Since 2018 the society undertook an ivestigation into a building which once stood in a field in Hilderstone known locally as "Chimney Field." The pages which follow are a summary of the investigations (survey, excavation and archival research) which took place over several digging seasons. Note, no work was undertaken during 2020 due to the CoVID-19 pandemic.
Site News
Work has now re-commenced for the 2026 season, with several questions to try and answer this year.
For anyone unfamiliar with the site, a short introduction to the findings of the dig to the end of the 2025 season is provided below. More detail can be found in the individual dig diaries for each year, as well as details on the archival research into the Manor of Hilderstone.
In the meantime the dig diaries for each season along with galleries of the range of finds and a number of 3D images are available to view by folowing the links below.
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.
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.
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.
Background to the Site
What research has uncovered about "Chimney Field" and the building that once stood there.
Archive Research
As well as the excavation, research in to the documentry archive has continued in an attempt to find out more information about the building that once stood in "Chimney Field."
Photogrammetry Models
There are a number of 3D models available to view of parts of the building.
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 at 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."