Welcome to the Meon Valley Archaeology and Heritage Group

The Meon Valley Archaeology and Heritage Group (MVAHG) was formed in 2015 to explore the history of our past in the Meon Valley through geophysical surveys and excavation. However, the origins of the group were in the HLF funded Saxons in the Meon Valley project which ran from 2013-2015. MVAHG volunteers have to date conducted over 40 geophysical surveys throughout the Meon Valley finding evidence of Iron Age, Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlements. We are supported by professional archaeologists and advised by professional bodies, such as Historic England. Sites are identified by carrying out research including looking at aerial photos and maps. We also search the PAS (Portable Antiquities Scheme) to discover any interesting artefacts that have been found by metal detectorists. One such site was at Exton, where geophysics conducted by the MVAHG in 2015 revealed a hexagonal feature, rarely seen in Roman Britain. This site was excavated by members of the group from 2016 to 2020 in a joint project with Winchester University under the directorship of Professor Tony King. Excavations revealed a hexagonal Roman temple with adjoining bath-house and mausoleum close by. The site was also featured on the BBC's Digging for Britain in series 6 episode 1, which first aired on 22nd November 2017. You can read more on this on our excavations pages. The dig site was completed and closed down after a fifth year of excavation in September 2020.

Our excavation in 2022 was at a new site in Meonstoke, and directed by Professor Tony King. Geophysics conducted in the area revealed an unusually large ditch, believed to be an Iron Age Hillfort. Within the ditch area a number of anomalies (changes) were discovered, consistent with Iron Age settlement. The aim of the excavation was to locate one of these features, believed to be an Iron Age roundhouse and provide dating evidence to support the results of the geophysics. However, our discoveries included a Bronze Age ring ditch and Saxon pits. One of the Saxon pits within the ring ditch cut through a human burial. We are now in the process of getting these bones radiocarbon dated.

As a member of the group, you will have the opportunity to take part in geophysical surveys in the Autumn/Winter and any excavations we carry out (these usually take place in the Summer). No experience is necessary for either geophysics or digging. The results of our surveys and excavations are sent via an emailed newsletter (this is usually every month, although this depends on when the surveys are carried out). Membership of the group costs £15 per year.

MVAHG is a charity and currently has three trustees: Alison Smalley, John Snow and Joan Terry. All membership subscriptions support our activities in the field.

MVAHG Charity no: EW89946

We are very grateful for the support of the following organisations who contributed towards the funding of the geophysical surveys and excavations from 2015-2019: The Association for Roman Archaeology, Council for British Archaeology (Wessex), Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Field Club, The Robert Kiln Trust, South Downs National Park Authority, Winchester City Council. We are also indebted to Historic England for the loan of the equipment to carry out the geophysical surveys.