Amesbury to feature in BBC documentary

Television crews filmed a dig on the outskirts of the town led by archaeologist David Jacques in October last year. More than 12,000 Mesolithic flint tools have been uncovered along with burnt flint, cooked aurochs bone and teeth.

The most exciting find so far was a boar’s tusk, which was found during filming, and it is hoped there will be increased interest in the site after the documentary is broadcast, enhancing Amesbury’s bid to become a tourist destination based on its historic significance.

The work Mr Jacques, Tom Lyons and Tom Philips have been undertaking to investigate Vespasian’s Camp with help from the local community has already created widespread interest.

Current Archaeology ran a six-page feature about the work in its worldwide publication and as a result the research project was nominated in the annual Current Archaeology awards.

The project, which has taken place on a shoestring budget, was up against huge competition and it came second only to the discovery of the remains of Richard III.

Cllr Andy Rhind-Tutt, who has worked with a team of volunteers to regenerate Amesbury and create its new museum, said: “The team was astounded to have been told that only finding a king of England could beat them and they had come second to Richard III.

“More incredible was the fact that the amount of votes cast for Vespasian’s Camp was greater than any previous winner in the history of the awards.”

Cllr Rhind-Tutt is currently working with English Heritage on mutual display material and itineraries for the new Stonehenge visitor centre and the new museum, focussing on giving visitors more to do in the area.

He is hoping that Wiltshire Council will agree to a lease for the Museum Trust so that Amesbury Museum can open at weekends and on other days. A large collection of the finds and the Story of Mesolithic Amesbury can be seen at the town’s museum at Melor Hall on Wednesdays from 11am to 3pm.

The documentary will be shown on BBC1 at 7.30pm on Friday.