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Bamburgh Environs Archaeological Investigation
Location: Northumberland
The Bamburgh Environs Archaeology Survey was set up by the Bamburgh Research Projects as a community based survey project conducted in conjunction with the LHI. The project, also supported by Northumberland County Council, has allowed members of the village community and the Bamburgh area to get involved in researching their past.
The project comprises a number of areas of investigation including:- Excavation of archaeological test pits in gardens within the village
- Ground-penetrating radar in and around the castle
- Structural survey of elements of the castle to trace remaining medieval stonework
- Testpitting
A sample survey has been conducted within the village using an innovative test pitting technique. This involved excavating small trenches, only 1m square, in gardens within Bamburgh Village. The topsoil from each trench was sieved before being replaced back in the trench. The technique allowed the recovery of finds in a manner similar to the more conventional process of field walking.
Ten test pits were excavated within the village. It was hoped that the recovered finds would give an insight into the nature and extent of past settlement at Bamburgh. Together with the archeological information, the survey project actively involved members of the village community in researching the past.
Prehistoric worked flint was found in two pits towards the western end of the village. Medieval pottery dating from 13th - 15th century, was found in six test pits, spread across the village. A wide range of post-medieval pottery, glass, brick, tile and clay tobacco pipes ranging from 16th - 20th century was also found.
The survey has shown that the mediaeval settlement of Bamburgh was at least as large as the present village and potentially significantly larger, something that had only previously been suspected. The presence of an apparent concentration of flint at the western side of the village, near the Mill Burn, is completely new information and will prompt further investigation since so little is known of Bamburgh's prehistoric past.
Radar Survey
A ground penetrating radar survey was undertaken in the western part of the castle and on the cricket pitch outside. The results within the castle showed part of the medieval defences of the castle, a possible building some 15m by 7m in size, and a previously unknown archaeological trench dug in the 1960's.
Until 100 years ago, the eastern half of the cricket pitch was marshland. The radar identified a causeway across the edge of the marsh, shown on the first maps of the village. To the east of this, the radar identified a ditch, up to 25 metres wide, roughly parallel to the castle. This ditch may be part of the medieval defences of the castle, helping to protect the landward side of the fortress.
Structural survey of the castle
An EDM (Electronic Distance Measurer) and building recording survey has been undertaken as part of the project . The survey work, combined with written evidence for the early structures has allowed a detailed picture of the medieval castle to emerge. The present phase of this work has concentrated on the west ward of the castle, an area not greatly disturbed by the reconstruction work undertaken by the First Lord Armstrong. Here the survey has been conducted in sufficient detail to generate a 3D computer model of structures and the rock on which they stand.
Presentation of the results
The results of the survey project form part of a permanent display at the castle and are featured on a C-DVD. A detailed written report will be lodged with the Archaeology Section of Northumberland County Council and held by the project. Copies of the report and C-DVD are available from the Bamburgh Research Project website. The project also undertakes public lectures.
Group Name |
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Bamburgh Research Project |
| Project Contact |
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Graeme Young
Tel: 01670 352 100
Mobile: 07711 187 651 |
| Address |
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Bamburgh, Northumberland |
| Finishing Date |
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Spring 2003 |
| See also |
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Bamburgh Research Project website |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £9,248
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