Was Newport lavender farm once centre of medieval village?
Archaeological digs will take place at a farm in an attempt to unearth evidence that it was once the centre of a medieval village.
History experts believe that Wellbank Farm in Pickstock, near Newport, could have been a hub of activity during the medieval years.
And their interest was roused further when a quick look around the site revealed a knapped flint, possibly from the Neolithic period, and a 17th century clay pipe bowl.
Members of Newport History Society are now planning to carry out an exploratory dig next week to investigate further.
Robin Spencer, who owns the lavender farm with his wife Joanna, said he had been in contact with Julian Meeson of the history society.
Mr Spencer said: "He has conducted a short, preliminary site survey because he has a hunch that the farmhouse area could be the site of ancient settlements.
"He found a 17th century clay pipe bowl in very good condition in the middle of upturned soil in one of the vegetable patches. Even more exciting was the discovery of a knapped flint, probably Neolithic, possibly even earlier, sitting on a mole hill.
"It's amazing that we might now find that we've be sitting on the top of a whole timeline of historical and archaeological artefacts."
A larger scale exploratory dig at the farm is planned for July 21 from 9.30am to 2pm.
