Raided by the Vikings, and birthplace of the Lindisfarne gospels, the Anglo-Saxon monastery on Lindisfarne is one of the most iconic sites in early medieval history. And yet, archaeologists are still in the dark about its location. Recently, however, a few tantalising clues have started to emerge and a geophysics survey funded by the National Geographic and led by Dr David Petts has flagged two possible locations.
Now, David has joined up with DigVentures to assemble a mixed team of professionals and non-professionals to investigate. Finding Anglo-Saxon remains at these locations will provide archaeologists with a wealth of evidence to better understand this transformative period.
Dr. David Petts, University of Durham
David is one of the UK’s leading experts on early Medieval archaeology, and is a lecturer at the University of Durham in the Archaeology of Northern England. He is particularly interested in researching the social archaeology of the 1st millennium AD, with a particular focus on the development of Christianity.
David recently received funding from the National Geographic to carry out an extensive geophysical survey of Lindisfarne, and has joined up with DigVentures to make the exploration of this iconic site as public as possible.
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 fieldschool accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, they provide unique opportunities for non-professionals to learn about archaeology and contribute to internationally important research.
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.
PS. Do you like our stunning cover image? It was taken by Lindisfarne-based photographer Emma Jane Rothera. You can view more of Emma’s stunning work at www.yourbeautifulphotography.com
