Digging MARKET GARDEN
An overhead photo of the archaeological dig at Fulbeck Manor in August 2024, showing some of the trenches excavated, turf and spoil carefully placed ready for reinstating the lawn, and tables of finds recovered from the trenches. (Photo courtesy Mike Frankel, mike@photos4you.co.uk)
Launched in 2024, 'Digging Market Garden' is a community archaeology and heritage project. It is designed to investigate the material traces as well as social and personal memories associated with preparations for the Airborne component of Operation MARKET GARDEN in Lincolnshire and neighbouring areas during World War II.
The first dig of the project was carried out at Fulbeck Manor in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, in August 2024. Finds included brick footings from the wartime Nissen huts, drains and metalled pathways. Also found was ammunition (live, blanks and drill rounds), pieces of soldiers’ uniform and kit and medicinal containers.
In addition to the World War II finds, the excavation also unearthed stone walls associated with a hitherto unknown medieval manor as well as fragments of late 14th and 15th century pottery; glazed 13th or 14th century roof tiles were also recovered.
It is hoped that further digs will be organized in the future but much will depend on the availability of funding and professional archaeological support.
For further information on the project, please click here:
Click here to watch a video of the 2024 dig at Fulbeck Manor:
A jeep towing a 6-pounder anti-tank gun from the 2nd Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, moving east along the Utrechtseweg, Oosterbeek, towards Arnhem on Monday, 18th September 1944.
British 1st Airborne Division
17 September 1944: Men of the British 3rd Parachute Battalion jumping from C-47s of the US 314th Troop Carrier Group over the dropzone at Renkum, near Arnhem. (Paradata/Airborne Assault Museum)
Operation MARKET GARDEN
Within the 1st Airborne Division, the Headquarters of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers were housed in Fulbeck Manor during 1944-45.