History plea to Welwyn residents

RESIDENTS of Welwyn are being asked to support a project which hopes to shed light on a mysterious period of the settlement s history. Welwyn Archaeological Society (WAS) is seeking homeowners who are willing to allow a 1sq m hole to be excavated in their

RESIDENTS of Welwyn are being asked to support a project which hopes to shed light on a mysterious period of the settlement's history.

Welwyn Archaeological Society (WAS) is seeking homeowners who are willing to allow a 1sq m hole to be excavated in their garden during the village's annual festival week in June.

The group has also managed to secure the services of Channel 4's Time Team archaeologist Carenza Lewis, who will give a talk on 'currently-occupied rural settlements' during the week.

WAS director Tony Rook told the WHT he hoped the project would unearth artefacts from a less well-documented part of the village's past.

He said: "Apart from the fact that we have a church from the Saxon period it doesn't really become a notable place until the coaching period.

"From the late 17th century onwards Welwyn was extremely important as a coaching centre.

"What happened between the Romans and the 17th century is a bit of a mystery."

He added: "I hope this project can throw some light on the Dark Ages in Welwyn."

If you and your garden are willing to take part in this project, call Mr Rook on

01438 715300.