Saffron Walden Museum is developing a podcast series. Our first captures the development of the Clavering Community Dig, which took place on the historic site of Clavering Castle in June 2025.
Local historian Jacky Cooper describes the process of setting up the dig. As this took place on a scheduled historic site, it required permission from Historic England. Castle Studies Trust and Essex Heritage Trust kindly provided funding.
Archaeologist Simon Coxall describes some of the finds that emerged and recounts an intriguing story about the site’s link to a local miracle.
A teacher and children from Clavering Primary School recount how visiting the dig helped to bring alive their study of The Tudors in the classroom.
Jacky Cooper describes how volunteers were key to the dig’s success. In turn, a volunteer describes the numerous benefits of getting involved with archaeology.
There are some unexpected plot twists, including a contribution from local badgers!
We think that our first podcast captures how exploring local heritage can connect us better to place and past. As Jacky says, not many villages have a former castle on their doorstep, but all will be able to find something wonderful!
Find out more by listening at… Clavering Community Dig Podcast, June 2025
