AN award-winning archaeological dig in Carlisle is opening up its project to the public with tours being available to book. 

The Uncovering Roman Carlisle project was formed when Wardell Armstrong LLP, commissioned by Carlisle Cricket Club, discovered evidence of a Roman Bathhouse in 2017 while evaluating a site for a new Cricket Pavilion.

This bathhouse has now been identified as the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall.

In 2023, 'finds of a lifetime' were uncovered at the site. 

In May last year, volunteers made a stunning discovery of two fantastically preserved two-foot-high effigies of heads.

Carved from sandstone, and standing two feet high, they emerged from the dirt in almost perfect condition, staring blindly from history, their faces aloof, cold, godlike.

They represent a direct link to Carlisle's ancient past when the city - Luguvalium to the Romans - was on the fringe of the Roman Empire.

Since its discovery, the dig has also become the focus of BBC's Digging for Britain with host professor Alice Roberts joining the dig team. 

The project is a collaborative effort between Carlisle Cricket Club, Cumberland Council, Tullie House Museum, and Wardell Armstrong.

To find out more about the tours which run throughout the week, you can visit the group's new website at www.uncoveringromancarlisle.co.uk

Groups of over 10 are encouraged to book a slot, which run from 9am - 4pm, Monday to Saturday, as part of the excavation period.

Visitors are advised to don appropriate footwear due to the landscape's muddy conditions.