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2025 dates:
April : 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, (Saturday), 21st, 22nd , 23rd, 24th, 25th
Is someone you know celebrating a birthday, retirement, or other event? Or do you want to buy a Christmas present for someone special?
Have you, or someone you know, always wanted to have a go at Archaeology? Have you/they, always wanted to experience the excitement and thrill of digging up artefacts from the past, and connecting with the events and people of times long gone?
Well now you/they can, under the supervision of Archaeologists from Mercian Archaeological Services CIC.
This is the perfect way to fulfil a life’s ambition and perhaps take the first steps on a fantastic journey into re-discovering people, objects, and places from the past…
Come and excavate at the site of the legendary King John’s Palace in Sherwood Forest…
King John’s Palace was once the Royal Heart of Sherwood Forest.
The Palace was visited by all 8 kings from Henry II to Richard II, with King John possibly holding parliament there in the early 13th century and Edward I holding Parliament there in 1290.
This project forms part of a long running research project designed to understand the extent of the medieval palace, and surrounding area.
Come and excavate at the site of the legendary King John’s Palace in Sherwood Forest…
King John’s Palace was once the Royal Heart of Sherwood Forest.
The Palace was visited by all 8 kings from Henry II to Richard II, with King John possibly holding parliament there in the early 13th century and Edward I holding Parliament there in 1290.
This project forms part of a long running research project designed to understand the extent of the medieval palace, and surrounding area.
“I would thoroughly recommend Mercian, to anyone wishing to have a taster session, extend their previous experiences of Archaeology, or gain new qualifications…” - Barbara, Experience Day, 2021.
What to expect on your experience:
Expect to have a great time, which is full of fun and learning!
Our aim is to introduce you to archaeology, and either fulfil a life's ambition, or inspire a life-long love!
Itinerary:
The day commences at 9:30, with Welcome, introductions, and paperwork.
After the introduction you will be taken on a site tour of King John’s Palace, and learn all about the history, site and landscape, as well as all about Sherwood Forest and the Kings who stayed here.
This is followed by a finds induction- learn all about archaeological artefacts, handle finds from all periods including flint tools, coins. Metalwork, glass and ceramics. Learn how to identify and collect artefacts as you uncover them when you dig, and our pocess for collecting and retaining them.
After this you will have chance to excavate on a real archaeological excavation for the rest of the day!
The day finishes between 16:30 and 17:00.
If you book multiple days or a full week you will dig on all subsequent days without undertaking the introductions, inductions, and tours again. Unless you want to!
You, or your loved one, will be excavating at the site of King John’s Palace, you will be involved in an archaeological excavation which will form a part of this long-term research project in the heart of the Forest.
So why not come along yourself or buy a great gift for a friend or family member and become part of the history of the Medieval Royal Palace at the heart of Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest!
GIFT Bookings
If you are booking for a friend or family member please tell us their name on the booking form.
If you wish to keep the booking secret until a specific date please email us to discuss.
All gift bookings will receive either the “Birthday Card” (or other event) as seen on the left, 0r bookings for Christmas Presents will receive the “Christmas Card on the right”
Please email us if you wish to discuss the event you are purchasing for.
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