Norton Community Archaeology Group was established in 2006 to investigate the archaeology of the historic parish of Norton in Hertfordshire, now part of Letchworth Garden City. Norton has extraordinarily well preserved historical records covering 1000 years of our social history and unspoilt archaeology spanning 10,000 years. The Norton Community Archaeology Group (NCAG) was set up to further our knowledge of the village and surrounding area through practical “hands-on” historical research and archaeological excavations. Participation is currently at no cost to all.
The Group is not currently undertaking archaeological activities but members continue to meet and work on Historical Documents.
Current Developments
STOP PRESS – October 2023. NCAG has made two further additions to its list of publications:
Norton St Nicholas’ School Log Books 1873-1923 traces the history of the school from being first built in 1873. The book gives complete transcriptions of its Log Books and, together with extracts from Managers’ meeting minutes, Admission Registers etc, provides a detailed view of its first 50 years. Also included is a Foreword from the current Headteacher, an Introduction written by NCAG and an index of Person names. Price £12 (see NCAG Publications).
The early history of Norton Bury by David Croft and Ursula Scott. A revised view of Norton Bury, based on recently discovered documentary and archaeological evidence. A booklet priced £2.
Meanwhile NCAG members can still engage with archaeology by accessing a winter’s season of free Zoom meetings which are organised by Kris Lockyer for the Combined Hertfordshire Archaeology Societies.
Archaeological section
[To be written]
Historical Documents section
The NCAG Historical Documents section is active in researching the written history of Norton.
The first major project was to publish translations and transcriptions of Norton’s manorial court records. The court records run from 1244 to 1916 and around 85% of them have survived. With the help of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and North Herts District Council we were able to pay for the translation from Latin of the earlier documents. Eventually all records were published in three books, fully indexed and with introductions giving interpretation of the texts.
Two further books have been published (see NCAG Publications).
Current work
Our work of transcribing documents continues. The section is currently working on further projects, such as 16th and 17th century Archdeaconry Court records of St Albans which frequently make mention of Norton.
We are always pleased to welcome new members to help in transcribing original documents. We meet formally about twice a year. If you are interested in taking part please email us at ncagmembers@live.co.uk.