Eastbourne excavation dig to explore ancient town settlement

An archaeological excavation dig is to begin in an East Sussex seaside town.

Experts are preparing to explore the Bourne settlement and stream in Eastbourne later this month.

The dig aims to "uncover the development of a downland settlement from a small farming community to a thriving conurbation", a spokesperson said.

A team will be excavating test pits in Manor Gardens and in the parsonage of St Mary's church.

Archaeologists believe that from 13th Century there were buildings in the area that were only cleared in the mid-18th Century.

The Big Dig team is hoping test pits will "indicate whether any trace of these buildings, gardens or the wells that served them still survive beneath the ground".

Councillor Margaret Bannister, from Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "This is yet another exciting project looking at our rich heritage in this part of Eastbourne.

"It will be wonderful to see exactly what the archaeologists discover."

The excavation takes place from 26 February until 2 March.

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