Archaeologists return to Carlisle's Roman Bathhouse

The archaeologists and volunteers are set to excavate a so far unexplored section of the site with the aim of determining the actual size of the original bathhouse, now believed to be the largest building on Hadrian's Wall.

The accurate size of the building, estimated at 60m by 50m, is among one of the unresolved mysteries of the site.

The mini-dig, taking place at Carlisle Cricket Club, started on July 30, and will carry on until August 2.

Each day, there will be volunteers available on site between 10am and 4pm to speak to visitors.

Limited spots are open for interested volunteers.

The requirement isn't archaeological experience, but the enthusiasm to discover more about Carlisle's history.

Those who are interested can find more information on the website, www.uncoveringromancarlisle.co.uk.

So far in 2024, the site has had approximately 5000 visitors, with 800 being school pupils from different schools across Cumbria.

The project is a partnership of Cumberland Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, Tullie, and Wardell Armstrong LLP.

As the mini-dig unfolds, a temporary exhibition will be set up at the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre.

In terms of funding, Uncovering Roman Carlisle has received support from the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The collaboration, including Wardell Armstrong LLP, Cumberland Council, Tullie, and Carlisle Cricket Club, is looking to attract as many people as they can to visit the project.

Frank Giecco, the technical director at Wardell Armstrong said: "It's exciting news that we are back on site sooner than I had thought, at quite short notice we have been able to organise a mini-dig.

"The excavation will target the northeast corner of the site.

"The size and scale of the full building is still a bit of a mystery, so it’s great to be looking in an area that’s mostly not been explored before to try and answer some more questions about the site."

He added: "Already some lovely pieces of stamped amphora have been discovered, and coins have come out, including post-Roman coins such as a coin to King George 1st, with a rather nice thistle!

"The story of Carlisle, and even of wider British History, can be found here in the discoveries at the site.

"This dig is very small and very short, but we’d love for visitors to come down and see what we’re doing.

"We also hope to return to the site in autumn, and next year, so there will be future opportunities to come, which we’ll advertise through the website."

The Uncovering Roman Carlisle initiative has to date received four awards, three archaeological achievement awards from the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and an award from the Society for Museum Archaeology for the 2023 exhibition.

The project was also featured on the most recent series of the BBC’s Digging for Britain with Prof Alice Roberts.

The Diggers, so far, have made more than 3000 significant findings.

Among these discoveries are 600+ Roman coins from several centuries of occupation, 800+ hairpins, tiles fit for an emperor, North African style vaulting tubes for roof construction, hundreds of impressive glass beads, game pieces, even a rare Roman doll’s foot.