Lincoln Archaeology Field School

Location: The Lawn, 1 Union Rd, Lincoln LN1 3BU, UK

Season: June 20, 2022 to July 15, 2022

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.bishopg.ac.uk/archaeology-field-school-2022

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Bishop Grosseteste University

Project Director:
Dr Derwin Gregory

Project Description:

The Lawn is an important site in the heart of historic Lincoln which has previously only been subjected to small-scale excavations. Located 150m to the west of Lincoln’s former Roman and Medieval upper walled city, the site sits on the edge of the limestone ridge that overlooks the Witham Valley. Small-scale excavations in the grounds of The Lawn were undertaken in the 1980s, and they uncovered evidence of possible pre-Roman activity in the area. Additionally, a small Roman urn excavated from the site in the mid-nineteenth century indicates that there might be a Roman cemetery at The Lawn. Two possible Roman roads, large assemblages of first- and second-century pottery and other Roman finds from pits and dumps were also uncovered nearby. The finds from the 1980s excavations at The Lawn also suggest that this site could provide important archaeological evidence for the transition from the Roman to the Early Medieval period.

St Bartholomew’s Chuirch, once located in the grounds of The Lawn, but no longer visible on the site, was first recorded in the twelfth century. In the 1980s, part of the church wall, the graveyard, and a bell-casting pit were uncovered. In the late medieval period, the area was used for carrying out judicial sentences including trials by combat. The site then became open fields until the early-nineteenth century when a ‘lunatic asylum’, known as The Lawn, was constructed in 1819. In the 1830s, Robert Gardiner Hill and Edward Parker Charlesworth, whilst working at the asylum, were important pioneers in the treatment of patients without the use of physical restraints. The Field School is a rare and exciting opportunity to participate in an archaeological excavation in the heart of historic Lincoln.

Period(s) of Occupation: Roman, Early Medieval, Medieval, Post-Medieval

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: We are able to accept children from the age of 14 to 17 as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The accompanying adult will receive a 50% discount on their non-residential course fee.

Experience Required: No previous experience is required, the field school is suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners onwards.

Room and Board Arrangements:
There are a variety of different places to stay in Lincoln from luxury hotels, to quaint bed and breakfasts, or even campsites. However, if you decide to stay with us at BGU then you will be accommodated in the Constance Stewart Halls. Each room is equipped with its own washbasin, wardrobe, shelving, desk and chair and easy chair, 2 electric sockets and bed with underneath storage. On the ground floor are fully accessible bedroom and bathroom facilities. Each floor is provided with communal kitchens with living areas, all fully fitted with microwave, cooker, fridge, freezer and communal seating. All accommodation is self-catering, and food will not be provided. If you decide to stay at BGU, there will be an additional charge to the course fees.

Academic Credit:
BGU’s Archaeology Field School is a fully accredited 4-week course that offers 20 academic credit, or 10 ECTS, or 5 US credits. The field school will deliver training in field archaeology and excavation skills, post-excavation finds processing, and recording data. All teaching and training will be delivered by expert archaeologists and fully qualified site supervisors, overseen by a Director of Training and Welfare.