Ancient villages found at estate

There has only ever been proof of a manor house and chapel at the estate, near Bromyard.

But a team of archaeologists from Herefordshire Council believes it has found two other settlements, following a survey of the area this summer.

Using global positioning technology and geophysical instruments, a "walk-over" assessment was undertaken.

A full report into the survey is expected to be completed in the new year.

The archaeologists want to discuss whether they will be allowed to dig trenches in the grounds, so they can find out more.

Herefordshire Council's archaeological projects officer, Tim Hoverd said: "We've got a much better understanding now about how the people have used the environment across the estate and also about the extent of the evidence for deserted villages and other buildings. There are at least two deserted settlements, one of which is quite sizeable.

"Another survey tried to ascertain the extent of the cemetery and we found areas of considerable numbers of burials.

"The questions now are what were these people doing on the estate, when did the settlement become deserted and why? Were they thrown off by the owner or was it a Black Death thing?

"What was the ancient church doing there? It could have been a private chapel for the house but it seems it was serving a much wider community."

Estate manager Les Rogers described the find as a "fantastic discovery" as it offered real evidence of other, older communities than the one that lived at Lower Brockhampton.

"It's of great interest to the property and the county," said Mr Rogers, who added that he was not opposed to digs being carried out.

He continued: "We can relate to the estate 300 or 400 years ago through the way it was farmed and because the landscape which has not changed tremendously.

"But once we get this up and running we can draw a much wider picture of 500 or 600 years ago."

He said further decisions will be made once the report is published next year.