Work has begun on the largest archaeological dig at Birdoswald in 30 years.
Historic England and Newcastle University have started work on the penultimate summer season of a five-year excavation programme at the Roman fort, on the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.
The 2023 season will see the largest expanse under excavation at Birdoswald since the 1990s, including areas both to the west and east of the fort, as well as north of the fort beyond the line of Hadrian’s Wall.
The current project is examining houses, communal buildings and workplaces beyond the fort walls.
Visitors to the English Heritage site of Birdoswald are able to view the excavation until July 7 by booking guided tours.
To the east, work will continue on a well-preserved bathhouse, first discovered in 2021. The area to the west has never before been explored, with data from geophysical surveys hinting at an open area surrounded by structures.
It is hoped that this year’s work will provide further clues about its use and significance.
This summer is the first time that such a large expanse immediately north of Hadrian’s Wall has been so extensively examined.
The project has already discovered that intensive domestic and industrial activity took place beyond the wall, and this previous work will be followed up and expanded.
Previous finds include large quantities of domestic pottery, hobnails, and semi-precious stone jasper and glass intaglio stones of a type originally set in rings and used to seal documents.
Findings to date suggest that the settlement beyond the fort walls was carefully planned, and that specific activities related to everyday life took place in designated zones, say experts.
It also suggests that the frontier can be more accurately thought of as a zone, rather than a distinct line or boundary. It is anticipated that a new ‘big picture’ of Roman frontier life will emerge from the archaeology of the fort settlements, which can now be seen as military towns.
Tony Wilmott, Historic England senior archaeologist and project co-director, said: “One of the strengths of this project is that the military area within the fort was excavated extensively with modern techniques in recent decades, so the evidence we’re gathering right now outside the walls can be directly compared.
“This means that Birdoswald is incredibly well-placed to provide insights into the relationship between civilian and military life on the Roman frontier.”
“We were hugely excited by last year’s discovery that intensive domestic and industrial activity took place north of the wall, and the deliberately planned nature of civilian life there.
” This was no temporary shanty town of camp followers clinging to a fort. This indicates the people had confidence about their security outside the fortifications, with the wall functioning more as a backstop rather than as an active frontline for much of its operational life.”
Ian Haynes, Newcastle University professor of archaeology and project co-director, said: “The archaeology Birdoswald always has something surprising to teach us. Our staff and students are in for what will be a career highlight this summer.”
Visitors to the English Heritage site of Birdoswald are able to view ongoing excavation from Monday to Friday at 11am and 2pm, by booking free guided tours here.
