Area Forum Community Archaeological Excavation
Date: Monday 4th October - Friday 8th October 2021
This is an opportunity for local residents from selected postal code areas to take part in a community archaeological excavation taking place at Norton Priory from Monday 4th October to Friday 8th October 2021.
Norton Priory is still the largest excavated medieval monastic site in Europe but there are several areas which remain to be discovered. This year we are continuing our search for the medieval moat system, medieval infirmary and the Canons’ burial ground.
The community dig immediately follows on from the excavation carried out by staff and students from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology and will be directed by Professor Harold Mytum and Dr. Rob Philpott in collaboration with Lynn Smith, Senior Keeper at Norton Priory Museum.
No previous archaeological experience is required as all training will be given by the University staff. Participants will be given the opportunity to learn how to trowel, recognise and excavate features, draw plans and sections, and how to record in three dimensions. There will also be the chance to carry out finds processing.
Each day will start at 9.30am with a 30 minute lunch break and finish at 4pm. Participants will be expected to attend for the whole week. The museum's Brooke Café will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday but participants can bring their own packed lunch and should do so when the café is closed. There are porta-loos near to the trench and a gazebo for use during breaks. Excavation requires a good level of fitness as there will be heavy digging, as well as trowelling and using wheelbarrows. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn and waterproofs for any inclement weather. Mosquito spray is also recommended.
To book a free place on the excavation please check you live in an eligible postcode area, before going to the Art Tickets website.
Places are strictly limited to 20 people. If all places on the excavation are taken, you can contact us to request to be added to the waiting list. Please ask for our Senior Keeper, Lynn Smith if you are phoning or calling in to the museum, or state 'FAO Lynn Smith' in the subject line if you are emailing.
Please Note:
If you are not eligible to attend these excavations, you may be interested in the Community Archaeological Excavations running from Monday 11th - Friday 15th October 2021.
