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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

The collections showcase all aspects of past daily life: A dress fastener from Chedworth Roman Villa A Bronze Age barbed and tanged flint arrowhead from Calke Abbey A 6th century CE Byzantine bronze bucket found at Sutton Hoo A Midlands Yellow Ware moulded head from a cup from Tattershall Castle

A pale flint barbed and tanged arrowhead on a dark background

A bronze decorated bucket on a perspex stand

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Last week we shared a post on archaeological archives, but did you know there’s a whole online catalogue you can explore? National Trust Collections provides opportunities to search the over 1.1 million artefacts in our care, whether by property, category, or date. Perfect for #FindsFriday!

The homepage of the National Trust Collections website, with a search bar and the background of a box decorated with a range of people in raised embroidery dating to 1671 from Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

By determining extent & depth, we can plan management & conservation actions both for nature and heritage! There could not be a more inspiring location to do science while taking us on a journey of discovery guided by Newton’s teaching "What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean." 🍎

Volunteers at work in the garden in front of Woolsthorpe Manor

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Did you know that Ground Penetrating Radar can be used to detect more than archaeology? Working with @nationaltrust.org.uk Tree Advisors, Woolsthorpe Manor volunteers & Viviana (NT Archaeologist) have been using GPR to study the root system of the tree that inspired Isaac Newton. #LincolnshireDay 🍎

Volunteers using GPR equipment in the garden at Woolsthorpe

Archaeologists and volunteers holding apples beneath Newton's tree at Woolsthorpe

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Yesterday, SW archaeologists Steve and Cat spent the day with volunteers Jackie and Meg to review, re-box and unlock some of the potential of these finds. They discovered everything from prehistoric flint tools to modern glass bottles from a range of properties across the South West.

A selection of flint finds laid on a table.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Some of these finds may be sent to specialists for analysis or conservation, but many are kept in dedicated stores at National Trust properties, full of research potential or ready to bring out for displays for visitors, or for events such as Festival of Archaeology.

A box full of small plastic bags labelled with the details of finds inside them

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We certainly enjoy our time #outinthefield, whether that’s undertaking geophysical surveys, building recording, walkover surveys, or excavation (among many other things!), but that’s not the end of the story. What happens to all the 'stuff' we find?

Filing cabinets full of brown boxes with writing on them relating to which site the finds were recovered from.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

"Being in the field is always so much fun, because the people who want to be there have the same passions for discovery, learning and sharing stories with others. It’s a bonding experience to be part of a team on a collective journey of discovery and I always feel so grateful that this is my job."

An archaeological trench in a field with a variety of tools and a wheelbarrow by the side of it. Another trench is in the background, surrounded by orange plastic net fencing.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

"Barrow One was investigated in the 1930’s by the Rev. A.B. Milner & archaeologist Samuel Winbolt, who, with the help of 2 labourers, discovered the remains of an oval pit burial, lined & covered with flints, and containing the cremated remains of an infant and a juvenile and a single flint knife."

A person wearing a green waterproof coat with the hood up, kneeling in an archaeological trench in a field. There are several upturned buckets in the trench, which also contains a black protective tarpaulin. In the background is another trench surrounded by orange plastic net fencing, some cars, gazebos and portaloos.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Today we're hearing from Shannon, National Archaeologist, who was #outinthefield at the weekend at Hinton Ampner. She says: "I don’t get out much… At least not much for a field archaeologist!"

National Trust archaeologist Shannon, using a mattock to excavate in a trench in a field. There are various tools, finds trays and wheelbarrows around the trench.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#OutInTheField near Wrexham this week: the Erddig Community Archaeology project is well underway. With our partners from @henebtwa.bsky.social & our volunteers we are evaluating the effects of tree roots on the archaeology of the castle, prior to replanting missing trees from an avenue on the bailey

A group of people excavating in a shallow, wide trench within a tree-lined avenue.

An archaeologist carefully excavating an area of tree rooting with a small group of people in the background pointing at another area of the trench.

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Among the most intriguing finds was a fragment of a Roman military helmet - further evidence that military personnel were involved in the construction of the city and the Roman roads radiating from it, with some probably living out their retirement close to the city and surrounding countryside.

An s-shaped metal fragment possibly from a Roman military helmet found at Bath Assembly Rooms held in the palm of a person's hand ©National Trust/James Beck

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

@wessexarchaeology.bsky.social uncovered several Roman ditches dating to the second to third century. From a single ditch, they recovered almost 60 fragments of Roman pottery alongside glass vessels, animal bones, roof tiles, 3 Roman coins and a limestone tessera, possibly part of a mosaic floor.

Wessex Archaeology archaeologist recording a Roman ditch at Bath Assembly Rooms ©National Trust/Ruth Newell

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The finds, made during the £20 million restoration of the Bath Assembly Rooms, expand the known extent of Roman occupation and suggest that further remains are likely to survive beneath neighbouring Georgian streets and properties that have never been investigated archaeologically.

A collection of Roman finds, including glass fragments, sherds of Samian ware pottery, bone pin, a limestone tessera (possibly from a mosaic floor), three Roman coins and a possible fragment of a Roman military helmet ©National Trust/James Beck

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

** NEWS ** Excavations beneath the National Trust's Bath Assembly Rooms have uncovered a network of Roman ditches along with pottery, coins, glassware and a possible fragment of a military helmet, revealing substantial activity in an area previously unexplored for Roman settlement. 🧵

Exterior of the Bath Assembly Rooms, constructed of honey coloured stone and the entrance with its portico ©National Trust/James Beck

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The aim was to see whether the GPR can penetrate the rubble/demolition layer that overlies walls and cobbled floor surfaces, as discovered in the excavations undertaken in partnership with @uoearchhist.bsky.social in 2024 and 2025. Even Matthew, Killerton's new General Manager, had a go!

Two people standing in a field, and another pushing ground penetrating kit

A group of people standing in a field, and another pushing ground penetrating kit

A small stone chapel in a graveyard with trees behind

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

SW Archaeologist Cat has been #outinthefield with the National Trust Killerton HART team today, undertaking some ground penetrating radar survey at Columbjohn, the site of the Acland family's original manor house on the Estate.

A stone archway, which was once part of a gatehouse, with a trackway leading up along a tree lined avenue to a chapel

A group of people in a field undertaking an archaeological survey

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

We even found a small name plate dedicated to ‘Trixi’ dated 2nd January 1996. Not an arborglyph, but worth taking a photo of! I hope Trixi is a dog not a person!” Have you seen any interesting arborglyphs at your local National Trust property?

A small metal plaque reading 'Trixi 2-1-1996 We love you A & K' attached to a tree

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

"It was fascinating to see the various carving styles, the older ones (some as early as 1880), were a lot neater and more recent ones were a lot cruder. It would be interesting to perhaps compare the older names to garden staff pre-1944 or even the students that lived here in the 1960/70s."

A carving into tree bark, with someone holding a black and white measuring scale below it

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

An arborglyph (also known as dendroglyph or silvaglyph) is ‘tree writing’ – words or pictures carved into the bark of a tree. They often take the form of names or initials and dates, sometimes carved into trees as a lasting symbol of a couple’s love, or just for an individual to make their mark.

A carving, or arborglyph, of a heart into tree bark, with someone holding a black and white measuring scale below it

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The National Trust Killerton HART (Heritage and Archaeology Ranger Team) volunteers have been #outinthefield undertaking surveys of something a little different in recent weeks – arborglyphs!

A carving, or arborglyph, in a beech tree, with the letters J, R, E and S visible, and a date of 1960, with someone holding a black and white measuring scale below it

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

@nationaltrust.org.uk archaeologist Adrian is back #outinthefield at Grey's Court as part of #HeritageOpenDays. Why not pop along and find out more about the excavations. Find out more here: bit.ly/4rdX3gn

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

There was an added bonus as the @nationaltrust.org.uk specialist craft team were on site having recently replaced a lintel on one of the barns, and were busy rebuilding and repairing the stonework above.

Honey coloured Ham stone barn in the background, behind a wooden gate and information board.
The specialist craft team are repairing the barn, and are stood on scaffolding

Honey coloured Ham stone barn with the specialist craft team repairing the barn, stood on scaffolding

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the site, and see the recently restored dovecote (made possible with funding from Historic England).

A circular roof from below, with wood battens and stone tiles, and an opening in the centre

A honey coloured circular stone dovecote with stone tiles and the gable end of a barn to its right

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Earlier today South West Archaeologist Cat led some guided tours around the medieval chantry college remains at Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory in Somerset as part of #HeritageOpenDays.

Honey coloured Ham stone buildings of the Priory complex

The interior of the Great Hall, with a door off to the left leading to the oratory

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

**NEWS** Neolithic ‘Devil’s Arrow’ stones travelled 11 miles across Yorkshire, study reveals. Researchers have shed new light on a series of prehistoric stones in Yorkshire, revealing the 25-tonne structures were hauled 11 miles across land by Neolithic builders. 🧵

Rock formations at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We were so privileged to have the wonderful Claire Fletcher on site with us during #Bodiam100 as our Artist-in-Residence! Here are some of her lovely paintings for you all to enjoy this morning - thank you Claire! #archaeology #art 🏺🎨🏰 @nationaltrust.org.uk

Painting showing a small dog asleep next to a trench

Painting showing an assemblage of Roman ceramics in red and black fabrics

Painting showing excavation underway at Freren Mead field

Painting showing the trench in Bodiam Castle

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

This time next week sees the start of Heritage Open Days, which runs from 11 to 20 September. This free festival is brought to you by @nationaltrust.org.uk, supported by players of Postcode Lottery, and powered by thousands of local organisations and volunteers. Find out more here: bit.ly/4gysIFT

The exterior of the iconic wood frame moated Tudor manor house at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Columbjohn Chapel at Killerton, Devon ©National Trust Images/Fi Hailstone

View of Bodiam Castle, East Sussex ©National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

October 3rd: Sussex Archaeology & History Ltd conference in Lewes, E Sussex & online, exploring the life, work & legacy of Ivan Margary, best known for his major contributions towards the study of #Roman roads in Britain: www.sussexarchaeology.org/margaryconfe... #archaeology 🏺

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

We rounded off #Bodiam100 in style with a party in the Castle - huge thanks to our wonderful colleagues at Bodiam who have made us so welcome! We're off to have a rest but we'll keep everyone updated through the post-excavation process as we find out more! 📷 Nathalie Cohen #OutInTheField

View of the interior of Bodiam Castle with groups of people sat and walking around in the Courtyard

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

In the Parkland trenches, the ditch bounding the village garden was excavated, which revealed a land drain showing continuity of boundary use, while the trench to the east showed further evidence for ironworking, as yet undated but very intriguing! 📷 Nathalie Cohen #Bodiam100 #OutInTheField

View towards Bodiam Castle with archaeological trenches in the foreground

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

In Trench 18, over 120 timbers were recorded & further artefacts retrieved, including a large deer antler. Sadly, due to theft of diesel & vandalism of the machine, the trenches in the south field are not yet fully backfilled. 📷 Nathalie Cohen #Bodiam100 #OutInTheField @archsoutheast.bsky.social

Deep stepped trench with archaeologists working

A child’s toy digger with some rubber ducks

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Digging and recording continued until the last possible moments in Freren Mead with some beautiful #Roman ceramics recovered from the ditch in Trench 17 & deep excavation into the flood deposit in the NE corner of the trench🏺 📷 Nathalie Cohen #Bodiam100 #OutInTheField @uclarchaeology.bsky.social

A group of archaeologists excitedly examining pottery in a trench

View southwards across a large trench. In the foreground is a deep stepped intervention

Roman pottery after washing is drying in a finds tray. There are red and black sherds and one group has been partially reassembled

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It's the end of Week 5 of #Bodiam100, the rain has arrived & our work is largely complete! First, we'd like to acknowledge the extraordinary team effort - with 210 participants digging, finds washing & sharing discoveries, this has been a HUGE undertaking, THANK YOU! 🧵 📷 Ellis Briley #OutInTheField

Two people are giving a trench tour while other archaeologists are working in the background

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Remnants of mosaics from the floors were uncovered within the demolition layers in Trench 2, alongside numerous fragments of intricate plasterwork, suggesting the high level to which this part of the house was decorated.

A close up of a collection of dark coloured mosaic tiles lying on top of soil

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The internal partition wall between the Yellow Drawing Room and the Small Dining Room was also uncovered. Cellars were revealed in this area of the house, but it was unclear as to whether these basement rooms were for servant use or family use.

A person in an orange t-shirt in an archaeological trench examining a brick and stone wall

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In 2018 an excavation was undertaken on part of the former house's footprint, which targeted two areas - the servant areas and the area frequented by the family. Trench 1 revealed part of the kitchen wall, a corridor and the butler's pantry.

A group of people undertaking an excavation on the lawns at Clumber Park, with the Chapel of St Mary the Virgin in the background

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Today's #outinthefield post takes us to Clumber Park in celebration of #NottinghamshireDay. For over three centuries, Clumber Park was the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the house was taken down in 1938, there are many glimpses of its grand past to explore. 🧵

An aerial view of Clumber Park circa 1936 | © National Trust Collection

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

East of England archaeologist Angus, says "It’s great to see how archaeology has been integrated into this project and has revealed how the landscape and habitats have changed so dramatically as the centuries pass. he archaeological richness of this landscape, drowned under the peat, is amazing..."

An aerial view of Burwell Fen, Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire ©National Trust Images

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Ellis talks about the need to keep peatlands wet to ensure carbon isn't lost, improving conditions for a wide range of species, as well as preserving important archaeological evidence of past landscapes and landscape use.

A yellow and black tracked machine carrying peaty soil along a trackway in an area of peatland restoration, on low lying land.
Peat Restoration, Hurdle Hall at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire ©National Trust Images/Mike Selby

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

📣Young Voices for Heritage – Pathways to Action & Advocacy📣 We invite people aged 18 to 30 who work or volunteer in heritage or environmental sector to take part in some online creative research workshops as part of the Historic England and National Trust ‘Youth Voices in Heritage’ project. 🧵

A poster detailing three creative workshops for people aged 18-30 working in the heritage or environmental sectors with a QR code and link

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Unusually dry conditions have uncovered a hidden chapter of Llandeilo's wartime past at Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire. Marks revealed in the landscape by the prolonged dry weather have exposed the outlines of former Nissen huts that once stood within the historic park. 🧵 @nationaltrust.org.uk

A black and white aerial photograph showing a collection of rectangular buildings in the historic park at Dinefwr

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Yesterday saw a wonderful pop-up exhibition from six Thames mudlarkers, huge thanks to Nicola, Claire, Monika, Steve, Si and Jason for being with us! All this and an #eclipse view from our campsite too! #OutInTheField 😎 #Bodiam100 🏺 📷 Nathalie Cohen

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Our first group of students from UCL Institute of Archaeology have completed their fieldwork& the second group has now joined us. We've also welcomed the North Kent & Brighton Young Archaeologists Clubs to site this week, our visitors have enjoyed graffiti tours with our expert guides Rae & Gen

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Perhaps most exciting of all - we've started working on our trench IN the Castle, with plenty of lovely medieval to modern items found so far! 🏰 📷 Nathalie Cohen, Wilfred Bazely #Bodiam100 #OutInTheField

Digging a trench in the Castle courtyard

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We have features showing up in the Parkland trenches ready to be explored, the paleochannel team has continued to go deeper into the environmental deposits & #Roman artefacts have been recovered in droves from our largest trench, which has kept our finds team very busy indeed. #Bodiam100

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

It's been a hot, hot Week 3 #OutInTheField at #Bodiam100! We've been working across the site in the continuing heatwave - which has meant a lot of hard graft & some early starts ☀️ 🧵 📷 @nathaliecohen.bsky.social

Bodiam Castle in the early morning sunshine

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

During Week 2, the team has worked across the site, in very challenging conditions, to start to expose the archaeological deposits in the area of the Roman settlement & in the Castle parkland. #Bodiam100 #outinthefield #archaeology🏺 📷 @nathaliecohen.bsky.social @nationaltrust.org.uk

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Towards the end of Week 1, our first three trenches were opened by machine by our rangers in Freren Mead south of the river & in the Balloon Field. Our induction day was attended by over 100 volunteers! #Bodiam100 #outinthefield #archaeology🏺 📷 @nathaliecohen.bsky.social @nationaltrust.org.uk Trust

Excavation by machine underway in Freren Mead field with a group of archaeologists observing and Bodiam Castle visible in the background

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National Trust Archaeology @nattrustarch.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Our first two weeks on site at #Bodiam in East Sussex have flown by! During Week 1, we worked in the Primary School Playing Field, in Dokes Field north of the castle, to explore & recover finds with the community. #Bodiam100 #outinthefield #archaeology 🏺 @nationaltrust.org.uk 📷Laurence Perry

A child using a metal detector with a view of the fields in the background

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