Partners at the archaeological dig at Carlisle Cricket Club are ‘exploring the opportunities’ for future digs at the site as the latest excavation draws to a close.
More than 600 school children have visited the site this summer, and there have been more than 1,000 significant finds, and over 1,200 days given by volunteers in all phases of the project since 2021.
Dig partners are also looking at a ‘wider plan’ to display the discoveries in Carlisle as the dig is set to finish on Saturday, July 1.
Until then, the site continues to be active and is open to the public. Tours of the site are held at 11.30am and 3pm on each of these days.
The project is supported by a partnership of Cumberland Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, and Wardell Armstrong LLP.
Frank Giecco, technical director at Wardell Armstrong, said: “The complexity of the building has grown as has its size.
"The finds have reinforced how high-status the building once was, amazing bits of sculpture and architectural features.
"We get 'wow' finds every day. The Facebook group has grown to around 1,000 members from all over the world, the level of interest has been utterly fantastic.
"It’s been everything from local, to national, to international - and as ever we’re all just blown away by the kindness, enthusiasm, and generosity of the team on site, the project partners, local people, and the volunteers who are helping to make this possible.
“Thanks to additional support from Cumberland Council and the generous donation of plant by RH Irving, and recently we’ve had additional machinery on the site by Story Construction, and it’s helped confirm the size of the building has grown.
"We’ve got plenty to keep us busy in future."
Uncovering Roman Carlisle received £56,700 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The funding aimed to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. The project will allow members of the public to take part in the community excavation or visit free of charge.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, added: “I have visited the project site a number of times, and been very impressed by the dedication, hard work, and professionalism of the whole team.
“A big thanks to Wardell Armstrong and all the volunteers that have taken part. All phases of the project have exceeded our expectations and have given Carlisle something more to be proud of.
“The impact this project has had on raising the profile of Carlisle Roman history and location on Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO site is profound.
“Most significantly, as a community project based in an urban area hundreds of residents have been involved in engaging with their heritage directly.”
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