Unveiling the Secrets of Weymouth's Medieval Past: A Community Dig at the Former Bowling Alley
A hidden medieval town awaits discovery! Archaeologists are gearing up for an exciting excavation at the site of a former bowling alley in Weymouth, Dorset. This project aims to uncover the origins of Melcombe Regis, a town founded in the 13th century, and shed light on its early history.
The former MFA Bowl building stands on one of the oldest parts of Melcombe Regis, and preliminary investigations in 2022 already hinted at the presence of at least one medieval property in St Nicholas Street. Now, with the site cleared for development, archaeologists led by Context One are ready to delve deeper into the town's past.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the excavation will be a community effort! Richard McConnell from Context One emphasizes the importance of involving local volunteers from the Dig The Street group and the wider community. He adds, "Our preliminary findings revealed not just a timeline of remains dating back to the town's foundation but also their remarkable preservation. We're thrilled to share these discoveries as they unfold."
The demolition of the bowling centre faced a minor setback due to asbestos in the roof tiles, but now, with the site ready, the dig is set to begin in early 2024.
And this is the part most people miss: the future of the site is still undecided. Dorset Council, the site's owner, is keeping an open mind about what will replace the bowling alley. Will it be a new development that honors the town's rich history, or something entirely different?
This project offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past and understand the foundations of Weymouth's history. It's a chance for the community to come together and uncover the secrets of their town's medieval origins. So, will you join the excavation and be a part of this historical journey?
What do you think about involving the community in archaeological digs? Do you believe it adds value to the process, or is it a distraction from the scientific work? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
