Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 12:42 pm
This weekend, the British archaeology programme Time Team is heading out into the field for a three-day dig. Led by Time Team’s own Dr Derek Pitman and Dr Lawrence Shaw, in collaboration with Harry Manley of Bournemouth University, the site is said to contain over 1,000 years of history spanning the Iron Age to Roman Britain.
The Durotriges tribe called the area home during the Iron Age approximately 2,000 years ago and the excavation is expected to uncover insight into how they lived and died. Early evidence indicates industrial activity, multiple phases of settlement and even burials, which are rare finds for this period in British history.
The site is located close to Green Island, an ancient industrial harbour in Poole that was investigated by Time Team almost 20 years ago. The new excavation will explore possible connections between the harbour and the strategic position of the site in the landscape.
Dr Derek Pitman said, “As a Dorset boy, I’m thrilled to welcome Time Team to my turf for what looks to be an incredible weekend. I’ve honestly never seen so much archaeology in a single trench before and we think this is just the tip of something much bigger. We’re in for a treat!”
The investigation also marks the 30th anniversary of the filming of Time Team’s first episode, which aired in 1994. Series producer, Tim Taylor, said, “We couldn’t hope for a better site to celebrate three decades of Time Team. I still can’t believe it’s been that long, but here’s to the next 30 years!”
Presenter Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Prof Carenza Lewis, Dr John Gater, Prof Stewart Ainsworth, Dr Helen Geake, Dr Philippa Walton and Dr Miles Russell are among the familiar faces returning for the dig.
Subscribers to online membership platform Patreon will be able to follow the excavation with daily updates via ‘Dig Watch’, which will include site tours, Q&A sessions with the team and production insights from the crew. The completed episode will premiere on YouTube at a later date.
“It’s thanks to our wonderful Patreon members across the globe that Time Team can investigate fascinating sites like this,” said Tim Taylor. “I can’t wait to see what comes up in Dig Watch!”
