DETAILS of Cerne Abbey could soon be known in greater detail as a landmark dig is carried out.

Led by Dr Hugh Willmott from the University of Sheffield and Dr Helen Gittos from the University of Oxford, it is hoped the new digs will reveal more about the spot.

It is believed the Benedictine abbey was looted and destroyed during the Dissolution, ordered by Henry VIII, between 1536 and 1541.

The site, east of Abbey Street, has lain largely untouched ever since.

However, a GPR survey carried out last year revealed large portions of what is believed to be the remains of the monastery.

Now, the dig – which got underway on July 20 – is hoping to reveal more about the site.

An exhibition detailing the history is on show at St Mary’s Church, which is also set to host a talk by Dr Willmott on August 8, giving an update on what has been found.

The dig is set to end on August 13.

For more information, log on to cerneabbashistory.org.