Binchester Excavation Project is a five-year programme of large-scale seasonal fieldwork that began in June 2009 at Binchester Roman Fort in Bishop Auckland. The archaeological dig involves students from institutions including Durham University, Stanford University California and members of the Architectural & Archaeological Society of Durham & Northumberland.
This year the excavation will focus on an area in the east corner of the fort, exposing both defences and barracks along with an area in the civil settlement south-east of the fort.
The excavation runs from June 3 to July 26 and the site is open to visitors every weekday. There is a community archaeology element throughout July and a limited number of places may be available, depending on whether funding can be obtained (see the website for further updates). Participants must be at least 14 years old and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. There is a modest fee which includes automatic membership of the Architectural & Archaeological Society of Durham & Northumberland for one year.
BINCHESTER – NEW PROJECT
I spent a week at Binchester as part of the new joint project between Stanford and Durham universities and the Durham County Council. I didn’t get on site until the last week of the 9-week season, but there was still plenty to do.
A large trench was opened adjacent to the established fort site. There is a day-by-day posting about the site beginning with the topsoil removal through to details of small finds, features and preliminary results at (http://binchester.blogspot.com/), which gives a great idea of what the trench looks like, and how the site progressed.
The site directors are fantastic, extremely patient and very instructional with the volunteer diggers, who were involved in all aspects of the work. We did everything from levelling to recording, washing finds and – of course – plenty of digging. This year’s trench was quite large and we barely scratched the surface – no pun intended – and next year’s work should be really interesting.
I was lucky enough to make 3 great finds: a pennanular ring brooch, whetstone and half of a jet ring, which of course makes it all worthwhile. I look forward to following the post-ex on the blog and will make it a point to go back next year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Get there next year!