Cookham Discussion Board

From Paul

You are invited to take part in a major geophysical survey of Cock Marsh, Cookham in April. This is a joint project between the University of Reading and the National Trust supported by local societies, including Friends of Cookham Abbey.

For those who may not be familiar with it, Cock Marsh is the site of one of the best-preserved Bronze Age barrow (burial mound) cemeteries in the Middle Thames region (most have been ploughed flat). It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Official records identify at most five barrows. However, review of aerial photography and LiDAR suggests there may be many more. This project is aimed to investigate the site by geophysics - no digging! The work is associated with the Cookham Abbey project, looking at the wider context of the Early Medieval settlement in Cookham village and its possible association with the barrow field as a sacred landscape. The project starts on Monday 24th April and will continue all week.
 
If you are interested in taking part, please let me know as soon as possible. We would like to know how many people are interested by no later than the end of March.
 
Tasks in April at Cock Marsh involve include setting out survey grids and use of the magnetometry equipment, for which training will be given. The project is suitable for novices as well as those experienced in archaeological fieldwork. But please note, good mobility and reasonable physical fitness are a must. The site is National Trust-owned and open to the public: in addition there may be cattle grazing. It is unlikely that there will be any welfare facilities directly on the site. Be aware also that those using the magnetometry equipment must wear metal-free footwear and clothing and have no metal items on them, e.g. coins, mobile phone, keys, belt buckle, as these would distort results.
 
Precise dates and times, details of parking etc will be notified later to those who have expressed an interest. If you have daytime commitments on the weekdays but would be interested in coming in an evening or at the weekend, please let us know that – it may be possible to arrange one or more sessions to take that into account. If you are interested in participating please let me know. paul@c21networks.co.uk

https://www.reading.ac.uk/news/2022/Research-News/Anglo-Saxon-monastery-was-important-trade-hub