The Archaeology of Worcester in 20 Digs

This article is from Current Archaeology issue 410

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REVIEW BY AB

The archaeological exploration of Worcester began with antiquarian works several hundred years ago, but the bulk of the research has been carried out since the mid-20th century. These excavations have revealed a wealth of information about Worcester’s past, with extensive evidence of occupation from the Iron Age onwards. Industry played an important role throughout the city’s history, as did its position as a site of military strategic importance, and a religious centre. Other discoveries are more unexpected, including a Bronze Age palisaded enclosure found in a park-and-ride car park, and the remains of a theatre where the famous 18th-century actress Sarah Kemble (later Mrs Siddons) may have made one of her earliest appearances, age 12.

This book, written by Worcester’s archaeological officer, offers valuable insight, too, into the development of modern urban archaeology in Britain, telling the story of its transformation from solo watching briefs to thorough excavations carried out by dedicated teams of archaeologists. The result is an interesting overview of both Worcester’s history and the work involved in uncovering it.

The Archaeology of Worcester in 20 Digs 
James Dinn
Amberley Publishing, £15.99
ISBN 978-1445694023