Award-winning Uncovering Roman Carlisle returns for a “Mini-Dig” this August
Award-winning Uncovering Roman Carlisle returns for a “Mini-Dig” this August
The ongoing community excavation and exhibition project, Uncovering Roman Carlisle, has won a prestigious national award and has arranged another mini-dig later this month.
With the discovery of the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall, over 700 finds, and at least 1,100 days given by volunteers the project was recognised by the Council of British Archaeology and the Marsh Charitable Trust as the Community Archaeology Project of the year, with a member of the Project team Kevin Mounsey nominated for Community Archaeologist of the Year.
Cllr Stephen Higgs, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Sport, said:
“Congratulations to all those involved in the community excavation and exhibition. The project will be celebrating with a “mini-dig” open to the public to visit on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, with limited places available to book to excavate.
“There are spaces open to anyone to book to help at the excavation, and the site will be open to visitors between 10am and 4pm both days, with activities and tours throughout the day. Free slots to excavate are bookable through Eventbrite.”
Book a space using this link:
Those who want to visit and not excavate at the site do not need to book.
Council of British Archaeology and the Marsh Charitable Trust awards were announced recently.
Neil Redfern, Executive Director of the Council of British Archaeology (CBA) said:
“The CBA’s mission is to champion archaeology and public participation in archaeology. The CBA and Marsh Charitable Trust were very pleased to recognise the contribution of the Uncovering Roman Carlisle (URC) volunteers and team in creating and sharing opportunities to discover and take part in Archaeology with this award, and nomination of a project archaeologist. Since it was founded in 1944 the CBA has worked with groups all over the UK to champion public participation in archaeology through initiatives like the Young Archaeologists Club, and in celebrating the amazing contribution community groups make. We look forward to seeing how URC will continue to develop in future and work with the people of Carlisle to unlock and celebrate their heritage.”
Frank Giecco Technical Director at Wardell Armstrong added:
“We’re so pleased with the recognition to the volunteers and the project team that has come from winning the Community Archaeology Project of the Year Award from the Council of British Archology and March Charitable Trust and the nomination for Community Archaeologist of the Year for one of our own archaeologists.
“We’ve been able to keep providing opportunities to get involved in Carlisle’s Heritage, far more than originally planned and hoped for. We’ll have another opportunity on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August to get involved and to visit a live excavation at the Bathhouse again with our mini-dig. It’ll be a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend a weekend and finish off the Uncovering Roman Carlisle fieldwork as we look to find the full size of the bathhouse with the volunteers.”
Anna Smalley Head of Collections & Engagement at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust said;
“We were really thrilled to be nominated by the CBA for the Community Archaeology Project of the Year Award and were very honoured to be chosen – it means so much that the hard work of the project staff and volunteers has been recognised nationally. We’re excited to be able to bring the exhibition to venues across Carlisle and district, from Brampton and Burgh-by-Sands to The Lanes and the Cricket Club in September.”
The exhibition of the 2021 excavation will be visiting venues throughout the district until September 2022. Current locations and dates to see the exhibition are:
- Monday 25 July – Sunday 7 August: Fort Maia Visitor Centre, Bowness on Solway
- Monday 8 August – Sunday 21 August: Brampton Moot Hall
- Monday 22 August – Sunday 4 September: The Lanes Shopping Centre
- Monday 5 September – Monday 19 September: Burgh by Sands Village Hall
- September: Carlisle Cricket Club
This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by volunteers led by a partnership of Carlisle City Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery and Wardell Armstrong.
The exhibition will be open to the public but procedure at each venue and opening times may vary. Find out more at www.tulliehouse.co.uk/urc
