ALL credit to Hyde900’s medieval encaustic tile-making team. The four-day Heritage Open Days event on Cathedral Close was conceived, planned and executed in the best possible Covid-safety way. In two large marquees, visitors were able to take part in the tile-making workshop as well as explore the ‘finds’ from previous community archaeological digs under Hyde gardens, which have uncovered fascinating new discoveries about Hyde Abbey (1110 to 1539).

It was a successful event: there were 65 tile-makers and 85 tiles made; there were 86 ‘track and trace’ visitors to the ‘finds’ marquee in addition to tile-makers; an estimated 250-300 took time to look at the story of Hyde Abbey via the colourful and informative banners erected around the marquees.

David Spurling, chief organiser, said: “We were delighted with the enthusiasm shown by all who came to discover for themselves an important part of our history in Winchester; some weren’t aware of the wonderful tiles in the Cathedral, and they were able to go straight from the marquees to see them in situ”.

Hyde900’s next major event is the King Alfred Weekend from October 23-25: on October 23 there will be a lecture by Dr Patrick Ottaway, on ‘King Alfred of Wessex: England’s greatest town planner”. There will be guided walks around Hyde and guided visits to Hyde Abbey Garden, as well as the annual King Alfred Service at St Bartholomew’s Church on Sunday 25th.

The 2020 Hyde900 Community Archaeological Digs will take place between October 22-25.

For information and registration to these events, visit: www.hyde900.org.uk, email: events@hyde900.org.uk, or call: 01962 864487.