Carlisle cricket club dig welcomes more than 500 school children

The head statues were unearthed on day two of the most recent archaeological dig at the cricket club, and have been described as ‘finds of a lifetime’, and added to the ever-expanding list of fascinating artefacts found on the site.

There is speculation that the heads may be effigies of the third century Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus and his queen Julia Domna.

The Roman heads were uncovered last month (Image: Stuart Walker)Schools from across the area have been invited to the dig by Cumberland Council to help inspire the next generation of budding Carlisle historians.

Erin, a year six student at Kingmoor Junior School, said it was ‘interesting’ to see pieces of Carlisle’s history in person whilst class teacher, Chris Marsh, said it was ‘fantastic’ for the children to get to experience the dig.

Pupils were shown round the dig site (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)“Actually going out and seeing things, exploring things, touching things rather seeing things on a screen or a board is much more interesting,” said Erin.

“It’s interesting to see what we’ve evolved from and to see what we used to do compared with what we do now.”

The speed of the dig on site at the cricket club has been quickened following the donation of a digger from local company, Story Homes.

Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “This project is amazing, and it is great that school children of all ages can see first-hand the Roman remains and the dig underway.

"It brings history to life and instils pride in Carlisle and its heritage.

“The dig has resulted in coverage and has showcased the city, and the Cumberland area, to a global audience. It is something we need to build on and I encourage everyone to visit the site.

Pupils were able to touch some of the objects found in the dig (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)“Thanks to all the team involved in the dig, including the hundreds of volunteers that have signed up to lend a hand.”

The 2023 Uncovering Roman Carlisle project is funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund which is part of the government’s levelling up agenda.

This is a continuation of previous the community excavation of the site as part of a Lottery Funded Uncovering Roman Carlisle Project in 2021 and 2022, and in 2017 when the Roman Bathhouse was first discovered.

This project is supported by a partnership of Cumberland Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, and Wardell Armstrong LLP.

Limited spaces are available for additional volunteers. No prior experience in archaeology is needed, just enthusiasm in learning about Carlisle’s past. Anybody interested can sign up online.