Welburn Roman Kilns, North Yorkshire, UK

Location: Welburn, York, UK

Season: March 20, 2027 to April 3, 2027

Application Deadline: March 1, 2027

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: https://www.wdhuk.com/our-projects

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Project Director:
Charlotte Hempsall

Project Description:

Welburn Roman Buildings and Pottery Kilns
This project offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Britain’s most important late Roman pottery‑production landscapes first‑hand.

Below is an overview of the site, the discoveries so far, and details for participants.

The site contains several Roman Crambeck Ware kilns that once supplied pottery across northern England in the late 4th century AD. Recent surveys indicate that this landscape holds nationally significant archaeology, with strong potential for new discoveries.

What is Crambeck Ware?
Crambeck Ware is one of the most recognisable ceramic traditions of late Roman northern England (3rd–4th century). Produced in the Derwent Valley, it is known for brightly coloured slip‑painted decoration, fine hard‑fired tableware in Grey, Parchment, and Burnished fabrics, and specialised vessel forms linked to late Roman cultural and economic activity. Evidence suggests production continued into the early 5th century.

Its wide distribution makes Crambeck Ware a key indicator of trade, craft organisation, and community identity during the final decades of Roman rule.

The Crambeck pottery industry is one of the best‑preserved Roman ceramic production zones in Britain, with surviving kiln structures, industrial enclosures, working floors, and strong connections to the Roman town at Malton (Derventio), only 4 km away.

Archaeological Investigations
Recent test pitting and geophysical survey near Welburn have revealed magnetic anomalies consistent with kilns, ditches, and industrial features; burnt soil typical of pottery firing; occupation debris suggesting workshop or settlement activity; and a pattern of features matching the known Roman industrial zone at Crambeck.

These results point to very exciting archaeology, potentially including previously unknown kilns, waste dumps, surfaces, and domestic structures associated with the potters themselves.

For more details visit our project page at: https://www.wdhuk.com/our-projects

Facilities for Participants
To support everyone taking part, the excavation provides:
On‑site camping
Showers, washing facilities and compost toilets
Kitchen tent for self‑catering and a marquee with tables and seating
Electricity and Wi‑Fi
Full‑board feeding options using locally sourced products
Bus stop adjacent to the site with direct services to Malton (4 km) and York (20 km)
Parking on site
Tents and a bed pack can be provided for people coming from overseas

Whether you join for a day, a weekend, or the full excavation, you’ll have everything you need to work comfortably and safely.

Get Involved
This is a rare chance to explore a Roman industrial landscape and contribute to a project of real regional and national significance.

Period(s) of Occupation: The Roman Era which in this part of England dates from the late 1st to theearly 5th Century with evidence for site occupation up to the 450s.

Notes:
Excavations Cost:‍ ‍ £35 per individual per day York Uni Students £20 £25 for students, unemployed and OAP (Student card or pension credit letter required) Under 16s free, accompanied by an adult. Accommodation: £17 per day. Accommodation is on a camping site 50 meters away from the excavation The facilities provided include showers, toilets and all facilities Tent Rental (if required): Only available to persons traveling from outside the UK) £10 per the weekend, £15 per week or £20 for for duration Bed Pack (Sleeping Bag, Roll Mat and Pillow): £20 Feeding: Full Board £17 per day Full Board £17 per day. This covers Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner inc Tea and Squash. We cater for vegetarians, vegans, religious dietary requirements and allergies Self Catering: A kitchen tent will be provided with Cooker and food storage area Payment: Payment will be made by Paypal Invoice, which will be sent to you on receipt of your application and payment of the £25 deposit. This invoice can be paid in instalments if required. The invoice must be paid before the project start date. Refund Policy: A 100% refund will be given up to 1 Jan 2027. After this date, a refund will not be provided. However, a credit note will be issued for the amount, to use on our next project. If you want further information, email admin@ethosheritage.com or fill in the application at https://forms.gle/9UPxfKuQa5dcdxWH7

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 days

Minimum Age: 16 or 8 with an Adult

Experience Required: None. All training and tools provided

Room and Board Arrangements:
Camping on a registered camp site on the actual excavation site Accommodation: £17 per day. Accommodation is on a camping site 50 meters away from the excavation The facilities provided include showers, toilets and all facilities Tent Rental (if required): Only available to persons traveling from outside the UK) £10 per the weekend, £15 per week or £20 for for duration Bed Pack (Sleeping Bag, Roll Mat and Pillow): £20 Feeding: Full Board £17 per day Full Board £17 per day. This covers Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner inc Tea and Squash. We cater for vegetarians, Vegans, religious dietary requirements and allergies Self Catering: A kitchen tent will be provided with Cooker and food storage area

Academic Credit:
None