Bromyard and District History Society along with community volunteers and 2 local schools will take part in the venture. Preserved within the landscape are earthworks relating to a former settlement, a church, track ways and field systems. The year long project will see a full topographical survey, a geographical survey and an archaeological dig carried out.

Thanks to the funding it is estimated that up to 100 participants from community volunteer groups and local schools St Richards Preparatory and Bredenbury Primary will receive training in surveying, recording, and excavating techniques. In addition there will be many more opportunities for those wishing to get involved as a volunteer. Hereford Archaeology will over see the project and deliver training.

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the West Midlands, said “We are delighted to have awarded this grant to recover a part of this villages’ history, which will provide fantastic learning opportunities for some of the local children and members of the wider community."

The Old Bredenbury project aims to produce an exhibition, booklets and host a celebratory completion event for the wider community. There will be guided tours of the site and open days at a local venue.

Speaking for Bromyard and District Local History Society, Project Leader, Stephen Palmer, said: “Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund we will be able to help the local community, and schools learn more about the origins and subsequent development of Bredenbury. We look forward to welcoming any volunteers who would like to help with this exciting project.”

Since 2009 HLF has made 53 awards in Worcester totalling well over £5 million and grants worth just over £20million have been awarded to more than 270 projects in Herefordshire.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has not only revitalised hundreds of museums, parks, historic buildings, landscapes and wildlife sites, but has also given new meaning to heritage itself. People from every walk of life are now involved with the heritage that inspires them, making choices about what they want to keep and share from the past, for future generations. HLF has supported more than 33,900 projects, allocating over £4.4billion across the UK, including £319million to projects in the West Midlands region alone.

Further information

Robert Smith, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6245 or roberts@hlf.org.uk

Stephen J Palmer, Bromyard and District History Society on 01885 490 269 / 07505 407 238 or stevep50@fsmail.net