Archaeology at our places

hands with trowels digging in sand

We care for many rich and diverse archaeological sites, from prehistoric monuments such as Avebury in Wiltshire, to twentieth-century military installations like Orford Ness, Suffolk. Our archaeologists work to care for these places so that everyone can enjoy them.

Archaeology enables us to tell the stories of the places that we care for, revealing their longer histories of use and people. Through the earthworks of lost landscapes, buildings, buried remains and artefacts we’re able to make connections with past communities and understand more about the lives that they led.   

One of the burials uncovered at Long Bredy, Dorset

Long Bredy's prehistoric burials 

This summer, our archaeologists were busy digging at Long Bredy, Dorset, to discover more about a rare prehistoric burial site found during drainage work on one of our cottages. Their exploits featured on the BBC 4 series ‘Digging for Britain’.

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" To me, archaeology roots us in place and time and gives a sense of belonging – of depth of time. And that is why archaeology is important to the Trust. We can display the evidence and tell stories of the habitation of these islands dating back thousands of years. "
- Ian Barnes, Head of Archaeology
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A view over Housesteads Fort at Hadrians Wall

What is archaeology? 

Archaeology is the study of human society and life in the past through physical remains.

Standing Stones at Avebury

What is a World Heritage Site? 

A World Heritage Site is a cultural or natural landmark that has been recognized by UNESCO due to its universal value to humanity, both in the present and for future generations.

Parch marks showing the shadow of the old Victorian garden

Parch marks explained 

Sometimes hot, dry weather can reveal unexpected surprises in the landscape. From lost gardens to entire mansions it's amazing to see them appearing right before our eyes.

Archaeological discoveries

Peter Moore examing the fragment

Rare glass fragment found at Chedworth Roman Villa 

The first of its kind, a rare fragment of glass was discovered on an archaeological dig in 2017, and is now on display for all to see.

Small 5cm copper alloy human figurine held in a glove hand

Archaeological dig uncovers ancient settlement at Wimpole 

During an archaeological dig at Lamp Hill Wimpole this Summer excavations revealed part of the ancient landscape here, a Late Iron Age to Early Roman (c.100BC – 150AD) rural settlement.

Fountains Abbey with a winter sky

Technology reveals archaeological discovery  

Groundbreaking technology reveals location of monks’ cemetery and new evidence of their burial rituals at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

Archaeology in process at Sutton Hoo

Experience a working holiday 

If you have a passion for uncovering the past then look out for one of our archaeology working holidays and join us at a dig. You could be one of the first to view a rare or unusual find.

More about working holidays

Read about our cause

While we're passionate about open spaces and historic places, we're working hard in other areas too. With your help, we're caring for the environment, food and farming, green energy and transport, and heritage.

What we care about