Uncovering the Origins of Two Medieval Villages

🏰The villages of Wickham and Wick Div in Northamptonshire were once separate settlements, later merging to form one village.

🕍Archaeologists discovered evidence of a medieval church in Wickham, which was rebuilt in the 17th century.

⌛The team found Saxon pottery dating back to the 9th century in Wick Div, suggesting an earlier settlement.

🔎Test pits in back gardens revealed more artifacts, providing insights into the daily life of medieval villagers.

🏡The investigation sheds light on the development and evolution of the villages over time, from their earliest origins to the present day.

What is the significance of the Saxon pottery found in Wick Div?

—The discovery of Saxon pottery suggests that there was a settlement in Wick Div prior to the merging of the villages. It provides evidence of an earlier community and helps archaeologists piece together the history of the area.

Why were two churches and two manor houses present in the villages 800 years ago?

—The presence of two churches and two manor houses in the villages indicates that they were once separate settlements. Over time, the villages grew and merged, resulting in the formation of a single village.

What did the excavation reveal about the long-lost church in Wickham?

—The excavation uncovered the location of the medieval church, which had been demolished in the 17th century. It provided insight into the architecture and design of the church, as well as its significance in the community.

What can we learn from the artifacts discovered in the test pits?

—The artifacts discovered in the test pits provide valuable information about the daily life of medieval villagers. They offer insights into their occupations, activities, and material culture, giving us a glimpse into the past and how people lived.

How does this investigation contribute to our understanding of the villages' history?

—By uncovering the origins and development of the villages, the investigation provides a deeper understanding of their history. It helps fill gaps in the historical record and sheds light on how the villages have evolved over time.

00:00The investigation focuses on two medieval villages, Wickham and Wick Div, in Northamptonshire.

01:43Archaeologists discover evidence of a medieval church in Wickham, which was later rebuilt.

03:00Excavations in Wick Div reveal Saxon pottery dating back to the 9th century.

05:50Test pits in back gardens provide insights into the daily life of medieval villagers.

06:12The investigation aims to uncover the origins and development of the villages over time.