Bainbridge Archaeological Training Excavation

Join Mercian Archaeological Services CIC in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for this week-long training excavation, which focuses on the teaching of archaeological excavation methods. As well as offering the very best in archaeological training and support, this excavation is tailored towards enabling attendees to fulfil requirements of the Archaeological Skills Passport. Participants will receive training and experience in many techniques of excavation, including many Core Skills and some Secondary Skills listed in the Archaeological Skills Passport. All techniques are taught and experienced throughout the week, a mixture of theory sessions and hands on training from our Archaeological experts.

Topics covered in the classroom sessions will include site formation and processes, stratigraphic excavation, context sheets, drawing and photography, alongside a Pottery Identification Training seminar. Participants will also receive training and experience in measuring and recording heights with a dumpy level, total station and archaeological drawing methods.

The beautiful village of Bainbridge was formerly the administrative centre of the medieval Forest of Wensleydale, and the magnificent Bolton Castle near Leyburn dominates the valley to the east. A Roman fort looms large over the village of Bainbridge on the eastern side. The site of the excavation is overlooked by a Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age Slight Univallate Hillfort. This fort occupies the high ground at the top of a steep slope on the southern side of the site. Mercian Archaeological Services CIC will be concentrating their excavations on the possible medieval manorial complex to the north of this fort, which has been identified from earthworks and recently discovered pottery (see below).

This course is suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced digger, the experience is tailored to the individual through hands on personal supervision. All equipment is provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own trowels (more details after booking). Please note accommodation is not provided. Field days include lunch (sandwiches) provided by caterers which will be eaten in our welfare area in the field. On-site toilet facilities are provided.

The excavation is suitable for age 15yrs and upwards, with under 16s accompanied by an adult.

The cost is £450 per person per week, and £350 for Students (full or part time with NUS).

The excavation will run for two weeks, the first from the 4th-8th of September, the second from the 11th to the 15th of September.

The details above are provided by the organiser, for more information about the dig, please see the links below.