HEREFORDSHIRE TIME TEAM TARGETS ARROW VALLEY

A previously unknown prehistoric settlement and an important Roman farmstead are just some of the historical gems that have been unearthed in the Arrow Valley.

As part of the European funded LEADER+ Herefordshire Rivers project, Herefordshire Archaeology teamed up with farmers and residents in the Arrow Valley to explore the diverse history of the river valley.

The work involved recording historical sites on farms and how farmers had seen the landscape change. Excavations provided new insights to the roman and prehistoric occupation of the valley.

An excavation on the floodplain below the ancient castle at Staunton-on-Arrow unearthed the previously unknown prehistoric settlement that dates back more than 4,000 years.

An interpretation panel outlining details of the prehistoric settlement, along with a brief history of the castle, the surrounding area and the local community, can be found near the castle.

In keeping with the project’s ethos of working with the local community the interpretation panel was made by Mr Bromley O’Hare, a local blacksmith.

Another interpretation panel, outlining more general details of the project’s historical finds, can be found at Kington museum along with some of the artefacts discovered during the excavation.

The roman settlement was discovered downstream at Pembridge. Details of this discovery, along with all other archaeological gems the project unearthed, can be found in a book produced by Herefordshire Archaeology.

500 copies of the book, The Arrow Valley: Archaeology, Landscape Change and Conservation, were published and distributed to Arrow Valley residents who worked on the project, interested parties and international organisations with a professional interest.

Loan copies of the book are also available in all Herefordshire libraries.

The interpretation panels and the book are two of the main outcomes of the project. Leaflets outlining certain aspects of the valley’s heritage are also available and anyone wanting one of the leaflets should contact Herefordshire Archaeology on 01432 383353.

“This project has unearthed some fascinating finds. It’s also been a great opportunity to work closely with the community of Arrow Valley,” said Keith Ray, Herefordshire Council’s County Archaeologist.

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“Many of the residents were very involved with the whole project from helping clear the scrub from the castle mound to allowing us onto their land to carry out work.

“Without their help this project wouldn’t have been the success it is,” he added.