HISTORY buffs are being invited to help uncover East Oxford’s past as part of a major archaeological study.

A three-year project investigating areas of the city east of Magdalen Bridge, has been given the go-ahead after Oxford University’s department of continuing education was given £330,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and nearly £50,000 from the university’s John Fell Fund.

The idea is to involve the community, through the teaching of archaeological skills and involvement on excavations.

Project leader Dr David Griffiths said: “This is very exciting. We have hit upon what seems to be a gap.

“East Oxford is a fascinating part of the city that a lot of people are interested in, but there has never been a coherent investigation of it.”

The idea of a community-led archaeological project in the area was first suggested two years ago, but it was not until the funding was secured that it became a reality. Two officers are being recruited and it is expected to start in October.

Dr Griffiths said: “We have been absolutely amazed at the level of interest. We have been inundated with ideas and people wanting to be involved.

“This area has so many types of landscape, and different areas and themes that we are going to look at.

“It is on the edge of medieval Oxford, which attracted the kind of edgy people who lived on the outskirts of towns, such as the leper colony in Bartlemas, then gradually spreads out into an area which used to be rural, so you get the growth of housing and the beginnings of industry.

“It is a tremendously unique story.”

Among hotspots are Blackbird Leys, which was built on the site of Roman potteries, and Boundary Brook Nature Park, where volunteers have already excavated Victorian bottles.

One major excavation is planned during the three-year project, and there will also be investigations involving geophysical surveys, test pits and workshops for historians looking at documents, buildings, photos and unearthed archaeological finds.

To find out more about the scheme go to archeox.net