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Refresh!MEDIEVAL PEMBRIDGE
In July 2003, the Pembridge Amenity Trust embarked on a local history project, looking between the dates of 1000AD to 1600AD. The Trust hoped to learn more about the true history of Pembridge, including proving and disproving old theories.
The project was undertaken in two parts. The first element involved tree-ring dating (dendrochronology) of many local homes. As a part of the Black & White Village Trail, there are many old cottages, which helped spark the community's interest in the project, as it was their homes that were being recorded for historical research.
Ian Tyers of Sheffield University undertook the dendro-dating, alongside local historian Duncan James. Together, they unearthed some interesting dates for the homes of the village. The oldest home was Fig Tree House (part of the larger Grosmont House) dated at an incredibly specific winter of 1424/5. The oldest beams of a building actually belonged to St. Mary's Church Bell Tower , dated as early as 1207-1214.
Part two of the project also involved the community, in a much more hands on way. In September 2004, Pembridge Amenity Trust hired Leominster-based Border Archaeology to undertake an archaeological dig on the moat and mound next to St. Mary's Church. Children from the local primary school, invited college students and volunteers of all ages got involved during the dig.
A meeting in November to inform and celebrate the finds to the community followed the three-week dig. These have included a bronze ring that was badly corroded and a c.12 th century piece of a bowl.
New theories uncovered by the dig and research show that there was indeed a large building situated on top of the mound. The mound probably dates from the late 11 th / early 12 th century, which corresponds with the de Pembridge family in residence from 1090 1265. The fortified castle was then owned by the Mortimer family until about 1425. During this occupation, about 1300, the castle developed into a large fortified manor house.
A book full of all the information gathered during this project will be available in 2005, along with a video of the archaeological experience.
| Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Bramwell | (01544) 388365 | alan_bramwell@yahoo.co.uk |
| Bob Anderson | (01544) 388292 | AndersonRAms@aol.com |
Website: www.pembridgeamenitytrust.co.uk
