Poulton is a multi-period rural site located three miles south of Chester. It has yielded evidence of almost 9,500 years of human activity. This season (running from March-August), the project will be concentrating on the Medieval chapel graveyard so participants will be excavating and recording human remains. Past excavations in the area have uncovered 650 inhumations and it is estimated that up to 1,800 may still be present.
The project intends to open further trenches in search of Roman activity, having already uncovered Roman ditches and pits with finds including coins, brooches and high status pottery. It is thought that somewhere nearby is a villa and/or a temple or shrine.
Students will be taught excavation techniques, surveying, photography, context recording and planning. Minimum age is 16 and no experience is required to take part. There is a campsite and hostel nearby, and basic facilities for cooking are available on site.
POULTON FIELD SCHOOL
I really enjoyed my time here. Mike (director) and Alan were really friendly and extremely helpful. A broad range of techniques were covered including excavating human remains, planning, surveying and the art of cooking a perfect bacon butty!
No stuffy academics here
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Great if you are interested in osteoarchaeology, prehistoric archaeology, or just being part of a great team!
POULTON FIELD WORK.. SKELETAL EXCAVATION
Totally amazing experience…. well worth the money… Mike and Alan are great and help out as much as you need.. and both great guys.. lots of knowledge to be gained. Would reccommend Poulton to every body….. gaining skills in a variety of archaeological practices….
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? As a student of Forensic Anthropolgy I would say this is a great way of getting hands on experience.
POULTON – HUMAN SKELETAL EXCAVATION
Easter 2009
Mike and Alan are excellent instructors who run the course, you also get to meet various volunteers associated with the Poulton Project. It is a fantastic site and very well run.
The documents provided are also excellent. All tools and equipment provided.
The facilities are basic but as to be expected on such a site.
NOTE Poulton also run other shorter courses such as Post excavation skeletal analysis which take place in a nearby farm with superb faculties. The farm and site are owned by the Fair family
I am a senior technician at Liverpool John Moores University, whose role has developed and changed over the past year to cover forensic sciences and Human osteology. We have already had opportunities to use material from Poulton and many students have undertaken field work at Poulton, either as part of a module or as volunteers. They all enjoy the experience and many, like myself look forward to the next opportunity to visit the site.
The course is highly enjoyable – you do not realise you have given 100% concentration for many hours, and how tired you can become even though you may only move a few metres in the day.
It is great that the site is open to all interested people not just students.
Colin
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Great site. Well explained course. Easy to understand but very professional standards in all areas.
POULTON RESEARCH PROJECT TRAINING PROGRAM
April 13 to May 1, 2009: I just finished my 2nd consecutive year participating in a 3 week training program with the Poulton Research Project. I highly recommend it for both students and volunteers. Mike Emery, the director, along with the talented team of people who assist him provides comprehensive training at this extraordinary site. My plan is to return again next year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? I concur with Colin (see next review), “Great site. Well explained course. Easy to understand but very professional standards in all areas”.
A GREAT EXPERIENCE
This was my first archaeological experience and I’m chomping at the bit to go back. The opportunity to immediately start digging skeletons is unbelievable–I don’t think other digs would let newbies do this! The training in recording, surveying, drawing, and record keeping was superb. It rained everyday, but the damp didn’t stop me from wanting to continue digging. The people are friendly and funny. I found no big egos within the staff–if anything, Mike and Alan make the dig pleasurable, even in downpours! I’d recommend this as a top training experience and as a memorable vacation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Take Raingear and be prepared to get muddy.