In the last week of July, during the Council for British Archaeology's 'Festival of Archaeology' week, we'll be carrying out an excavation on the lawn near the front door at Oak House in West Bromwich.
This iconic building dates from the early 1600s and to the best of our knowledge, there has not been any archaeological investigation at the front of the property. In 2020 we put in a small test pit at the rear of the property and after removing a century's worth of landscaping and rubbish, made some interesting finds, contemporary with the earliest days of the house.
While visitors to the house will be able to have a brief 'hands-on' archaeology session, we're also inviting volunteers to assist with the dig. Tasks will include digging with a spade, excavating with a trowel, sieving excavated material, cleaning finds etc. No experience or equipment is needed and there's no cost involved. Our public liability insurance means that we can only accept adult volunteers and each day will run from around 11am until 3pm from 26th to 28th July 2022. You can take part in one day or all three, as long as you can stay for the full session on your chosen day(s).