THE search for the Winchester’s lost medieval abbey resumes this weekend – community history group Hyde900 is inviting anyone who is curious about the city’s buried history to get involved.

Over the four days of the dig, starting today, members of the community will excavate several gardens close to the site of Hyde Abbey, King Alfred the Great’s last resting place.

The expert archaeologists in charge hope the dig will uncover remains of the cloisters of the church. Up to now, the location of the cloisters has been a matter of guesswork, but Hyde900 are convinced they are hot on the trail.

There are still time-slots available to book online to join in the dig, which is open to all ages, with organisers adding it’s a great way for children to experience a real archaeological excavation first hand.

Training and equipment will be provided, or people are welcome to visit King Alfred Terrace (next to the River Park Leisure Centre car park) during the open day on Sunday, April 29, which the finds will be shown off.

This year’s dig will be exploring three new areas. Early results from probing have revealed clues as to possible buried walls in the gardens of numbers 10 and 15 King Alfred Terrace.

However, eyes will be on number 14, where spectacular carved pieces of one of the abbey’s Norman cloister arches were discovered during last year’s dig, attracting international attention.

In a continuation of the trench where these astonishing finds were made, the archaeologists are optimistic about unearthing further examples of fine Norman masonry.

This year head mason of Winchester Cathedral, Ross Lovett, will be on hand during the open day.

He will be drawing during the architecture revealed by the stonework being found on site. He will also be happy to sign souvenir copies of his sketches of the cloisters which will be on sale during the dig.

More information about the dig is available on the Hyde900 website (www.hyde900.org.uk), where you can also book to participate.

The dig team will be posting regular updates over the dig as the action unfolds over the coming days.