Saxon Wall To Be Re-Opened

An ancient Saxon wall in Hereford described as one of the most important historical sites of its kind in the country will be restored to its former glory and opened up to the public.

Herefordshire Council’s Archaeology Service will repair the crumbling wall, near the city centre, and install a new interpretation panel.

The stone structure, which used to form the Saxon town’s main defences, is sandwiched between a private garden and residential home off Cantilupe Street, at the rear of St Owen’s Court.

Signs are due to be installed so visitors can easily find where the remains are located.
 
As part of the repair work a replica wooden wall, known as a revetment, will also be built on top of the original stone structure.

A revetment formed an important part of a Saxon wall helping to increase the overall height of the defensive barrier without weakening the structure.

Part of the original ditch will also be revealed while weeds and bushes will also cut back to expose the site.

Project contractors Herefordshire Jarvis Services has already appointed Hereford-based Archaeological Investigations Ltd to carry out the work, which should be completed by the spring of 2006.

The Saxon wall takes on extra significance because a second defensive wall from medieval times runs parallel with it.

“The Saxon wall at Cantilupe Street is an extremely exciting project. For the first time the ancient ruins will be restored and brought into full public view,” said Tim Hoverd, Archaeological Projects Officer.

“This is the only example of excavated Saxon town defences open to public view in England.

“The significance of the site, both as part of the Saxon and medieval development of Hereford, and as a public resource, can’t be overstated.

“At the moment the significance of the structures are being explained through guided visits.

“By opening up the site and installing an interpretation panel, complex phases of the Saxon and medieval city defences can be both seen and appreciated by visitors.

“That means more people can learn about the history of the city and the importance of the site.”

The Saxon wall is exposed along a five-metre stretch.

Archaeologists will reconstruct the exact lay out of the original structure using the latest digital technology.