The Humanities Department took a group of History students on an archaeology visit on Saturday 12th July. Please scroll down for photographs.

The group went to Bromborough, on The Wirral, to take part in a project called 'Dig Bromborough' with Big Heritage, an award winning social enterprise. The day began with a visit to a beautiful wooded site where the students used modern and historic maps to interpret archaeological features of the landscape. Dean Paton, the founder of Big Heritage, really brought the landscape alive for the students as he explained the evidence for the moat, ponds, buildings and orchard that had once been there and told fascinating stories relating them to historical events.

Then it was on to nearby Birkenhead Priory with time to explore this historical site. Pupils visited the Chapter House and learnt about the functions of the buidling and the stone work and quickly became adept at spotting the stone masons' marks. From the viewing gallery at the top of St Mary's Tower there were incredible views of Liverpool and also of Cammell Laird Ship Yard which was right next door. The students found it fascinating to watch a navy warship undergoing a refit in dry dock.

A practical archaeology session followed with students working alongside Big Heritage staff on test pits in Bromborough Village. Working in small teams the students were very enthusiastic and sampled a range of tasks including digging, trowel work and sieving. Of the three test pits one was extremely productive and was identified by the trench supervisor as a Victorian midden. It was very exciting as whole glass bottles, pottery, coins, bones and metal work emerged from the soil.

After cleaning off all the mud, students headed into the 'History Hut' for a workshop on osteo-archaeology delivered by an expert bioarchaeologist from Liverpool University. Students viewed an 800 year old skeleton and discovered how evidence from bones helps archaeologists understand the impact of disease and trauma on the body.

All the students on the trip are high achievers in History and they agreed that it had been an excellent and interesting day with a brilliant range of varied activities. The day concluded with a hilarious historical re-enactment which involved Mr Mackin attempting to ride a Victorian style Penny Farthing Bicycle!

The students on the trip were from years 7, 8 and 9 and they were accompanied by Mr Mackin, Mrs Hall, Miss Collis, Mrs Tilt and Mr Kelsall.

A gallery of photographs is shown below. Please click an image to enlarge it. (Final photo supplied by Big Heritage)

Mr L Mackin

Assistant Head of Humanities