Local history enthusiasts are being invited to try their hand at archaeology with a new initiative being launched by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust.
The new project will see placements on offer for volunteers to take part in test-pitting, soil sieving and finds processing – all under the watchful guidance of experts from Norvic Archaeology and a team of experienced volunteers from the Caistor Roman Project.
The work will take place at the play park in Ferrier Road, Great Yarmouth, adjacent to the medieval town wall. The site is historically interesting with the minster church of St Nicholas of Yarmouth on the inner side of the wall. The line of the former Civil War defences lies just 60m to the north and, until the slum clearances of the 1930s, the area was occupied by various gardens and cottages.
A limited number of placements are available this month on Thursday 10th, Friday 11th, Sunday 13th, Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th of April.
Each session runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm, although shorter half-day morning or afternoon sessions can also be accommodated.
The initiative is part of the Government’s Town Deal funding for work on the wall which is being delivered on behalf of the council by the preservation trust.
Great Yarmouth is recognised as having one of the best preserved and most complete mediaeval town walls in the country. The ancient monument provides a connection to the town’s past and has acted as a backdrop to the lives of townsfolk and visitors since its construction in the 13th century.
The Town Deal funding is designed to enhance elements of the wall to support the development of walking routes connecting the town for residents and visitors. It includes structural surveys in priority areas, repairs and improvements, promotion of the route and signage and information boards.
People interested in joining one of the volunteer sessions should email giles.emery@norvicarchaeology.com or telephone 07759 016372 to book a slot.
Please note, toilet facilities will be available within St Nicholas Church and there is no car parking available at the site. Participants must be over 13 years old and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult while on site.
Volunteers will need sturdy footwear, work gloves, suitable clothes for outdoor work, food/refreshments, a kneeling mat, a camping stool/chair if possible and a 4” archaeology trowel if you have one (although these can be provided).
