Hidden in the landscape for thousands of years, this intact Bronze Age Barrow was discovered by two keen metal detectorists. They immediately reported the discovery to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, who, along with the University of Central Lancashire, dug a small test pit to verify their finds.
The time has now come to carry out a full-scale investigation of the barrow. To do it, we’ve brought together some of the country’s best experts with enthusiastic archaeology-lovers. Here’s the team behind the project:
DigVentures
DigVentures run crowdfunded and crowdsourced excavations, bringing professional and non-professionals together to carry out top quality archaeological research. As the UK’s only field-school accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, they provide unique opportunities for non-professionals to learn about archaeology and contribute to internationally important research.
Dr Benjamin Roberts B.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., University of Durham
Ben is an expert on Bronze Age archaeology, and previously worked at the British Museum as the Curator for the European Bronze Age collections. He is now a lecturer at the University of Durham’s Department of Archaeology, where his research interests include Neolithic, Bronze Age and Early Iron Age archaeology of Britain and western Europe, and the origins and early development of metal.
Ben is currently collaborating on a major AHRC funded project on ‘The Rise of Metallurgy in Eurasia’, and will be applying his expert knowledge on the Bronze Age to our project in Morecambe.
Stuart Noon BA, MA, MCIFA, Specialist Heritage Advisor
Stuart is a Specialist Heritage Advisor responsible for all aspects of archaeology and heritage consultancy advice, as well as a Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Having worked on multiple Bronze Age sites in England, Ireland and Cyprus, and recorded over a hundred Bronze Age objects for PAS, he’s highly knowledgeable on the types of finds we’re expecting to make in Morecambe.
Involved in the project since the first finds were discovered, Stuart has joined up with DigVentures to carry out this ground-breaking investigation.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Our project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK. They use money raised by National Lottery players to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. Our project has a strong community focus, and the funding granted to us by the HLF will help us to involve as many local people in the project as we can!
Morecambe Heritage Group
Morecambe Heritage describe themselves as a group of like minded souls, who want to shout about the wonders of Morecambe, its people, and its heritage. They’ll be working closely with DigVentures during the project, sharing their Heritage Centre with us, and helping to engage with the community and local schools through a specially developed activities programme.
Digital Dig Team
DigVentures will publish everything the excavation finds online, in real time. This means all the results will be available to everyone with an internet connection, and that people who support the project as a Digital Digger will be able to follow the excavation’s progress live.
And finally… you!
This excavation is crowdfunded, and everyone who supports the project will have a place on the team, either as a Digital Digger, or in the field. By joining the field team, you’ll get to learn all the necessary skills required to work as part of the excavation team, and dig alongside professionals. If you’ve ever wanted to find out what it’s like to be an archaeologist, this is your chance.
