Ilfracombe students view Roman and pre-historic treasures at Devonshire Homes’ North Devon site, featured on BBC TV’s Digging for Britain
19 February 2025Young historians from Ilfracombe Junior School uncovered hidden treasures whilst touring Devonshire Homes’ latest North Devon new homes site, Mariner’s Haven.
The local independent housebuilder invited pupils from Year Three to Mariner’s Haven, off Old Barnstaple Road, Ilfracombe, to view the archaeological dig with on-site archaeologist, Sean O’Regan. AC Archaeology has uncovered prehistoric pits, enclosures and the foundations of a farmhouse during the excavation of the 50 acre site.
The students also viewed and learnt about the treasures that have been found during the dig which include Roman and Early Bronze Age pottery. Certain pieces of interest were on display in the Marketing Suite at the development for the children to look at and to hear more about, as part of a school history project.
Treasures have even caught the attention of the BBC with Mariner’s Haven featuring on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain TV show in early January. In series 12, episode five, the production team visit the site where archaeologists discovered the foundations of a 17th Century farmhouse and unusual artifacts.
History Lead at Ilfracombe Junior School Olivia Lang said: “We are extremely grateful to the team at Devonshire Homes for inviting us to view the archaeological findings at their new site. The children were so excited to be there and fascinated to hear more about the historic articles that had been discovered so close to where they live.”
She added: “The team were very knowledgeable and were happy to answer lots of eager questions. It was a very organised and enjoyable day.”
Jane Pearce, Sales and Marketing Director at Devonshire Homes commented: “We were delighted to welcome the children from Ilfracombe Junior School to Mariner’s Haven, and share some of the important, and surprising, treasures that have been excavated, as part of our early construction works on this site.”
Jane continued: “We welcome families on our developments and at Mariner’s Haven, we have a beautiful range of family homes available with special incentives on some house styles. Our show home is now open and we would urge anyone who is interested to know more to pop into the Marketing Suite and speak to our Sales Executives.”
Mariner’s Haven will ultimately deliver 347 new homes, 38 of which are affordable. Built to the high-quality standards the local independent housebuilder is known for, each home is designed to a new portfolio of house designs named the Legacy Collection.
Inspired by unique towns such as Poundbury, the Legacy Collection maximises the use of light and space and providing versatile, age-neutral interior spaces that stand the test of time and can be adapted to meet homeowners changing needs.
Devonshire Homes has been creating new homes and communities in towns and rural areas across the South West for over 30 years.
Current developments include: The Grange, Bideford; Sun Houses, Yelland; Chilla Junction, Halwill Junction; Mariner’s Haven, Ilfracombe; Dancing Green, Wincanton; St Michael’s Reach, Penzance; Hornblower Heights, Mabe and Longston Cross 2, Bovey Tracey.