Ermine Street Community Dig

Lincoln was a major Roman and medieval city and Ermine Street (present day Newport) was the main route North from the city. The road was first laid out by the Romans at the end of the 1st century AD. In the medieval period it was the site of an important market place. Research has shown that there are gaps in our knowledge of the archaeology of this significant area of Lincoln.

The 'Ermine Street Community Dig' is a community focused project which aims to answer some of these questions and develop skills and knowledge amongst the local residents and communities who live and work along Newport and Riseholme Road today.

This project aims to give the local community the opportunity to be involved in digging test pits in the gardens and open spaces along the line of the road. Participants can be involved in working with the archaeological finds from these investigations.

The project aims to get the people living and working along the road talking to each other about their heritage and the local environment. We also aim to provide a springboard for future opportunities and longer term community activities.

Research aims

• Assessing the nature and condition of any archaeological deposits in the areas adjacent to the current road
• Looking for evidence that will assist in better defining the line of the Roman and Medieval road
• Gathering evidence that will help to determine the extent of extra urban occupation from the Roman period right through to the post medieval

The project is being run by the Lincoln Archaeology Group for Excavation, Education and Research (LAGER).

The project is based at, and supported by, Bishop Grosseteste University. BGU Archaeology Field Schools have been supported by LAGER, including excavations on the University campus alongside Newport. This inspired the membership and local residents to find out more about the archaeology.

This project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Please contact us if you would like to be involved.