From: Christchurch Antiquarians
12th August 2003
The Christchurch Antiquarians are carrying out a geophysical survey of the motte (the earthen bank under the Castle) in order to understand its construction and to possibly uncover any information about the structure.
The survey will be carried out by leading geophysicists in the UK, who have volunteered their time and equipment to help the people of Christchurch understand the history of the Norman Conquest and its impact upon the town. The techniques to be used include ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic conductivity and magnetic gradiometry.
The survey will also attempt to locate the ditches that were part of the Castle defences when first constructed. The ditches were filled in and houses built over the infill and their exact position has been lost.
The first part of the survey commences on Tuesday, 19 August, and is scheduled for completion on Saturday, 23 August and will cover the area from Church Hatch garden, over Castle Street, and the car park of the King's Arms. We do hope that you will be able to visit these areas while the survey is being undertaken.
If you require further information about the Christchurch Antiquarians, and the geophysical survey, please would you contact the Secretary, The Christchurch Antiquarians, 16 Princes Avenue, Christchurch BH23 1DB (tel: 01202 486977)
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