A SEVENTH century building is set to be rebuilt on the site where its archaeological remains were first discovered.

The Sylva Foundation has received a grant of nearly £100,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund so it can realise its ambition to resurrect a piece of Anglo-Saxon heritage.

Remains of a large house or hall dating from around 679AD were excavated by Oxford University School of Archaeology in 2016 after the site was first identified from the air in 1976.

The Anglo-Saxon building will now be rebuilt using authentic techniques in a field in Long Wittenham.

Working with craftsman and trained volunteers, the Sylva Foundation will work to build a timber frame using techniques and materials faithful to the Saxon era.

The foundation, which normally promotes tree planting, plans to use wood from the Blenheim Palace estate and a network of rods and twigs plastered with mud or clay.

The new building will become the home for members of Wulfeode, an Anglo-Saxon living history society which runs educational courses for children.

Project manager Lesley Best said: “The size of the building site is much larger than we would expect for the period which indicates it was an important hall or house.

“It was built during a very interesting time for Britain with links to the birth of Christianity in nearby Dorchester.

“We expect our building to last for between 30 and 40 years and it will be a fantastic educational resource.

“When it’s not open it will nestle into the landscape and we are developing a number of history walks people can enjoy.”

The foundation expects to lodge a full planning application with South Oxfordshire District Council in September and it is hoped the House of Wessex project will be ready by autumn next year.

An event is being planned for people to find out more about the project on the weekend of October 12-14.

A new Kingdom of Wessex trail will be created connecting the building with two nearby Anglo-Saxon sites at Sutton Courtenay and Dorchester.

Chief executive Dr Gabriel Hemery reassured residents who have been concerned about the impact on local roads.

He said: “We are conscious of concerns about noise, traffic and disturbance and have developed a close working relationship with the community.”

To get involved see sylva.org.uk/wessex