Seton Church

We are continuing our field surveys using the magnetometer and resistivity meter. Whilst the Dowsing results were encouraging we have been unable to match the results using other survey techniques. There is undoubtedly some interesting archaeology on the site (ridge and furrow, pits and ditches etc.) but still no sign of the church.

We do need more volunteers, so if you are interested in being involved, please use our Contact Page.

The Manor of Seton is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and is shown as having been taxed before the Norman Conquest for three carucates of land (a standard land measurement, caruc means plough)

Mid nineteenth century maps mark the supposed site of the church in a field mid way between Staithes and Hinderwell, together with a suggestion that three stone coffins and human remains were found there in 1842.

The site has never been properly investigated, so after gaining the necessary land permissions, the "In Search of Seton Church” project was developed to answer four questions:

Was there a Pre Conquest church and cemetery ?
What is the context for the church ?
Why did the church disappear ?
Can the antiquarian discovery of stone coffins and burials be linked to this church ?

The general aims of this archaeological investigation are:

To record any finds, features or structures of archaeological interest and obtain information on the presence, extent, character and date these remains
The archaeology will be recorded using professionally approved techniques, standard forms and conventions
To assess the importance of any remains found and interpret them in terms of their historical / pre-historic relationship
This investigation will provide an indication of the nature and extent of any archaeology that may survive across the study area
To share the results of this wok with the local community

Nature of Works

It is proposed that a programme of archaeological works is undertaken across the site. The works will be undertaken by members of the MCRP under the direction of Kevin Cale, Community Archaeology http://www.communityarchaeology.co.uk, and will include:

Workshops on data gathering and sources
Workshops on methodology and techniques
Desk top study, drawing on available documents, maps, aerial photographs etc
Walk Over Survey
Measured Survey
Photographic Survey
Soil Auger Sampling
Dowsing Prospecting
Geophysics Survey
Fieldwalking
Controlled metal detecting
Primary School Workshops / Site Tour
Presentation / Exhibition
Reporting / Publication

If you would like to join in activities or have any information please use our contact form "Open Contact Form"