THE acclaimed archaeological excavation at Carlisle's Roman Bathhouse unearthed finds that have captivated experts and enthusiasts alike throughout 2023.

Uncovering Roman Carlisle (URC), at the Carlisle Cricket Club, has been yielding fascinating and long-lost secrets to archaeologists for more than six years. 

Previous to this year, digs at the site unearthed a Roman-era bathhouse - which is the largest find of its kind along Hadrian’s Wall - and over 1,000 other significant finds.

2023 however, 'finds of a lifetime' were uncovered. 

In May, volunteers made a stunning discovery of two fantastically preserved two-foot-high effigies of heads.

Carved from sandstone, and standing two feet high, they emerged from the dirt in almost perfect condition, staring blindly from history, their faces aloof, cold, godlike.

They represent a direct link to Carlisle's ancient past when the city - Luguvalium to the Romans - was on the fringe of the Roman Empire.

They were found abandoned at the edge of what was once a cobbled Roman road.

Since the discoveries, the URC has gone on to scoop up wins at national archaeological awards. 

It was nominated by the Council for British Archaeology in the Archaeological Achievement Awards in two categories - public dissemination or presentation and learning, training, and skills - winning both.

Additionally, URC won the Society for Museum Archaeology's engagement project of the year award.

The dig is also set to feature on the upcoming BBC TV show, Digging for Britain. 

Host Professor Alice Roberts visited the site for the TV show back in June and said that the finds made in Carlisle were ‘really exciting’.

The episode is set to air on Tuesday, January 2 at 8pm.

The dig is being delivered by a partnership of Cumberland Council, Carlisle Cricket Club, Tullie, and Wardell Armstrong Archaeology. 

It will be returning in 2024.