Harlaxton College is delighted to host our first archaeological excavation on the grounds of the breathtaking Harlaxton Manor.

Open to all, from beginners to experienced archaeologists, we are aiming to provide the most inclusive and accessible archaeological field school in Britain, actively tailoring this program for any range of physical requirements and in support of mental health needs, while retaining a robust program of learning for even the most advanced students of archaeology. This summer we’ll be “breaking ground” as part of our Walled Garden Project, a Carbon-Negative initiative that will allow greater access and engagement opportunities to the greater Harlaxton community and visitors to the manor. Our dig begins here in the ‘Thunder House’ of the long-abandoned gardener’s cottage.

We will be looking to uncover the forgotten lives of the individuals who helped to run the manor, reveal traces of the site’s prehistoric past, and investigate trenches from WWI training trenches. This is a field school that truly holds something special for everybody.

The school will be offering a fully accessible academic training program and include a wide variety of archaeological excavation and survey techniques; from setting out trenches and learning how to correctly trowel, to understanding archaeological mapping and recording techniques. In addition to field-based learning, students have access to Harlaxton’s signature British Studies seminar with a leading professor and expert in the field.

Our mission is to create a field school that is as diverse a space as possible: a truly accessible program for students, members of the public, enabled archaeologists, professionals and veterans to engage with the dynamic history of Harlaxton Manor.

The field school will be offered in partnership with the University of Evansville, the Enabled Archaeology Foundation, and a range of local community history and archaeology societies.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman, Iron Age, Medieval, Victorian, WWI

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Experience Required: No experience is required. We aim to enable as many individuals interested in a field school in archaeology as possible, including both students who may opt to participate for professional / academic credit, and members of the public who are interested in learning more about the past and the profession. If you’ve always wanted to get involved in archaeology but have been turned away because of a dis/ability, this is the place for you.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation and catering is included in our US student pricing, with catering for all diets, belief systems and allergies. UK participants may opt to pay for room and board at the Manor, or alternative accommodation may be sought. There is also scope for participants to bring tents and camp, but campers should note that there are no outdoor toilets available.

Academic Credit:
US students are welcome to choose from three credit options: non-credit (experience building only), 3-credit for ARCH395: Practicum in Archaeology, or 6-credits to include ARCH395 and Harlaxton’s signature British Studies: Historical Perspectives (BRIT 220- or 230) course. Please note that federal aid may only be available for students enrolled at half-time or greater (6-credits), but this must be arranged with the home institution’s financial aid office. All credit hours are transcripted by the University of Evansville, USA.

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