THE community excavation and exhibition project of Carlisle’s Roman Bathhouse, Uncovering Roman Carlisle (URC), has won three prestigious national awards.  

URC, which resulted in the extraordinary discovery of two huge Roman head statues, won awards from the Council for British Archaeology and the Society for Museum Archaeology last week.

It was nominated by the Council for British Archaeology in the Archaeological Achievement Awards in two categories - public dissemination or presentation and learning, training, and skills - winning both.

The ceremony took place on Friday, November 24 in York.

Additionally, URC won the Society for Museum Archaeology's engagement project of the year award.

One judge commented that: "This project clearly demonstrates the benefits of engaging volunteers with archaeological excavation and museum based post-ex.

"It is a clear model for how to utilise such archaeological and museum resources to carefully engage with the local, and often hard to reach, communities, and instil elements of pride in local heritage."

The project has been delivered by a partnership of Cumberland Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, Tullie, and Wardell Armstrong Archaeology.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said:

"Well done to all those involved in this ground-breaking project. In addition to unearthing some internationally significant finds, the community initiative has provided substantial benefits for the volunteers and partners involved.

"It’s great that the project has yet again been recognised by their national governing organisations."

Frank Giecco, technical director at Wardell Armstrong added: "People come to support the project rain and shine, but these awards are a recognition of all the hard work of everyone involved who has so kindly given their time, expertise, and experience.

"As ever, thank you to everyone who has made and keeps making URC happen and such a great project."

Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement added: "We’re so proud that Uncovering Roman Carlisle is getting the recognition it deserves at a national level - it's been a project that has had so many impacts across the community in terms of supporting wellbeing, skills development and fostering a real sense of pride in Carlisle's history."

The Roman heads are at Tullie until December 23.