30 July – 3 August and 6 – 10 August 2025
People living in the Walmgate area of York are being invited to dig deeper into the area’s history this summer, with a series of residents’ archaeological digs and public engagement events within the city walls.
The site is known as ‘School Green’, a grassy patch of land near Willow House in Walmgate, believed to be the site of the Hope Street British School. Excavations at the site started in Summer 2024 with York Archaeology’s training dig, which will continue this year. However, archaeologists are keen to involve local people in free activities to help unearth some of the secrets below the surface of the site – which may include the elusive medieval church of St Peter-in-the-Willows.
“During our Archaeology on Prescription research, participants identified that this space was potentially an archaeological hotspot, with historic documents pointing to the likelihood of an old school, and maybe the medieval church, hidden here. Whilst the bulk of the hard work excavating the site will be carried out by pupils involved in our WeDig training dig, we are hoping that people living in and around Walmgate will join us for drop-in sessions,” says Laura Parker, community project officer.
The sessions will run Wednesday 30 July until Sunday 3 August and Wednesday 6 August until Sunday 10 August, with funding provided by City of York Council. Local residents signing up will be able to get their hands dirty at the site, digging, washing and recording items uncovered. Those wishing to take part can register by emailing [email protected].
The weekend public engagement events will include tours of Walmgate and the site, plus family friendly activities. Free tickets for the tours will be released closer to the date.
“It is brilliant that we’re able to continue this kind of community engagement work so close to the site where we spent several years digging with Archaeology on Prescription,” comments Gareth Davies, director of archaeology for York Archaeology. “We know that there are people who have lived for decades in and around here, and their local knowledge is very much appreciated, alongside the willing hands of those who want to explore what lies beneath School Green for themselves.”
Places are also available on the WeDig training dig, for archaeology enthusiasts looking for a more in-depth experience, working alongside York’s leading archaeologists. Open to anyone over the age of 14 (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), there are a number of options available, from taster days (£85 per person) to one week £395) and two week (735) courses. WeDig sessions run Monday to Friday from 23 June to 25 July at the School Green site. For more details, please visit our We Dig York 2025 page.
