Excavations

Archive of training excavation diary

Training Excavations at Blacklands near Frome

For an eighth year the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society will run a Training Dig in archaeological fieldwork at Blacklands field, Upper Row Farm, Laverton near Frome in Somerset. The Director of Excavations is Jayne Lawes, MIFA, a professional field archaeologist researching Romano-British settlement in the area.

The five-day course is for those interested in taking part in an archaeological excavation and in learning the basic methods and techniques that apply in the field.

The courses will run on weekdays, that is Monday to Friday, from mid July until end of August August. It may be possible to come to the Dig for a one day 'taster' course (see 'Booking' below).

Students who need to fulfil course requirements and who have completed this course, either in this year or previous years, may be able to volunteer for further weeks free of charge. This is at the discretion of the Director of Excavations. Adults in this category are asked to consider making a small donation. (see also 'Additional Information' below).

Location of the Site
The site is 10 miles south of Bath and 6 miles north of Frome. This is a rural location and a detailed map showing Upper Row Farm and the site will be sent on booking. There is no public transport nearby; the nearest bus route is approximately 2 miles away. However arrangements can usually be made for collection and return to the nearest railway station or bus stop. There is ample off-road parking.

The Excavation
The site to be worked on this year is the continuation of the Romano-British enclosure and buildings, discovered by geophysical survey in 1999. The gate area trench opened previously will be extended along with new areas in the vicinity of the enclosure.

Course Outline
During the week, the following areas of study will be covered. Firstly, Health and Safety with Site Protocol will be addressed. Safety is a paramount issue on an archaeological site. Basic daily routines will be explained and the general rules of protocol that apply to most sites will be explained and discussed.
Secondly, basic surveying techniques will be considered. Site and trench location and levelling being the most used survey techniques, the site grid will be explained and the use of co-ordinates for locating areas and finds. Geophysical surveying techniques will be practiced.
Thirdly, the tools of excavation, digging and trowelling will be explained and used.
Fourthly, as excavation by its very nature is demolition, it is crucial that meticulous records are kept and various methods are employed to ensure that the site is fully recorded. These include written records, drawings and photographs. This area of study will be extended to look at the records kept for finds and sampling.
Finally, the finds themselves will be studied. The basics of identification will be explained, what is kept and how it is conserved and also the recognition of what are usually classified as Small Finds and how they are recorded.

Students will, if necessary, be divided into small groups for some of the activities and the weather, always the unknown factor, will decide when each part of the course is taught. The day will start at 9.30 am and finish at 4.30 pm.

Additional Information
All major equipment will be supplied, but you should bring a small trowel. A four-inch WHS trowel can be ordered with your booking and collected on arrival at the site. The cost will be £10. Also required are stout boots, either working or walking, gloves and sensible old clothing with something suitable for all weathers. To ensure full participation in geophysical surveying one outfit without ferrous metal fastenings is advised. Sun screen is a priority and you are responsible for ensuring that your tetanus immunisation, which requires a booster every ten years, is up to date.
Students who continue as volunteers for more than one week must have safety boots.
The Society provides mid-morning tea/coffee and biscuits.

Booking
The cost of the five day course is £125 of which £25 is payable as a deposit at the time of booking. The balance of £100 will be collected during the week on site. The fee includes membership of the Society for the balance of this calendar year and details of events and lectures will be sent on receipt of the deposit. For existing members of the Society the charge for the course is £110. It is possible, numbers permitting, to come on the Dig for a one-day 'taster' course. The charge for this is £30.

Further information and booking
For further information on the course, accommodation, camping or to book, please contact Anny Northcote:

by phone: 01761 412115
or by email