Paid Volunteer at Roman Carlisle Archaeology dig
It lies on the north bank of the river Eden close to a bridge that connected two Roman forts. The fort on the south side of the river, Luguvalium, was established under the Flavians. It was the most heavily defended location on Hadrian’s wall. On the north side of the river was Stanwix Fort which became the largest fort on Hadrian’s Wall, housing 1000 cavalry called the Ala Petriana.In 2017, an astonishing archaeological discovery was made in Carlisle—the remains of a formerly unknown high-ranking imperial Roman bathhouse, and the largest building on Hadrian’s Wall. There is evidence that the site has direct imperial connections to Septimius Severus who was in residence here in the 210s AD. Could it be that Emperor Septimius Severus and his wife Julia Domna stayed here while in Carlisle? We hope to find out!
This is a 5-day excavation at the Roman building site at Carlisle—a site that is buzzing hive of activity during excavation season. You’ll be joining a large collection of local volunteers who are passionate about this astounding archaeological site and how rewarding it is to excavate, clean and catalog finds.
In the past two years, the finds continue to amaze. The site has yielded one of the largest collections of painted wall plaster and imperial tile stones in all of England. High status artifacts, statues and funerary items have also been unearthed. This year, you'll work on an area south of the Roman Road. There are many unanswered questions and you will be instrumental in helping gather more information to understand how long was this area was in use and how it fit in with the timber buildings recorded earlier. You'll also be tasked with helping to understand more about the complex series of floor surfaces at the northeastern corner of the site.
COST: from £1,565
DATES: April 26-May 2, 2026 or May 3-May 9, 2026
Accommodations and most meals included in addition to fieldtrips to Hadrian's Wall, nearby Roman sites and a guided collections tour.
