Bamburgh Research ProjectBamburgh can be found on the East Coast of Northumberland, close to the border between England and Scotland. It lies around 50 miles north of Newcastle, and 15 miles south of Berwick upon Tweed. To the East of Bamburgh lies the North sea and the Farne Isles. To the North is Holy Island. Bamburgh sits at the point where the Cheviots run into the sea. It is easily accessible, being only 5 miles from the main arterial road through the North, the A1 and close to the main northern train line, which stops at both Newcastle upon Tyne and Berwick upon Tweed.
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 barrows.
• The Northumbrian capital for several centuries in the early Medieval.
• A 45m deep Anglo-Saxon well.
• An Anglo-Saxon church.
• 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was attempted in the late 1960’s and expanded early in the 1970’s by Dr Brian Hope-Taylor, but the results remain unpublished.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. With the paucity of investigation into the area, a small group of dedicated, professional field archaeologists formed the Bamburgh Research Project with the aim of creating a long term, field based, series of investigations which would allow a better understanding of Bamburgh’s past. The BRP also feel that too much valuable archaeology is lost through contract-based excavation and that a long-term project could provide a perfect arena for archaeologically based scientific research, done at a steady pace. A further reason for the initiation of the project was that the original core members of the Research Committee had identified a lack of quality training facilities for professional archaeologists. The multi phase, multiple site nature of Bamburgh makes it an ideal place to train the next generation of field archaeologists. Bamburgh was started in order to attempt to resolve these issues. Top of page
The key to the project is the multi disciplinary nature. The project directors are professional field archaeologists, each with a wealth of experience. Their combined talents and skills allow a broad base to the excavation techniques practised at the BRP.
There is also a strong culture of investigating the written record, in order to create a secure archaeological strategy, before excavation begins.
There is a large amount of investigation, covering a whole range of periods, including prehistoric barrows, an early Anglian burial ground, an Anglian port and an early medieval church, not to mention the vast array of archaeology within the castle itself.
The project always seeks to use non-invasive techniques where possible. An intensive programme of geophysical survey is in operation as well as ground penetrating radar. A large field-walking project is also underway.
The project also uses a variety of cutting edge experimental techniques, such as isotopic analysis, DNA/RNA sequencing and artefact reconstruction. A major aspect of the project is film, which is used as part of the primary archive. The entire project is recorded on digital video as an annual diary and this is used to produce training material for the future. The video archive is also used to produce a series of CD ROM/DVDs of the Bamburgh excavation, detailing the exact nature of the work.
The BBC’s “Meet the Ancestors” has produced a programme centred on the excavations carried out in the Bowl Hole and children’s BBC also used the West Ward excavation as the archaeological section of a new educational series about the Anglo Saxons. A large number of local television programs have been based on the excavations at Bamburgh.Top of page
The History Of Bamburgh Is The History Of Northumbria
There are a number of excavations and surveys in progress under the umbrella of the Bamburgh Research Project. It should be noted that not all parts of the project run each year. It is necessary to target selectively. If you have a desperate desire to dig or investigate a certain area, make sure it is open in the year you wish to go before you apply. This is especially true of the Bowl Hole burial ground, which is a site of special scientific interest and ecologically very fragile. It is necessary to limit archaeological activity to safeguard this unique piece of coastline. The Bowl Hole will not be open in 2008. Videos of trench excavations are on the Media Page and of course there are photos in the Gallery.
The castle covers over 8 acres, and is still occupied today. It is centred on a 12th century keep and the outworks surrounding this. Successive strengthening of the castle has created a complex structure, in need of extensive survey.
Geophysical survey identified areas of further research within both the inner and outer wards. Excavation has already identified the later medieval activity within parts of the castle. Further geophysical survey will be carried out coupled with excavation to establish the range and extent of archaeology in situ. A programme of survey will also be used to record the standing buildings within the castle as well as the defences themselves.
The castle also contains an Anglian well, cut through solid basalt to over 45m. This was used as one of the control sites for isotopic analysis. Further work will be needed to record the well fully, as well as to dredge and part excavate the interior.
During the 2002 to 2007 seasons over 5m of intact archaeology was identified in the West Ward. This ranged from the modern turf back to Anglian and is still much intact archaeology in situ. The excavations include the re excavation of an unpublished site from the 1960/70s as well as a control excavation to provide a comparison for this site.
During the 2008 season, these excavations will be expanded to cover a much larger area, forming the bulk of the analysis. This presents exciting opportunities to excavate anything from post medieval buildings through to Anglian defences lying on top of Roman deposits.
This is the most widely known of the excavations due to the large amount of publicity it receives.
The Bowl Hole is a deep depression in the beach to the South of the Castle. This depression contains an early Anglian graveyard. What makes the graveyard so sensational is that although it spans a relatively short period, perhaps only three hundred years, it contains distinct phases.
The first phase is the early Northumbrian long cist cemetery. This is identified through prone burials.
The second phase is a slightly later incursion representing the pagan incomers, who buried their dead with grave goods.
The final phase is only marginally later, and shows the return to more traditionally Christian burials, without grave goods, after the conversion during the 7th century. The current excavations have shown that this is only a very broad periodisation, and that the burials are very complicated and diverse.
The bodies have been dated using the C14 method, and isotopic analysis has been carried out to ascertain the area in which the occupants of the graves originated.
The extent of the graveyard is as yet unknown, but burial density indicates a possible grave count of up to 1200 bodies. Further excavation work is planned to locate the outer edges of the site. The excavation of more bodies will allow a better understanding of the stratigraphy and gather further material for advanced dating and demographic study. Top of page
The Bamburgh Research Project provides an ideal environment for the training of students. We offer a wide range of education opportunities from basic field techniques through to supervisory roles.
Professional field archaeologists are the core of our training staff. The key members are the on site directors, who are each responsible for the pertinent areas of the project.
Each area also has a number of supervisors. They are responsible for the daily running of their area and for passing on training to the students involved. There are also extensive seminars and tutorials, given on site, in a whole range of subjects with the aim of providing quality information and training in the techniques pertinent to archaeology as a career. Issues such as Health and Safety, contracts, choice of tools and equipment, how to successfully get a job, are all covered, as well as the more traditional skills and techniques necessary to function well as a professional field archaeologist.
There is the option of training in building recording, excavation techniques, recording, survey and film and media, as well as all manner of archaeological periods.
There are opportunities for students with greater experience and aptitude to supervise less experienced members of the team.
There are also a number of local surrounding sites that can be visited, to put Bamburgh into context in the landscape and history. These include Lindisfarne, Dunstanbrough, Milfield henge and Roughting Linn as well as others.
Specifically there will be places for up to 25 students (per week) to participate in the excavations and building recording.
There will be further places for 6 assistants dedicated exclusively to aiding the filming of the project excavations.
Bamburgh Castle has also supplied a building within the castle which is now a museum dedicated to the excavation. The maintenance of the museum would provide an excellent opportunity for a person (or persons) with a museum-based background to engage in a personal project, which would be unique and potentially very rewarding.
A further two places are available for people wishing to create and implement a series of activity aimed exclusively at working with young people and children in an educational capacity.
The BRP provides an excavation manual which describes the methods and practices you will have learned on site, but you may need to provide specific documentation if you are from a University that requires it.
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 1:30: Lunch
3:00 to 3:20: afternoon break
4:45: pack up
5:00: Back to campsite
7:00: Evening meal
Weekend
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. Top of page
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.
Tuesday night is film night. Every week there is a different highbrow or foreign language film. (Carry on Cleo, Back to the Future, Rocky IV and many more.)
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. A minibus runs from the campsite to the local village where you have a choice of three lovely pubs and several hotel bars. A great chance to show the local people what folks from the city are wearing this century.
And that gives you the weekend to do what you will… 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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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 20% deposit to secure a place after you have been accepted. The balance can be paid on arrival in either cash, cheque, or travelers cheque's. We can also process foreign currency cheque's, 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 camp site that is locked after midnight.
Q: Are there local facilities?
A: There is a café and phone on the camp site, as well as the normal facilities associated with a camp site, such as showers, toilets (with electricity for hair care/shavers etc.). There is a communal area with games machines and TV on the camp too, but this is shared with the public. The BRP have a dedicated mess area with cookers, fridges and seating for meal times and evening/weekend recreation periods. There are various shops and pubs/restaurants a short drive away and someone goes every evening so it is never a problem getting there. If you need a bank or a larger shop then Berwick is only 15 miles away and the staff go at least twice a week.
Q: Can I get post delivered?
A: There is a postal address at the camp site and provided the package or letter is clearly marked with BRP or archaeologist then it always finds us. That is: Your Name c/o BRP, Budle Bay Camp and Caravan Site, Waren Mill, Belford, Northumberland, NE70 7EE.
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 liaise with your University to compile a report of your work here, then we are happy to do so, and will meet all reasonable requests. Top of page
About the 2008 Season.
The 2008 excavation season will begin on Monday 16th June and will continue for ten weeks until Sunday 24th August. (Actual on site work will not begin until Monday 18th June, but the campsite will be available from Sunday 15th June, this being a general arrival and greeting day.)
Accommodation is camping, with showers, toilets, café, phone etc. All meals will also be provided. 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 bring a sleeping bag plus blankets etc if you feel the cold.
If camping is not for you then you can easily get accommodation in a local guesthouse, as these are plentiful.
If you wish to provide your own accommodation then the cost of the excavation and training is £95 per week.
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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There are placements for up to 30 people per week. Placements will last a minimum of two weeks and priority will be given to applicants who want to come for ten weeks.
No of Weeks |
Cost |
No of Weeks |
Cost |
1 week |
£130 |
6 weeks |
£720 |
2 |
£260 |
7 |
£820 |
3 |
£390 |
8 |
£900 |
4 |
£520 |
9 |
£950 |
5 |
£620 |
10 |
£1000 |
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
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
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
There is a good public transport system from Berwick on Tweed to the campsite at Budle Bay. 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 Budle Bay campsite at Waren Mill. 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
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 Paul Gething or Clare Henderson if you would like us to have one ready for you)
•4H pencil and eraser. Top of pageApplication Form and Further Information
Get a copy of the application form and notes.
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