Verdmont Archaeology

Though not directly related to my maritime heritage research, I spent a stimulating (and tiring) day digging in the gardens of Verdmont historic house and museum in Smith's Parish. Bermuda National Trust's Archaeology Committee is continuing their investigations of the site with Bermudian archaeologist Richard Lowry and Bristol graduate students Brent Fortenberry and Travis Parno leading a team of Bermudian volunteers, a number of whom are current students of archaeology or environmental studies. Kerry and I dug a unit filled with stone debris and huge roots and not much else, but hopefully helped with the process of elimination in trying to locate a building—possibly slave quarters—thought to be located in the north-east side of the yard. Brent took me on tour of the site highlighting postholes discovered this year and last and a huge cave discovered beneath an outside privy. More on the team's findings this year here. There's also been a lot of media coverage in the Royal Gazette, much with emphasis on the number of Bermudians participating. Also there's postings by Paul Belford on last year's BNT Verdmont dig here.