As part of our ongoing research into medieval farming practices in the Pendle area, the archaeology section plans to carry out some test pit excavations on land at Higher White Lee Farm, near Higham. Over the next few weeks, weather permitting, a geophysical survey will be carried out. Excavation will take place following this survey. This is to be completed before March.

Digging will be carried out on a day-to-day basis, weather dependent. Please register your interest in taking part in this exciting stage of our research by contacting either Georgina Bentley or Sue Wilkinson (e: – georgina.bentley@hotmail.co.uk or sjwilkinson55@gmail.com).

We can then contact you regarding availability for each of the days suitable for excavation.

Also, throughout 2024, we plan to continue with the Pendle Hidden Valley project. Part of this research project involves guided field walks, to take place on the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise notified. Everyone is welcome to attend either just the pre-walk meeting over coffee at Booths café, Barrowford at 10.30am, to get an updated idea of how the project is going, or both the short meeting and the following walk through some of our lovely countryside.

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Updates:

13 April 2024 ‘Alex Whitlock led a very enjoyable and informative fieldwalk (with apologises to those members who, due to a regrettable breakdown in communication, did not get to hear about the details of the walk) through countryside with stunning views all around. Alex led the walk from Higham, across the valley and the River Calder, to the site of the medieval Ightenhill Manor House, pointing out interesting features in the landscape on the way. Although nothing of the building remains, the site of it can easily be seen’.

(Photo: Ightenhill Manor Site credit: Alex Whitlock)

Our test pits excavation at Higher White Lee Farm, Higham has reached the exciting stage of revealing some old wall, possibly associated with the medieval farmhouse we have been looking for! The next date for excavation work on the site is Friday 15 March 2024, weather permitting.

Finally we have some dry weather forecast for the next few days and Mr Nutter of White Lee Farm, Higham has given permission for us to dig test pits on his land Tuesday 27 February 2024.

On Saturday 10 February 2024 at Pendle Heritage Centre David Taylor and Alex Whitlock gave a fascinating and very informative presentation updating members on the ongoing research project at White Lee Farm, Higham. Last month a geophysical survey was carried out there and it is planned to excavate test pits in the next few weeks, weather permitting, which we hope will yield information/dating material regarding the original medieval farmhouse.