interest, and 20 per cent of residents in Great Bedwyn have said they will dig a small one-metre squared hole in their gardens, supervised by us, which has proven to help archaeologists to find out about the origins and development of a place.

“We hope to undertake geophysical surveys in any available ground, which is entirely non-destructive, and perhaps to dig a few larger holes in particularly promising places. Even if you do not do that, you can offer to dig someone else’s garden property in Bedwyn or provide equipment. It’s a great chance for the community to get together to make new discoveries.”

This whole venture has been made possible thanks to funding from the Leverhulme Trust, which makes awards for the support of research and education, and is linked with the Travel and Communication in Anglo-Saxon England project.

MP Claire Perry said: “I was fascinated to learn of the Great Bedwyn’s rich history. The project by UCL will be a great way for everyone to get involved with this. I am very excited to see what we can dig up.”

For more information visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/early-medieval-atlas/events/Fieldwork