We Dig Derventio, 1 – 28 August 2026
Imagine being the first person to see parts of a Roman town in nearly 2000 years. That is the opportunity being offered to amateur archaeologists by the team from York Archaeology this August, when they return to Little Chester, Derby for four weeks of excavation and exploration!
This is the second year that the Nottingham-based team from York Archaeology have hosted We Dig Derventio, a training dig that offers one day taster sessions and week-long placements to anyone aged over 14 with an interest in archaeology. Working alongside experienced fieldwork archaeologists, they will be part of the team digging and recording any finds revealed from the defended town of Derventio., the Roman town next to the River Derwent which was the fore-runner of modern day Derby.
Last year’s excavations revealed a potential demolition layer associated with Roman structures.
“We are really looking forward to returning this year, hoping to uncover more evidence of Roman activity. We expect to find evidence of pottery-making and food production, as well as any items dropped or discarded by the local people whilst going about their day-to-day business. This year the project is going to be bigger and better, with family activities and more ways of getting involved” comments Community Engagement Manager for York Archaeology, Laura Parker.
Working with Derby City Museums, the focus will be on the area outside the defences that grew up alongside the early Roman town, in the area close to Ryknield Street.
“Training digs are so important for our industry. For many of us, training digs gave us the first experiences of fieldwork that led on to life-long careers. There’s nothing quite like revealing something that has been buried for nearly 2000 years to spark the enthusiasm for the past, and we’ve got plenty of opportunities to do that here,” adds Laura.
How can you take part?
Students and members of the public can book either taster day sessions, full weeks or two-week placements from 3 – 28 August 2026, with prices starting from £85 for a day or £400 for a week. Generous sponsorship from local businesses means that this year, local people can apply for a limited number of free taster sessions. Those taking part will be shown how to excavate pits, sieve and process finds, with special sessions focusing on pottery, osteoarchaeology, archaeobotany and even metal detecting skills by York Archaeology’s experts.
To coincide with the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology 2026, the project will also be hosting a family weekend on 1 and 2 August, Kids Dig Derventio!, allowing participants as young as 3 years to get involved with excavation and finds washing.
Those who prefer to explore archaeology without getting their hands dirty can also get involved! Laura will be running free tours of the site on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 17 August, for which places can be booked by emailing [email protected] or calling 07767 238756.
In the city centre, Derby Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting activities on Thursday afternoons in August linked to the dig, including ‘ask the archaeologist’ sessions, a mini-dig and the chance to wash and identify some of the items recovered from the training dig.
For more details about the project, or to book onto the training dig, please visit We Dig Derventio page or email [email protected]
For more information on how to get involved in community archaeology and training projects, please visit the York Archaeology community website.
