A project to discover Carlisle’s Roman history has won a prestigious national award.
Uncovering Roman Carlisle, a community excavation and exhibition scheme, found the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall.
Volunteers gave at least 1,100 days to the dig and over 700 finds were discovered.
The project has been recognised by the Council of British Archaeology and the Marsh Charitable Trust as the Community Archaeology Project of the Year.
Member of the project team Kevin Mounsey was nominated for Community Archaeologist of the Year.
Cllr Stephen Higgs, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and sport, said: “Congratulations to all those involved in the community excavation and exhibition.”
The project will be celebrating with a mini-dig, open to the public to visit on Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14, with limited places available to book to excavate.
The site will be open to visitors between 10am and 4pm both days, with activities and tours throughout the day. Free slots to excavate are bookable through Eventbrite here.
Frank Giecco, technical director at Wardell Armstrong, said: “We’re so pleased with the recognition to the volunteers and the project team.
“We’ve been able to keep providing opportunities to get involved in Carlisle’s heritage, far more than originally planned and hoped for. The mini-dig will be a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend a weekend and finish off the Uncovering Roman Carlisle fieldwork as we look to find the full size of the bathhouse with the volunteers.”
Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust, said: “We were really thrilled to be nominated by the CBA for the Community Archaeology Project of the Year Award and were very honoured to be chosen – it means so much that the hard work of the project staff and volunteers has been recognised nationally. We’re excited to be able to bring the exhibition to venues across Carlisle and district.”
The exhibition of the 2021 excavation will be visiting venues throughout the district until September. Current locations and dates to see the exhibition are:
- Monday 25 July – Sunday 7 August: Fort Maia Visitor Centre, Bowness on Solway
- Monday 8 August – Sunday 21 August: Brampton Moot Hall
- Monday 22 August – Sunday 4 September: The Lanes Shopping Centre
- Monday 5 September – Monday 19 September: Burgh by Sands Village Hall
- September: Carlisle Cricket Club
This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by volunteers led by a partnership of Carlisle City Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery and Wardell Armstrong.
The exhibition will be open to the public but procedure at each venue and opening times may vary. Find out more at www.tulliehouse.co.uk/urc
