Archeoscan provides opportunities for public involvement in archaeology. Our most popular
activity is giving people the chance to participate in an excavation at exciting sites in the Cotswolds area. We also assist communities in conducting geophysical surveys of sites of interest to
them. Equally, we visit schools and colleges in support of the national curriculum to provide hands-on experiences of archaeology
Be an archaeologist for a day
Take part in an excavation £45/person/day
Book as many days as you want
To date many people have enjoyed excavating on our sites. These have included Roman villa sites, a new Roman
pottery kiln site and a possible Iron Age and Roman port on the River Severn, and discovering a lost Medieval manor in the Cotswolds. Thank you to all who participated in the digs and contributed in
so many ways.
2025
DIGS
In 2025 we excavated on
the following sites
Wickwar, South Gloucestershire - Roman Pottery Kiln site
Medieval Manor complex at Guiting Power, Gloucestershire (image
above).
Background to the dig: Over the past few years through geophysics and excavation we have discovered the extensive remains of a
medieval manor at Guting Power in the Cotswolds. Dating from the post Norman Conquest period we have located the remains of a large manor house with associated buildings arranged in a
courtyard. The walls are very substantial and the building probably started life as a defended medieval tower and has been modified over time. The site has remained open (covered)
over the Winter so we are ready to start on new archaeology straight away in 2026.
Slimbridge Iron Age and Roman site, Slimbridge , Gloucestershire (images below)
Background to the dig: Over the past few years through geophysics and excavation we have discovered an extensive Iron Age and
Roman landscape at Slimbridge that could be a trading/port on the banks of the River Severn. It is now clear that a large Iron Age settlement of the Dubonnic tribe was
located here, possibly living and trading on the river before the Roman invasion. In 2024 we focussed on excavating and understanding the chronology of a large Roman compound
located on a spur of land that potentially formed part of the ancient shoreline of the River Severn. Pottery and coinage recovered here indicate a late 1st Century AD date
for initial Roman occupation. A well-appointed bath house was constructed within the compound, potentially as a second phase of activity, although excavations have not yet located any
significant domestic structures that may accompany the baths. In the mid-3rd Century AD the pottery sequence stops and Radiocarbon dating of burnt layers suggest a destructive event and a
significant change of use for the compound. A very large aisled building was constructed over the baths; possibly for large-scale storage. The foundations of this
building were raised on plinths suggesting that environmental conditions may have been wet in this marginal location. We will return to this site in 2026.
See Digging Opportunities page for the exact dates we are on site
Dates for 2026 digs will be published as soon as we have finalised the details
To be placed on the mailing list contact us and you wil be one of the first to know of the new opportunities for
2026.
GIFT VOUCHERS
Dig for day in 2026
Why not purchase a gift certificate for the Archaeologist in your life
Dig for a day £45.00 (all
equipment included)
Any multiple of days available
For details contact us via the form on the Contact Us page
Thanks for stopping by. Have a look around and get to know me. I welcome your thoughts, comments, tips or personal contact requests. Please use the contact form to get in touch.
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