ANYONE KEEN TO DISCOVER TO DISCOVER MORE about their community’s history can take part in archaeological dig over the next two weeks.
Professional archaeologists from Wardell Armstrong are helping members of the Castletown Neighbourhood Action Group investigate a cropmark in a field in North Hylton and inviting other volunteers to join them
It is part of a community led, Heritage Lottery Funded project to trace the historical origins of the so-called ‘ forgotten stones’ which are stone structures along the banks of the river associated with pivotal stages in the city’s history.
The project has been driven by the Castletown Neighbourhood Action Group (CNAG) who with the help of £93,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), launched the project in December 2016.
The latest archaeological dig and site investigation as part of that project, is on land where there is anecdotal evidence of Roman material being found but nothing has been officially recorded.
The aim of the archaeological fieldwork is to find out what the cropmark relates to, and can provide any physical evidence of what once stood there.
This is an opportunity for both adults and children to take part in fieldwalking, trial trenching and finds washing. No experience is necessary, training will be provided by the professional archaeologists from Wardell Armstrong, and all equipment will be provided.
The archaeological work will run from Monday 23 October until Friday 3 November (including Saturday 28 Oct).
Volunteers can attend for as few or as many days as they wish, but they do need to book a place.
For more information, and to book your place, please contact Frank Giecco at Wardell Armstrong: fgiecco@wardell-
Chair of the North Area Committee which works closely with local voluntary and community groups such as CNAG, Councillor Denny Wilson, said: “This great opportunity for people to get involved with this fascinating project.
“Being able to watch the archaeologists and volunteers work over the next few weeks will hopefully encourage even more local interest, and help demonstrate the project is making progress.
“Once again we have to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for providing even more funding for Sunderland’s heritage.This focus on the river is very timely with the Tall Ships event coming to Sunderland and our bid to be City of Culture 2021.”
Volunteers and local schools, supported by Sunderland City Council and a team of professional archaeologists, are investigating interlinked sites around the city to try and identify the origins of stone structures that once spanned the River Wear between North and South Hylton.
The community led project will visit various sites including Roker Beach, Hylton Ferry Landing, North Dock, local farmland and the Hylton Dam site with plenty of opportunities for volunteers to become involved with the research work.
Please visit http://www.sunderlands-