First, Abbie from Mersey and Dee YAC told us:

My name is Abbie and I won a YAC competition to dig at Bamburgh Castle.

We met the lovely team of archaeologists at the Windmill. Constance, Lauren and George were amazing. First, we had a tour of the castle and learnt about the burials that were found just outside the grounds of the castle in the sand dunes.

Then we went back to the finds room and saw all different finds, combs, dice etc. Then we did some finds washing. There was a lot of animal bones.

After lunch we went to the well and saw the timbers that they had uncovered and graffiti that had been carved onto the wall.

We then went to the dig site, which looked amazing. I got my own trench to dig in. Lots of animal bones came out, there was cow, pig, sheep and even a cod vertebrae. Also lots of shells. I really enjoyed digging and wish I could do it more often.

We also did sieving, on which I found what looks like either a pin or part of a brooch. It was really exciting.

I would love to go back as I love archaeology and want to do more digs. Thank you for the opportunity of letting me dig, I would love to go back!

Next, here’s some photos of Christina from The Sill YAC, and a comment from Christina’s parent:

Christina had an absolutely amazing time! The archaeology team were all so friendly and their knowledge was just fantastic. Christina learned how to properly excavate a trench and how to clean and chronicle the finds amongst other things. I must say that everyone made us feel so welcome and it was a magical day, the work they are doing at the castle is fascinating. Christina has reaffirmed her love of history and archaeology and the experience made her so happy. We would like to say a massive thank you to you and your team and also to the amazing people at the Bamburgh Research Project.

Finally, Ollie from Sheffield YAC tells us…

My archeological dig was at Bamburgh Castle, the experience started with a tour of the castle grounds where we came across a windmill that had no sails…can you guess why? Because they kept blowing off in the wind!

I had the opportunity to clean some bones that had been found by real archeologists which I really enjoyed. We used old toothbrushes to gently scrub off the dirt then if you look closely you could see butcher knife marks from where they cut up the meat.  Next, we visited an Anglo-Saxon well where we saw lots of ancient graffiti in the brickwork which I couldn’t believe was done by Anglo Saxons.  There was still water at the bottom of the well. 

Finally, I was so excited because I got to do my favourite part of the whole experience and join in a dig with real archaeologists.  My favourite item I found was a one thousand year old horse hoof. I learnt how to excavate using my brush and trowel and found lots and lots of bones. I now understand more about how a dig site works and how artefacts are looked after.  I would love to go on another archeological day.