Last chance to see the lost medieval village of West Stonehouse

History enthusiasts and local families have one final opportunity to step back in time this weekend. The ongoing archaeological dig at Barn Pool, located within the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, is opening its doors to the public for a final viewing day on Sunday, 23 August.

Visitors will have the unique chance to see the uncovered walls of the lost medieval village of West Stonehouse. The site, which has been the subject of an intensive community-led excavation, offers a rare glimpse into centuries of human settlement, ranging from the Neolithic period through to the impact of World War II.

What to Expect at the Dig Site

The excavation, led by The Ships Project in collaboration with Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, has unearthed a significant range of historical artefacts. During the public viewing, attendees can expect to see:

• Medieval Structures: The exposed walls of what archaeologists believe may have been the village’s chapel or tithe barn.
• Historical Finds: A collection of recovered items, including Roman and Elizabethan coins, as well as personal objects like buttons from the American D-Day occupation.
• Expert Insights: Learn about the site’s history, including the village’s destruction by the Bretons in 1338 and its eventual abandonment in 1740.

Archaeologist Mallory Haas, who has been overseeing the project, noted that the site provides a compact yet dense record of history. The dig has been a collaborative effort, with over 200 volunteers working alongside professionals to sift through the soil and uncover these long-buried remnants of the past.

Practical Event Information

The archaeological site viewing is open to the general public this Sunday, 23 August. Following this event, the team will begin the process of carefully re-covering the walls to preserve them for the future.

• Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
• Time: 10:00 – 16:00
• Location: Barn Pool, Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
• Entry: Public viewing (no specific booking or entry fee information provided)

As this is an active archaeological site, please be prepared for outdoor conditions. The event represents the final opportunity to view these specific findings before the site is closed to visitors for the year.

Source: Plymouth City Council