|
|
 |
|
 |
|
For those whose Big Dig application wasn't accepted, or for those who would have loved to dig but
didn't have a garden we set up the Big Dig Parks and Community
Access and Public Sites! They were set up by
local councils and organisations to complement what Channel 4
and Time Team were doing on the Big Dig.
The official Time Team Big Dig Parks were set up for the Big Dig weekend. Participants could dig alongside others in digs managed by local county archaeology departments.
Park 1
Site name: East Marton
Location: Stewart Park, Marton, Middlesbrough
Brief synopsis of site:
East Marton was the birthplace of Captain Cook. A monumental granite vase marks the site of Cook's Cottage. The village took the form of a medieval two-row settlement with a central green. The village was destroyed in the 19th century when Marton Hall was built here and the land emparked. Geophysical survey here has shown the location of the former cottages, one of which must have been home to Cook and his family. In his day Captain Cook was as famous as Neil Armstrong is today. Previous experience suggests that the results of these excavations will attract worldwide interest from various Cook societies around the globe.
Click here for more details.
Park 2
Site name: Swindon Test Pit Park
Location: North Swindon, Wiltshire
Brief synopsis of site:
The Roman sanctuary was discovered during building work in 1997. Archaeological investigation revealed a 10-acre complex of shrines, terraced gardens and pools built around springs emerging from a ridge. Pilgrims would have used the ceremonial baths and offered prayers for good health. Although only one per cent of the area has been excavated, it could be one of the greatest Roman religious sites in Britain, comparable with the best in Europe. The main part of the site is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument under the protection of English Heritage.
Click here for more details.
The Public Access Parks
Public Access Sites and Community Digs
There are always digs going on around the country managed by local societies or organisations. Some of these agreed to open their doors on the Big Dig weekend.
Click here to see the full list of Public Access Parks
|
^ back to top
|
|
|
|
|
