By james art Archaeologists invite residents to dig beneath Barnard Castle on a mission to discover what’s buried there.
The DigVentures-led initiative seeks to explore the exterior of the historic castle, known for its rich medieval past.
Residents, both adults and children, can participate in the dig, go on a guided tour, or engage in other activities such as a pop-up museum, artifact classes, and community workshops.
(Image: DigVentures)
The Outer Ward, one of four enclosures around the castle, is believed to have once housed a medieval church, farm buildings and a gate tower.
The excavation is part of a pilot project funded by Historic England and led by the Cultura Trust, in collaboration with landowner Raby Estates.
The project aims to explore the Outer Ward and make it accessible to the public again.
(Image: Newsquest)
It is also part of a larger scheme to revitalize derelict buildings along Barnard Castle’s high street for use by communities and heritage organisations.
The project is not just about uncovering history; it is also about involving the community in the process.
Alongside the dig, DigVentures is collecting information to help the Cultura Trust and Raby Estates understand how residents would like the site to be used in the future and what heritage activities can be incorporated into a long-term program to benefit the community.
(Image: DigVentures)
The castle, which has been under the stewardship of English Heritage since 1984, was built by the Balliol family after the Norman Conquest.
It was later given to the Earls of Warwick and subsequently to the future King Richard III.
Now in ruins, the castle stands above the River Tees, attracting numerous visitors to the city.
The excavation is scheduled to take place from November 18 to 20.
(Image: DigVentures)
For children aged 6 to 12, there will be an Archeology DigCamp on November 16, and those aged 12 to 16 can participate in the Archeology DigClub on November 17.
Free guided tours of the archaeological site will be available from November 16 to 20, and a pop-up museum will be open from December 11 to 14.
Community workshops and classes will be held from December to January.
Here’s the full schedule:
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Excavation with archaeologists at Barnard Castle (18 – 20 November 2024)
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Archeology DigCamp at Barnard Castle, ages 6-12 (November 16, 2024)
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Archeology DigClub at Barnard Castle, ages 12-16 (17 November 2024)
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Free Guided Tours: Barnard Castle Archaeological Site (16 – 20 November 2024)
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Pop-up Museum (11 – 14 December 2024)
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Community Workshops and Classes (December 2024 – January 2025)
For more information https://digventures.com/projects/barnard-castle/
(Image: DigVentures)