The 'Chimney Field' excavation has produced such a wealth of archaeological material that it has been possible to re-construct the building that SoTMAS were asked to investigate in 2018. Not only has the building been re-constructed, its development from a simple cruck framed farm to a more substantial home of a moderatley wealthy family, can be traced. The artefacts recovered also chart the wealth of the families that lived there, and in addition, show how they interacted, and were affected by, the wider world, its events and innovations.
However, this is not the complete picture of the site. There is growing evidence for earlier activity on the site, with the possibility that a building of medieval origin may have once occupied the site, if not even earlier activity. Hilderstone is recorded in the Doomsday Survey, and the discovery of pre-conquest artefacts would be a fitting part of the excavation.
The story of the development of the excavation can be followed through the yearly Dig Diaries and Finds Galleries listed below. In addition, there are pages dedicated to the research into the historical background of the site and the Manor of Hilderstone, as well as various Interpretations and 3D Digital Models.
Site News
The excavation season for 2026 has now ended. The site will re-open in March/April 2027. Look out for announcements here on the SoTMAS website. New members wanting to dig are always welcome.
The society has been priviledged to have an exhibition of some of the artefacts from the dig at the Stone Heritage Centre, highlighting the excavation and promoting the wider history of Stone.
Background and Interpretations
Introduction to "Chimney Field"
This brief summary of the work at the site is aimed at people, possibly new diggers, who want a short introduction to the excavation.
Background to the Site
What the initial research uncovered about "Chimney Field" and the building that once stood there.
The Manor of Hilderstone
Complimentary research into the documentry archives has produced a complete sequence of owners & Lords of the Manor since the Manor was first recorded in the Doomsday Survey.
The Manor Houses of Hilderstone
Records suggest there have been several Manor Houses in Hilderstone since the 11th Century. Read here for what has been uncovered about each one.
The 1814 Inclosure Act
Details of the Act of Inclosure passed in 1814,and its affect on the Manor of Hilderstone.
Interactive Site Plan
An interatcive plan of the site summarising the progress of the excavation, complete with images of the features that have been discovered.
Interactive 3D Models
There are a number of 3D models available to view of parts of the building and a selection of finds.
Collected Finds
Galleries of the finds collected and organised by type in one place to illustrate the fantastic range of artefacts uncovered.
Exhibiton of Finds
Details of the Society's 'The Chimney in the Field' exhibition of finds from the dig on display at the Stone Heritage Centre.
The Dig Diaries
2026 Dig Diary
Further extensions to the trench are planned for 2026 in order to investigate a number of earlier features, as well as to located the original ground surface.
2026 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2026 seasons excavation.
2025 Dig Diary
Investigations in Area A to investigate further the activity at the Western end of the building and the continuation of the features in Area B, to establish the phasing of the rear wall and chimney.
2025 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2025 seasons excavation.
2024 Dig Diary
Further investigations of the East wing of the building and the discovery of a substantial deposit of pottery resulting from a house clearance.
2024 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2024 seasons excavation.
2023 Open Day
This took place on (a very wet) Sunday 1st October at the site, and was still a successful day.
2023 Dig Diary
In 2023 Area B was enlarged in order to locate the back and East walls. The section between areas A and B was removed to create a single excavation.
2023 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2023 seasons excavation.
2022 Open Day
This took place on Sunday 25th September at the site, and was a very successful day.
2022 Dig Diary
In 2022 work continued in Area B, exposing the base of the hearth and a variety of other features.
2022 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2022 seasons excavation.
2021 Dig Diary
In 2021 work continued in Area A with Area B opened to investigate the eastern wing of the building, taking in the location of where the chimney once stood.
2021 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2021 seasons excavation.
2019 Dig Diary
Read more about the first years excavation at "Chimney Field."
2019 Finds
A Diary/Finds gallery from the 2019 seasons excavation.
2018 Survey
The resistivity survey carried out on "Chimney Field."