Four family days are being staged as investigations into a possible significant Roman settlement gather momentum.

Throughout August excavations are taking place alongside the River Derwent at Papcastle, near Cockermouth, where signs of a substantial second century presence have been unearthed.

Heritage Lottery Fund-backed Bassenthwaite Reflections is supporting the volunteer-led dig. Geophysical searches have already detected buried walls and compelling artefacts.

Andy Winthorpe, of Grampus Heritage and Training and leader of the family gatherings, said there is extensive evidence of Romano-British activity.

He explained: “Volunteers for Reflections’ Unlocking Hidden Heritage project are working throughout August to uncover some of the 2,000 year-old history. There could be an amphitheatre, road, ditched enclosures, a metal working site and buildings.

 “But we also wanted to introduce four less formal days designed for all the family. We are throwing out an invitation to drop into the dig on 19, 23, 26 August and 2 September. Two hour morning and afternoon sessions are planned each day when we will have plenty of activities on offer.

“People can help excavate, wash and clean newly found artefacts and see first-hand relics that have already been unearthed. They can also talk to the archaeologists and discover what sort of settlement might have been here.”

He said it was a unique opportunity to piece together groundbreaking and previously hidden history.

“It’s not every day you find the remains of what is likely to have been a thriving Roman community around Papcastle and Cockermouth,” he added.

Anyone wanting to join the family days should contact Andy to book. Phone 016973 21516 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Reflections’ volunteers will be working from 9 August. Anyone wanting to take part in the excavation can contact Reflections on 017687 74785/ 73204 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it website www.bassenthwaite-reflections.co.uk
 

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