The Hinkley Point Archaeology Outreach team, (part of the South West Heritage Trust), has been participating in the Curry Mallet Magna Carta 800 celebrations, which took place in Glebe Field over the weekend of 13th and 14th June.
The anniversary is significant because William Mallet, lord of the manor of Curry Mallet, was one of the 25 rebel barons present at Runnymede who acted as guarantors of the charter.
The church of All Saints contains the Mallet tomb and the name ‘Mallet’ is inscribed over a doorway in the porch. The church is mainly in the perpendicular style, with many interesting architectural and decorative features. Well worth a look if you have the time.
The Curry Mallet 800 group received Heritage Lottery funding to organise events in the village. These included a colourful pageant performed by the local primary school with some great acting, singing and dancing, living history displays and folk music.
The Hinkley team helped to run the community archaeology excavations ‘Archaeology On Your Doorstep’, which took place in Glebe Field and Manor Court gardens. Local residents, volunteers and schoolchildren, were able to experience a range of archaeological techniques such as digging and finds processing. One highlight was a local youngster who showed us his own collections of finds, discovered in local fields.
More news on the ‘Archaeology On Your Doorstep’ dig, coming soon!
Archaeology at Hinkley Point 