THEY are hoping to reveal century’s old secrets hidden beneath the ground.
Winchester Archaeology and Local History Society (WARG) kicked off their big dig yesterday (Aug 22) at St Cross Hospital in Winchester.
The excavation is to look for a lost building that may have become submerged over the centuries and could have been part of the original Hospital founded by Henry of Blois in 1132.
WARG has dug previously at St Cross and discovered the building in 2009 but it was not possible to explore thoroughly because it is under the Bowling Green, used for wedding receptions and other events.
This year, as the Hospital is carrying out repairs to the Church, the Trustees of St Cross have allowed WARG to return.
The dig will continue until September 8, including a family open day on Sunday, September 1 for the public to get involved.
The hospital is the oldest almshouse in the country and the brothers of St Cross joined WARG members to watch the first spade go in the ground.
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