A LUMP of black silt containing a single piece of flattened reed was expected to divulge almost to the year when the old moat which surrounded Wisbech Castle was filled in. The lump was dug out of the earth in September, 1955 by the vice-president of Wisb

A LUMP of black silt containing a single piece of flattened reed was expected to divulge almost to the year when the old moat which surrounded Wisbech Castle was filled in.

The lump was dug out of the earth in September, 1955 by the vice-president of Wisbech Museum Committee, Mr G Woodgate, during excavations for the new store being built for Keightly's.

Workmen from contractors Dagless Ltd had found pieces of pottery and fossils.

Archaeologists hoped to establish the date by testing for the radioactivity on pollen attached to the reed.

Our picture shows members of the museum committee, Mr J Bridger, Mr W Stewart Elgood (kneeling) and Mr G Woodgate.