Historic Buildings

Exploring the origins of Cusop

Phase 1 consisted of topographic and geophysical surveys of Cusop Castle, Herefordshire, commissioned by Cusop History Group (CHG). The findings raised important questions regarding the origins and development of the monument. Phase 2 proposes to extend knowledge of the site significantly, initially through further geophysical surveys. Their results will inform the approach of a series of small-scale archaeological excavations. CHG aims to benefit the community both by extending local/regional knowledge of this heritage site and by providing opportunities for direct participation. Phase 2 will also test a hypothesis that the site’s origins may be prehistoric, and it could have been a multi-period site. This could contribute to national research on the re-use of prehistoric sites for medieval castles. CHG also plans to conduct geophysical surveys of the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, Cusop, to establish the presence/absence of any feature which could indicate a former boundary or boundaries.