Would you be interested in having a ‘test pit’, a one metre square archaeological excavation in your back garden? Test pits are dug to see whether is potential archaeology in an area as well as being very useful for mapping geology. Our project has excavated over 50 test pits so far in East Oxford. Our team of professional archaeologists and fully trained volunteers can show you how to dig your own test pit or we could even do it for you. We provide all the kit needed, and will relay any turf once finished.We are really hoping to be able to dig on the Weekend 11th -12th May however should you really like to be involved but cannot make these dates you can always let us know a suitable date (we can work weekdays too)We are really interested in your area of Iffley Fields as a large collection of prehistoric stone tools was gathered in this general area at the turn of the 19th/20th century. This collection is know as the Bell Collection after their finder, Alexander James Montgomerie Bell, and are now held at the Pitt Rivers Museum.

The paper records that once accompanied the collection are sadly lost and we would really like to identify where the collection actually comes from.

If you would like to be involved with this exciting research you can contact us by email: archaeology.east.oxford@googlemail.com

If you know someone who would be interested but doesn't have computer access they can get in touch by telephoning 01865 270 319 (please ensure you speak to a member of staff as we cant receive phone messages at the moment, the best hours to call are between 10 and 4 Monday to Friday) otherwise you can call Rewley House Reception on 01865 270360 and leave a message for Archeox with your name and contact details!