While the Summer Dig 2025 Dig has concluded activity continues…

Scroll down for more information and check back for opportunities to take part in the project…

If you would like to support Uncovering Roman Carlisle’s project you can donate to the Gladiator Challenge!

Fieldwork has concluded for the summer but we are on planning the next phases, post-excavation, and fieldwork. We will announce volunteer positions and events here as they become available.

This year, we continued our incredible journey into Carlisle’s Roman past, right in the heart of Carlisle city. We will continue to find answers to the questions about what might be the biggest Roman building ever found on Hadrian’s Wall – a seriously impressive bathhouse and Imperial Palace that may have even hosted Emperor Severus himself.

When excavating whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned archaeology fan, there’s a spot for you. You can get stuck into digging, help with finds washing, sieving, or even be a friendly face for visitors to our site shop. It’s all hands on deck and every single person plays a big part in uncovering history.

If you’ve got any questions, message us at uncoveringromancarlisle@gmail.com.

We are always open to collaborate and work with groups from a range of backgrounds, if you have an idea you want to explore with us, please get in touch.

Archaeological Skills Passports

If you’re thinking about working towards becoming an archaeologist, already on your way, or just happen to carry a BAJR Skills Passport, the site archaeologists are qualified to accredit your archaeological skills passport. Find out more about BAJR here.

What’s it like on site?

There’s a good bit of variety in the different jobs involved on site which means we are able to accommodate a lot of people with varying abilities and backgrounds. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Find out what it’s like to get involved below;

Hear about what it’s like being part of Uncovering Roman Carlisle.

See what it’s like in the trench with this time-lapse of the 2021 dig by volunteer Peter and Roman History Walks.

One of the main dig stories from 2023… the Carlisle Heads.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of an archaeological dig - bucket list stuff!"

  • Digger

    Digging on site, you will be working along side archaeologists to excavate and clean the site to a Roman level.

  • Wet Sieving

    Wet sieving takes place just next to the trenches, you’ll be helping to look through buckets of soil to find lost Roman artefacts; including glass beads, intaglios and other small finds.

  • Finds Washing

    Finds washing is an great opportunity to get up close with the artefacts found on site and learning how to properly take care of the artefacts.

  • Site Tour Guide

    Helping on the project by becoming a site guide can be a great way to learn more about the excavation and show the public the site on a site tour. A guiding booklet will be provided with more information.

  • Heavy Digger

    Heavy Digger

    If you like getting muddy and a good work out this is for you!

    This essential role involves heavy lifting using spades, buckets and wheelbarrows to excavate material (after the machine is done) to expose the first precious archaeological layers.

This video gives information on the site from 2023 - many thanks to volunteer Pete Salvin for producing.