By Malcolm Russell, volunteer at East Surrey Museum
East Surrey Museum, assisted by the Rotary Club of Caterham, ran the annual Rod Stead Archaeological Dig on 22 and 23 June, in Queens Park, Caterham.
The dig, which took place as part of Caterham Festival, is one of the museum’s main annual events, and is named after former museum chairman and Rotarian Rod Stead, who sadly passed away late in 2022. Thanks go to his family for providing a large part of the funding.
The dig, organised by Malcolm Russell for the museum as well as the Rotary, utilised the services of Surrey archaeologist Wayne Weller, who provided the necessary equipment and opened the two patches of ground. His knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Also on hand was local metal detectorist Richie Joly who, as in previous years, proved very popular with the children.
The event was a great success: more than 190 people visited over the two days. The finds proved interesting, with the dig unearthing, among other items, fragments of Roman and medieval pottery. The metal detectorist found a number of Victorian coins, along with other pieces.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Caterham for providing their gazebo, a donation towards the cost of the archaeologist, and help with stewarding on both days.
The museum will be setting up a display of the finds from the dig which will be on show over the summer.
