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News! The 2008 Fieldschool at Historic Dilston has started, and early indications within the test trenches north of the Castle are excellent! Its not too late to book yourself on the fieldschool - please use the form to the right to register online!

« Click here to view our 2008 Fieldschool Progress Page »

This year the field school will be focusing on excavating and recording the remains of the Jacobean Range at Dilston Castle, near Hexham, Northumberland. Dilston Castle and its associated group of historic buildings have a history stretching back about 800 years. The romantic and melancholy story of the 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, who was executed in 1716 for his part in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, still dominates the public perception of the site. There is a growing concern about the need for the conservation of the buildings and of the dramatic landscape setting of parklands, escarpment woodland and riverbanks.
The quality of the historic and natural assets of the site is demonstrated by the numerous statutory designations. Both the Castle and the Chapel were included in English Heritage's register of Buildings at Risk and much work is required to ensure the survival of these buildings for future generations.
During the summer of 2007, the Field School started work recording the initial arch of the Jacobean service range of Dilston Castle, as well as defining in plan the remains of any related buildings. The work is the first step in an ambitious conservation project aimed at opening these structures to public viewing and interpretation and safeguarding their long-term survival: a project which will continue in the 2008 Field School.

The project aims to provide archaeology students, and prospective entrants into archaeology courses at university, the opportunity to gain valuable fieldwork experience by participating in the project; skills available to be taught are:

• Topographical Surveying Techniques
• Excavation Techniques
• Archaeological Planning Techniques
• Environmental and Finds Processing Techniques
• Building Recording Techniques
• Computer Aided Drawing (Digitising)
• Geophysical Surveying Techniques

Need more details on the Field School for 2008? Click below to view our Fieldschool Frequently Asked Questions:

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