Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project


The Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project is a long-term, multidisciplinary research project based in north-west Norfolk, United Kingdom. It is involved in the investigation of the local history and archaeology, with a strong emphasis on community involvement, practical training and education. The Project attracts volunteer excavators and students from all over the world.

History

In 1957-58, Peter Jewell of the University of Cambridge excavated small trenches on the "Boneyard Field" and recorded a number of human burials and features.
SHARP was founded in 1996, initially focussing on the same Anglo-Saxon cemetery located to the south of the modern village of Sedgeford. Since that time, SHARP has investigated many other sites within the parish using a variety of methods: open-area excavation, test-pitting, geophysical survey, fieldwalking and metal detection, and the analysis of historical documents.

Organization

SHARP is made up of a team of directors, supervisors, trustees and committee members, along with up to 70 excavators during June-August.

Education

The Project is one of the largest training digs in the UK, providing practical training in excavation and recording as well as running taught courses on aspects of the site: e.g. skeletal remains, artefacts, and Anglo-Saxon history. However, unlike most training sites, it is independent from any one academic institution and operates as a registered UK charity.

Sites and finds of interest

Over the years a number of particularly unusual discoveries have been made: