It's 2003 and the limits of human understanding are expanding all the time. But, of course there's a lot we still don't understand, including a whole wealth of knowledge that is right under our noses, or - more precisely - under our feet.

You might have thought that in the century or more since the first archaeological digs were carried out, Essex would have been excavated several times over.

Looking into the past - Maldon Archaeological Society members Jo Cameron, secretary, Alastair Cameron, drawing and surveying, Max Earnshaw, librarian, and Derek Punchard, chairman. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

Actually, this is far from the case.

To start with, most towns and villages stand on the remains of earlier settlements stretching back over the centuries - and you can't very well ask somebody if they don't mind you digging up their floor for a look at what's buried underneath.

And in the case of many promising sites - on public land - archaeologists simply haven't the time or resources to launch a full-scale investigation.

The most common occasion for digs to begin is at the start of new building projects.

Under a planning law introduced in the early 1990s, firms are made to pay for excavations to be carried out in the interim between one building being demolished and another going up.

Before the new rule was brought in this would only happen if developers were feeling in a generous mood.

Thanks to good relations with Essex County Council's archaeology department, Maldon Archaeological and Historical Society has recently had the chance to get its hands dirty on more than one occasion.

The most interesting example is a project begun at Beeleigh Abbey.

With the help of the county team, the society has been excavating the grounds of the Grade II-listed building on the banks of the River Chelmer, once a major medieval religious centre.

Derek Punchard with some ancient bones Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

The abbey, which has long been in use as a private house, is currently in service as the country retreat of Christopher Foyle.

Did the owner of the world famous Foyle's Bookshop, celebrating 100 years in existence this year, mind a bunch of archaeologists poking around in the backyard of the home once owned by his grandfather? Not a bit of it, according to the society's chairman Derek Punchard.

"He wanted it to be done, he is very enthusiastic and very supportive - he has been a great help and he is really very keen," he said.

And the results so far have been intriguing.

Previously undiscovered remains of a whole cluster of buildings have been found, including what are thought to have been a farrier's workshop and a kitchen.

"No-one knew about this complex before and clearly there is more to the site," Mr Punchard said.

Thousands of small finds have been uncovered, including a pair of up-raised hands, carved in stone.

The rest of the sculpture has yet to be found and who the hands belonged to is anybody's guess.

But society member Stephen Nunn, a keen historian, has raised the possibility that they may once have cupped the heart of the 13th century Saint Roger, which some chroniclers suggest was brought to the abbey to be displayed in a lead case as a relic after his death.

The main building contains what looks like a large hall and a number of fireplaces, which has led the team working on the dig to conclude it was of considerable importance to the community - perhaps used to put up distinguished guests.

"Everything has to be properly recorded and labelled," Mr Punchard said.

"You have to be able to say exactly where on the site each find came from and describe exactly how foundations were laid out, otherwise your work will be no use to historians carrying out research later on."

Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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