The 2013 FieldSchool will see its 17th season of excavation at the Silchester Town Life Project. This site, located just ten miles from Reading, is unusual because it was completely abandoned during the 5th century. The excavations focus on Insula IX, an industrial and commercial district at the heart of Silchester.
This season, which runs from July to August, will concentrate on the Iron Age origins of this important administrative centre, with volunteers helping to uncover evidence of the very earliest town life in Britain.
Organised and run by the University of Reading, Silchester welcomes applicants of all abilities and levels of experience (you must be at least 16 years old) to help tell the story of this fascinating Roman town, from its origins in the Iron Age to its abandonment in the 5th century.
The cost includes all food and campsite facilities as well as expert tuition and guidance from a team of archaeologists and specialists. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, so apply early using the online link: http://www.reading.ac.uk/silchester/field-school/sil-fs-applicationform.aspx to avoid disappointment.
This excavation was nominated for ‘Research Project of the Year’ category of the prestigious Current Archaeology Awards 2012
SILCHESTER
The project at Silchester is an extremely interesting dig with a great atmosphere. I attended the dig when I was sixteen with practically no knowledge of archaeology. Yet by the end of the two weeks that I attended, I could use both trowel and mattock and plan including, taking levels. The tuition is excellent and on-site there is always a supervisor nearby and there are always other friendly diggers to help. There is also a rota to help out with finds washing or with the on-site floatation tank. There are also talks on various subjects run throughout the week, such as animal bones, and roman metalworking.
If you camp on site you stay literally next to the excavation and meals are included in the cost. Also being a dig attended mainly by university students there are lots of social activities to fill up the evenings.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes