A Roman dig at Carlisle Cricket Club is in the process of welcoming more than 500 school children to the site.
School visits have been organised by Cumberland Council and Wardell Armstrong LLP to give an insight into the exciting project which has already unearthed two monumental Roman carved heads, described as ‘finds of a lifetime’ by Frank Giecco, Technical Director at Wardell Armstrong.
The dig got underway on Monday 22 May and following the generosity of local firm R H Irving Construction and Story Contracting, the excavation area and dig time have been expanded allowing even more volunteers to take part. The dig will now carry on until Saturday 24 June.
The site continues to be active and is open to the public between Monday and Saturday. Tours of the site are held at 11.30am and 3pm on each of these days. Volunteering opportunities are still available too.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“This project is amazing, and it is great that school children of all ages can see first-hand the Roman remains and the dig underway. It brings history to life and instils pride in Carlisle and its heritage.
“The dig has resulted in international coverage and has showcased the city, and the Cumberland area, to a global audience. It is something we need to build on and I encourage everyone to visit the site.
“Thanks to all the team involved in the dig, including the hundreds of volunteers that have signed up to lend a hand.”
Uncovering Roman Carlisle has received £56,700 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Wardell Armstrong LLP alongside Cumberland Council and Carlisle Cricket Club would like to get as many people to visit in this incredible project as possible.
The funding aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. The project will allow members of the public to take part in the community excavation or visit free of charge.
The bathhouse is the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall, with hundreds of volunteers, over 1000 significant finds, and over 1200 days given by volunteers in past phases of the project since 2021. The project was recognised by the Council of British Archaeology and the Marsh Charitable Trust as the Community Archaeology Project of the year 2021, with a member of the Project team Kevin Mounsey nominated for Community Archaeologist of the Year.
Hundreds of volunteers have already signed up to take part in the dig. Limited spaces are available for additional volunteers. No prior experience in archaeology is needed, just enthusiasm in learning about Carlisle’s past.