Bamburgh Research ProjectBamburgh can be found on the East Coast of Northumberland overlooking the North Sea, close to the border between England and Scotland. It lies around 70km (50 miles) north of Newcastle, and 20 km (15 miles) south of Berwick upon Tweed. The area is rich in both history and landscape with a number sites of great interest that within a reasonable travelling for days off. These include the island of Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh Castle, Milfield henge and Roughting Linn Waterfall.
The Google map is interactive, use the controls to zoom in etc. Try changing to 'satellite' mode and see Bamburgh from the air!
Bamburgh is a small, picturesque village dominated by an imposing medieval castle, which is still inhabited today. Despite its sleepy appearance, Bamburgh has been a pivotal site throughout the history of the British Isles. Just a few examples of the amazing wealth of archaeology and history in Bamburgh are: -
• Mesolithic flint scatters.
• Bronze Age burials.
• The Northumbrian ‘capital’ for several centuries in the early medieval period.
• A 45m deep Anglo-Saxon well.
• At lest two churches founded in the Anglo-Saxon period.
• A possible Anglo-Saxon trading port or Wic.
• An intact Norman keep.
• 12th century church within the castle.
• Complex Medieval defences.
• A medieval leper hospital.
• A Dominican friary.
• Extensive post medieval remodelling of the castle and village.
• Modern rebuilding of the castle by the Industrialist Lord Armstrong.
The Bamburgh Castle Research Project was started in 1996, in order to create a better understanding of the archaeology and history of Bamburgh and it’s environment. Until this point, knowledge of the archaeology of Bamburgh was very limited. A small excavation was attempted in the late 1960’s and expanded early in the 1970’s by Dr Brian Hope-Taylor, but the results remain unpublished. However, historical sources tell us that Bamburgh has an intricate and fascinating past, and is integral to the understanding of Northumbria and therefore early England. It could be said that the history of Bamburgh is the history of the North.
The project is a vehicle for the study of the fortress of Bamburgh and its environs from prehistory to the present day. The key to the project is its multi disciplinary nature. The project directors are professional field archaeologists, each with a wealth of experience, who work in conjunction with university based colleagues to combine the talents and skills that are required to research this remarkable site. In addition the multi phase, multiple site nature of Bamburgh makes it an ideal place to train the next generation of field archaeologists. Media - Digital Video and Television The project has used digital video as a primary record of the site since we began our first excavations, acquiring approximately 130 hours of footage each season, which has become a unique and important social history archive in its own right. For several years the project has provided work experience to film & TV students as well as archaeology students with an interest in archaeology and media. The project produces it’s own short films and web content, and the media department is currently in post production on a feature length documentary about the site, which will be released internationally in 2010, through co-producers US company Galatia Films. Aside from our own video productions, Bamburgh and the work of the BRP has featured in Galatia Films 2009 feature documentary “Reclaiming the Blade”, and on numerous television programmes including BBC’s “Meet the Ancestors”, “Coast”, ITV’s “Britain’s Favourite View” and Discovery Channel’s “Bone Detectives”.
'The History Of Bamburgh Is The History Of Northumbria'
There are a number of excavation and survey projects that operate under the umbrella of the Bamburgh Research Project and not all elements run each year. During the 2009 season we will be excavating the two major trenches within the castle and in addition emphasis will be placed on post excavation activity. A new survey project centred on a wetland environment in the vicinity of the castle has been proposed and will commence this summer funding permitting. This will provide a wonderful opportunity to research the palaeoenvironment of the region. Videos of trench excavations are on the Media Page and of course there are photos in the Gallery.
The castle covers 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres), and is still occupied today. At its core it still remains a medieval castle, with a magnificent 12th century keep, despite having been converted into a stately home at the end of the 19th century. An ongoing program of geophysical survey has identified many areas of archaeological potential within the castle and its environs. Excavation has identified medieval activity within the west and inner wards and provided tantalising glimpses of a Roman and prehistoric past. Further geophysical survey and excavation will be carried out to establish the range and extent of the archaeological resource. A programme of survey will also be used to record the standing buildings within the castle. 
The Training Photo gallery is worth a look.
Monday to Friday: 7:45 to 8:40: Breakfast and sandwich making. 8:45: Leave for site 9:00: Begin work 10:30 to 1050: Morning break 12:30 to 1:10: Lunch 3:00 to 3:20: afternoon break 5:00: Back to campsite
At the weekend, the times are broadly similar but the working day begins at 10:30 and ends at 4:30. You will get one day off during the weekend, which will be alternate Saturdays and Sundays. However, if you need more time off, that is not a problem. Weekend
It isn’t all archaeology. There is a rich and varied social life at the BRP and every evening there is something to keep everyone occupied. Every year there are over a hundred new students and volunteers from all over the world. The BRP season is a chance to meet new people and this often leads to a friendship that can last a lifetime, as well as offering the opportunity to make an extensive network of future colleagues and workmates. And even if you never plan to become a professional archaeologist, there is the chance to simply have a great time. More pictures of Social life etc are in the gallery. Monday night is the quiz. Lots of questions, lots of prizes, lots of drinking and heckling. Wednesday night is barbeque night. Lots of meat, cooked on a roaring fire (and a few crudités for the veggies.) All washed down with lots of beer and sparkling wit. Thursday night. Use Thursday night to get a little sleep. Friday night is pub night. And that gives you the weekend to do what you will… In addition to the scheduled activities, lectures will be given by project staff and guest specialists on some evenings, covering site history and archaeological techniques, to augment the training provided on site. Film highlights of previous seasons will be shown by the media department. Top of page
Some quotes from people who have been before…
The BRP is an interesting and exciting project that allows aspiring students to get a full insight into the world of Archaeology. – Jim (Media student)
The BRP is a great place to meet new people and widen your skills in your chosen area. It is a fun place to be. – Tommy (Media student)
The BRP is a fantastic learning opportunity, a chance to widen your skills and meet new people…all of which came useful on Pub Night. – V (Media student)
The last three weeks at the BRP has been a great learning experience for me, helping me to improve and develop my skills as well as an opportunity to meet some wicked new people! As Tony the Tiger would say, it’s greeeaaaaaat. – Kirsty (Media student)
I’ve had a really good time and it’ll be really useful for my degree. – Raël (Archaeology student)
I really enjoyed all the social activities. – Kirsty (Archaeology student)
The promo movie I watched on the web site made it look fun, but it was so much better when I got here. – James (Archaeology student)
Everyone’s really friendly and I really enjoyed Pub Night. – Laurence (Archaeology student)
I got a really warm and friendly welcome by the staff and students. – Kirsty (Media student)
Great entertainment and a fantastic environment, with brilliant archaeology. – Helen (Archaeology student)
Some of the supervisors are tough, but I learned a lot from them. – James (Archaeology student)
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About the 2009 Season. Dates for 2009.
The 2009 excavation season will begin on Monday 8th June and will continue for seven weeks until Sunday 26th July. (Students are recommended to turn up the day before they expect to start work in order to set up their tent and settle in) For Health and Safety reasons students working on site will need to wear stout boots. Trainers, soft shoes are not acceptable.
Placement Costs
There are placements for up to 19 archaeology students per week. Cost of tuition £150.00 per week (based on six days of site work and one day off) Cost of camping is £5.00 per night (for a single tent on a fully equipped modern campsite with amenities and washroom/ showers)
Special Scholarships
£500.00 inclusive for the full 7 weeks of excavation (camping fees included) Four places are available for scholarships. These are special placements for students for the full 7 weeks of the excavation. Scholarship students are expected to help the staff with tasks as well as work as excavators. The placement will allow a more rounded experience of archaeology to be acquired and would be particularly suited to students who hope to make a career in archaeology. Those wishing to apply should email graemeyoung@bamburghresearchproject.co.uk with a CV and reference form a member of academic staff or suitably qualified person.
Application Form and Further Information
Fill out your application on line and submit it
Get a Printable copy of the application form and notes.
A copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for this form. If you don't have it use this link to get a free copy.
You can email Graeme Young with any queries that are not answered in these pages
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Accommodation.
Accommodation is camping, with showers, toilets, café, shops, phone etc. Breakfast and supplies for a packed lunch will be provided. Evening meals are the student’s own responsibility, though communal barbecues will be provided by staff members twice a week. The BRP has moved site for 2009. The new site is the very well appointed site at Waren Mill (http://www.meadowhead.co.uk). It is located 3.5km east of the A1 between Belford and Bamburgh off the B1342 (signposted from the Budle junction). See map below. Waren Mill Campsite Bamburgh Seahouses Northumberland NE70 7EE You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, etc as well as cutlery and crockery (be sensible, it’s camping, so leave the Doulton at home!) NB. It can get very cold at nights so make sure your sleeping bag is warm or bring a blanket. An inflatable mattress or carrymat to insulate you from the ground is an essential piece of camping kit. If camping is not for you then you can easily get accommodation in a local guesthouse. Local accommodation is available nearby, but these are private concerns and not connected to the BRP
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Bunkhouses/Youth Hostels
www.bunkhousenorthumberland.co.uk
www.annstead.co.uk
http://www.stilwell.co.uk/show_town.asp?Q=hostels|L4344081
Local hotels
Seahouses
Bamburgh
www.victoriahotel.net
www.lordcrewe.co.uk
www.bamburghcastle.com/business/sunningdale-hotel.htm
Local B&Bs/Cottages
http://www.bedandbreakfastsguide.com/B_Bs/BAMBURGH_Bed_and_Breakfasts_1156.asp
www.gocoastal.co.uk/acc.asp?sc=1&ftr=&move=&ch=455&ob=5&txt=Bamburgh&fr=area
http://www.northumberland-coast.co.uk/php/DisplayDBBamburgh.php
http://www.northumberland-coast.co.uk/php/DisplayDBBamburgh.php
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We will take people to and from our campsite each day. Transport to the project is the responsibility of the individual, but it will be possible to pick people up from train stations/airports in an emergency. Where possible, we will help people to coordinate their transport. You should aim to arrive the day before you begin digging and you can get to the campsite any time that suits you best. You need to report to the reception and the manager will give you instructions on where to pitch your tent.
Local time tables and fare information is available from Tourist Net UK
Air travel
The nearest airport to Bamburgh is Newcastle on Tyne. It is easy to get a metro from the airport into the city and then get a train northwards to Berwick on Tweed. They are normally every 30 mins
Edinburgh airport is a little further and again, it is easy to get a train southwards to Berwick on Tweed. They are normally every 30 mins. Top of page
Trains.
Berwick on Tweed is the nearest main line station to Bamburgh. It lies on the main east coast line and trains are very frequent from both London and closer stations.
From London, trains to Berwick on Tweed run principally from London Kings Cross. Trains from London to Berwick on Tweed run along the main east coast line. The quickest ones to Berwick are trains with final destination at either Edinburgh or Glasgow, although you need to check it actually stops at Berwick on Tweed. Top of page
Buses and taxis.
There is a good public transport system from Berwick on Tweed to the campsite at Seahouses. Bus timetables are available at www.arriva.co.uk/northeast. Buses run from the railway station. The main buses are the 411 and the 515. You should ask the bus driver to alert you when you get to the Waren Mill Campsite at Waren Mill http://www.meadowhead.co.uk/WarenHome.aspx. Buses will only stop there if specifically asked to. The journey should take around 30 mins and cost around £2. Taxis are also available from Berwick on Tweed train station. The cost to Waren Mill is around £15. Agree a price before you set off. Top of page
Bringing your own vehicle.
There is limited car parking on the campsite. If you must bring a car, parking will be your own responsibility and at your own risk. Top of page
Camping:
- Tent. (Please bring a sensibly sized one, no bigger than for 4-people, unless you are sharing it).
- Camping equipment. (Sleeping bag, roll mat, torch etc.).
- Cutlery and crockery, including a mug.
- Sensible footwear, such as stout boots with good grip and/or Wellington boots.
- Wet weather gear, sunscreen, sun hat, gloves etc.
- Lunchbox/ something to put sandwiches in.
Archaeology:
•A 4ins WHS or Marshalltown pointing trowel. (We have some available for purchase. Please contact Graeme Young if you would like us to have one ready for you)
•4H pencil and eraser. Top of page
Q: Am I too old/young to take part?
A: There is no upper limit at all, and we have had excavators in there 70s who enjoyed the experience as much as anyone. Younger people can take part too. If you are under 18 you need parental consent, and if you are younger than 16 you can still come along but you need to have an adult with you.
Q: Do I need experience to dig?
A: We take people with all levels of experience, from absolute novices to the very experienced, who return year after year. All you need is enthusiasm.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: The weather is variable, so best to be prepared for almost anything. We are next to the North Sea, so it can get cold and wet, so warm clothing and waterproofs are essential. But it also gets very hot, so pack shorts, sun hat, and sunscreen too. At night it can get very cold in the later season, so a good sleeping bag is an asset, or additional blankets, if you feel the cold.
Q: What is a WHS or Marshalltown 4 inch pointing trowel?
A: Archaeologists often use pointing trowels to excavate. The best ones are made by WHS in the UK and Marshalltown in the USA. They can be ordered from the Internet or bought/ordered at any good hardware store.
Q: How can I pay for the BRP season?
A: You need to pay a deposit of £60 to secure a place after you have been accepted. The balance can be paid on arrival in cash or cheque. Please contact us if you need to arrange to pay in non-UK currency or by Travellers Cheque's. We can also process foreign currency cheques, but it takes a little longer.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Bamburgh is extremely safe and, being rural, there are few of the problems associated with more urban areas. Crime is virtually non-existent in this part of Northumberland and since the beginning of the Project we have never had a theft, accident or needed to call the police. The accommodation is on a very friendly family based campsite that is locked after midnight.
Q: Are there local facilities?
A: The campsite at Waren Mill is one of the best appointed in the area, shops, a bar and even a swimming pool are present within the site. The BRP has a large communal tent where breakfast is taken and packed lunches are prepared each morning. The tent is available for recreation in the evening as a guard against inclement weather. There are various shops and pubs/restaurants in Belford and at Bamburgh villages, to the west and east of the campsite. If you need a bank or a larger shop then Berwick is only 20 km (15 miles away) and a lift from a member of staff can usually be arranged.
Q: Can I get post delivered?
A: Yes (The campsite address is listed below)
Q: Can I get accreditation?
A: We do not provide specific accreditation, as we are not affiliated to any one university; however, we assess all participants individually and provide a report based on their experiences and skills on site. If you want the BRP to liase with your university to compile a report of your work here, then we are happy to do so, and will meet all reasonable requests.