Archaeology in the Midlands
Archaeology is a vital part of the work we do looking after special places. Our archaeology team works closely with buildings and estate teams to identify and preserve the hidden secrets of the landscapes and buildings in our care and ensure you can continue to enjoy them in the future.
Ancient find discovered at Croft Castle
Excavations which spanned over a six-year period in the 1960s secured Croft Ambrey’s status as an Iron Aged Hillfort and scheduled monument. A recent discovery here now implies the land was actually occupied up to a thousand years beforehand.
Archaeological discovery at Attingham
The remains of an Anglo Saxon hall were discovered by archaeologists in 2017 on the Attingham Estate.
Parch marks reveal hidden history in the Midlands
Summer of 2018 was a scorcher, so much so that the grass in many of our places went completely brown. As the ground dried out it started to reveal some pretty amazing bits of archaeology.From lost gardens to entire mansions it was amazing to see shapes appearing right before our eyes.
Neolithic and Early Bronze Age archaeology in the Midlands
The National Trust cares for many unique and historic landscapes across the Midlands, many of which are scattered with the remains of prehistoric occupation.
Exciting archaeological finds
We have recently conducted a large archaeological survey, which has unearthed some exciting discoveries
Archaeology on the Clent Hills
Discover more about what lies underneath the Clent Hills.
Archaeology at the manor
Visitors and volunteers help to reveal over 1000 years of history at this ancient property.
Archaeology at The Firs
Delve deeper into our archaeological mysteries at The Firs
Archaeology Live at Clumber Park
In an attempt to find out more about the magnificent but lost 'Clumber House', we held an exciting public archaeology dig on the mansion site in July 2018. Here, we evaluate our finds.
Winter lays bare Dovedale's landmarks
The bare trees of winter offer a different view of Dovedale's famous rock features.
The Garden Project at Berrington Hall
Find out about Berrington's ambitious Garden Project. Keep up to date with the latest news and research and how you can donate or get involved.
Belton Park and the First World War
Far from being a rural backwater, the Belton estate played a significant supporting role in the First World War. By April 1915, a small town had been built for around 20,000 men of Kitchener’s Army within Belton Park, a military base hospital, churches, YMCA huts, a cinema and its own railway line.
Calke Abbey’s lost garden rediscovered
Recent examination of detailed landscaping mapping of Calke Abbey has revealed the remains of a ‘lost’ garden.
February Half Term at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses
Blow out the winter cobwebs and visit Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses this half term. There's lots of walks to explore through heathland and woodlands as well as cosy, atmospheric cave homes with roaring fires and candle light.
Archaeological discoveries in Fishpool Valley
Discover what has been unearthed in Fishpool Valley.
Projects at Canons Ashby
Take a look at the completed and ongoing projects that keep Canons Ashby alive, from ancient archaeology to up to date visitor facilities.
Finding Shelter on the Eastern Moors
Finding shelter on the moors can be tough. Find out more about how people in the past worked and lived out on the Eastern Moors in the Peak District.
Using radar to reveal hidden archaeology
Archaeology isn't all about digging! Some of our properties in the Midlands have been using scientific techniques and radar to investigate what intriguing archaeology survives underground.