PROJECT PROFILE

PROJECT PROFILE

English Heritage’s Gateway to Britannia project incorporated a research excavation at a Roman amphitheatre, which was an important milestone for Richborough. ►

The hugely signifi cant Roman town of Richborough now lies nearly 2 miles inland in east Kent, but in

Roman times it was a coastal site on the edge of the North Sea. It is widely believed that this is where at least part of the Roman army landed to begin the invasion of Britain in AD 43.

Exciting excavations Much work was undertaken to secure funding and expertise and, despite delays, work began in September 2021. The amphitheatre began to give up its secrets, with numerous fi nds of artefacts, pottery, jewellery, coins, bones, and the skeleton of a cat. Possibly most signifi cantly, we uncovered part of the arena wall with its carcer (a holding cell for people or animals) and traces of its painted surface.

Exceptionally committed Volunteers fi rst recruited to Richborough during May 2019 were embedded from the start and became an exceptionally committed part of the team. Further recruitment raised numbers to 13 by September 2021, building knowledge, sharing, and supporting each other. As part of the Action Plan for the Heritage Lottery funding they became either volunteer excavators or volunteer explainers, enhancing their knowledge and expertise and passing it on to community groups and the public.

Here are some refl ections from just a few of our volunteers.

It was a privilege to be allowed to join the excavation with the professional archaeologists. Welcoming total novices wholeheartedly, they helped us learn techniques and happily answered all our very basic questions. I have great admiration for archaeologists; they do a diffi cult, valuable job – without doubt for love rather than money. Thanks to Tony Wilmott for my personal stratigraphy tutorial on a rainy day. Rafi , excavation volunteer

This project, from the beginning to the discovery of the amphitheatre wall, was fascinating – a wonderful experience with so much learning. To meet and observe such hard-working professionals whose expertise and dedication was inspiring. The excitement as the arena wall was uncovered was palpable and a triumph for the archaeologists. I was so grateful for this opportunity to be a guide and enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm of the visitors. A once in a lifetime experience. Lorraine, explainer volunteer This experience gave me a wider appreciation of the amphitheatre, its history and the people who would have competed and watched there; the carcer was the highlight for me, together with evidence for burned-down buildings, which left such a dramatic impression in the land. The project increased my confi dence in dealing with larger groups. We were a team skilfully bound by Serena, our manager. Alex, explainer volunteer

My head thought this opportunity was fabulous, my body thought it was a disaster! Happily, after the fi rst few days I got used to the hard labour. The team were welcoming and happy to pass on their knowledge. It was a privilege to be on the dig, to be there when the arena wall and the cat were discovered, to see the painted walls and the carcer. In the compound we learnt how to clean bones then there was fl otting to do! There was a lovely warm atmosphere on site which was down to Tony. He built a team who wanted to be there, work hard, and get the best from the soil of Richborough. Sue, excavation/explainer volunteer I'm grateful to English Heritage for giving me the opportunity to work with the Historic England team. They willingly gave their time and expertise which made the experience for me a memorable one. I was also asked to lead the amphitheatre on-site tours. This was a big commitment over four weeks, however the positive feedback from the public made this a truly rewarding time for me. Dave, excavation/explainer volunteer

What an amazing experience it was to be part of the team undertaking the excavation of the amphitheatre. As the dig progressed, more fascinating discoveries were uncovered revealing the story of this huge Roman site. The arena wall, the fresco paint, a carcer and perhaps most amazing for me, a piece of graffi ti on a wall! During lockdown, I had read about the excavation of the amphitheatre by the Victorian archaeologist William Rolfe. Then one day in 2021, revealed on the wall of the carcer, Rolfe’s mark and the date ‘1849’! The site has now been covered but what lies beneath is etched in my memory. Jenny, explainer volunteer

Previous page the English Heritage and Historic England team at the dig This page, clockwise from centre The arena wall and a carcer can be seen in the centre of this image; Project volunteers Jenny Wall (left) and Amanda Turner (right); one of many Roman coins discovered; the skull of a cat that died sometime in the 4th century AD

We were happy to roll up our sleeves and set to work on the numerous mud-encrusted fi nds, armed with toothbrushes, toothpicks and bowls of cold water. The Romans’ dietary fondness for meat was apparent in the mass of animal bone excavated and washed. However, many lovely sherds of Samian tableware, Oxford Ware mixing bowls and ceramic building material also passed through our numb fi ngers. Our contribution did not end there, whilst ‘fl otting’ Dawn found a fourth-century personal clothes pin, with green glass head; one of the ‘star fi nds’ of the excavation. The professionals and volunteers quickly formed a close team, making even the chilliest and wettest of days warm and friendly. Dawn and Chris, excavator volunteers What a relief that archaeological digs cannot be completed over Zoom... The joy of the Richborough project was the face-to-face interaction. Everything was ‘in person’ and we were valued as members of the team, with the opportunity to experience how much it meant to share a technical and specialised operation with members of the public. Visitors of all ages and languages were visibly excited and moved by their visit to the site of the exposed amphitheatre; it was a privilege to be invited by English Heritage to help facilitate this. All members of Historic England and English Heritage were so positive and open in the desire to share knowledge with everyone. I am enormously grateful for the open-mindedness of the project planners that truly value the benefi ts that volunteers can bring and receive from their involvement in these fascinating events. Debbie, explainer volunteer

I am so proud of my team, and with exciting times ahead I feel confi dent that much can be achieved thanks to their passion and commitment. Serena Partridge, Site Manager

Two thousand years on and the impact of time removing almost all visible evidence of human occupation, to appreciate Richborough you need to exercise your imagination. As a volunteer guide, I encourage visitors to do just that. The dig created a window into a lost world. You could clearly see the structure of the Roman amphitheatre, last seen in 1849 and now again in 2021. What a privilege, shared with visitors, who clearly were amazed by what they saw. The dig has allowed the Richborough story to become better understood – clarifying the site and its signifi cance through the entire period of Roman Britain. Based on my dig experience, my commentary to future visitors will be enhanced. A once in a lifetime opportunity, and I was there. Mark, explainer volunteer

Top Jasmin Godmon enjoying the dig Centre Richborough Roman Fort Left Dave Ralph explains the dig

FIND OUT MORE Discover more about the history of Richborough Roman Town and its amphitheatre at www.english-heritage.org.uk/richborough W hen I volunteered to take part in the excavation of the Roman amphitheatre at Richborough, I didn’t believe I would be accepted. An opportunity like this for anyone is incredible, but as an archaeology student with an interest in Roman archaeology in particular, this was life changing . With support from staff and volunteers, I began my digging experience.

Working together The volunteers for the excavation were split into groups of three for two-week slots. I was part of the volunteering team at the beginning of the excavation. The professional archaeologists welcomed us, offering lessons in many aspects of their work outside of just digging. I was able to experience elements of environmental archaeology and expand my enjoyment of fi nds cleaning and processing. While excavating I was guided in techniques they had mastered over their careers, developing skills for my own hopeful future.

I was lucky enough to work on many areas of the site and witness the project as it unfolded, including seeing the fi rst section of arena wall and working on the same area, next to its incredibly rare evidence of painted plaster. In my time excavating with the team I was fortunate to fi nd my own share of artefacts, including a coin dating to the 4th century AD, pottery from the 17th century (indicating the layers of ground we were digging in), many Roman nails and a large amount of animal bone.

When my time excavating was over, I was so enthralled by the rich history of Richborough that I asked to stay on as a volunteer. In this time, I assisted with tours from the Roman fort up to the amphitheatre, absorbing the information provided by the guides and specialists on site.

My journey continues Although I left Richborough during its remodelling, my journey with English Heritage has not stopped. My luck continued with being offered a volunteering role at St Augustine’s Abbey. As at Richborough, I felt immediately at home, and was welcomed by everyone at the abbey. I am thoroughly enjoying learning about this site and developing my insight into the extensive history of Kent. The volunteers around me are passing on gems of wisdom and teaching me new valuable skills that will follow me through my career.

I would like to thank everyone at Richborough and St Augustine’s Abbey that I’ve met along the way for giving me these unbelievable opportunities and helping me develop skills and knowledge I will keep with me for the rest of my life. ■