Summer 2021 BISC Online Archaeology Field School News

Poster for Archaeology with the Castle Online, featuring the Herstmonceux castle.

Between May 10th - June 17th, students enrolled in the BISC Online Archaeology Field School were excited to learn about archaeology and excavations on the Herstmonceux estate.

While introducing students to key principles of British archaeological practice, including excavation, written and drawn recording methods, photographic records, and basic surveying (levelling) methods, this six week program allowed for students to experience archaeology from an innovative online delivery method.

Aerial photograph of Herstmonceux grounds with a series of depressions with two almost square areas highlighted, one in red and one in pink.

The goals of the field school this year were to establish the nature of the known depressions depicted on the above image. Believed to be the medieval gamekeepers lodge, as seen in the historical map below, the depression may represent a forgotten structure. Students and instructors aimed to ascertain the size and nature of the structure to establish the approximate date and function of the remains of the structure. Through these goals, the class was responsible for highlighting areas for potential future investigations either by archaeological excavation or additional non-intrusive methods, such as other geophysical survey techniques.

A close up of a map of the Herstmonceux grounds. A small structure is circled in red.

Let’s hear from Jason, an undergraduate history student at the University of Waterloo and D.R.A.G.E.N. Lab member who was enrolled in the Online Field School this summer:

“The Online Archaeology Field School has been a great experience. I have learned not only a good amount about medieval Britain but also the history and basics of archaeological techniques in Britain. These include dating and survey techniques, as well as specifics about construction methods, and placing sites in their proper context. There is a lot to learn, especially about the fine details, since archaeologists aim to collect as much data as possible.”

View of the 2021 excavation site located on the Herstmonceux estate.

When asked what the most interesting part of the field school was, Jason had this to say:

“Perhaps the most interesting part of the field school has been seeing how what we study can be applied in the real world; in the excavation of the Gamekeeper’s Lodge, we see what we learn put into practice, which is really different from a traditional sort of class. I also appreciated the stories that the instructor shared about her time working as an archaeologist around the world: in the UK, France, and Egypt.”

Location of the 2021 excavation site located on the Herstmonceux estate.

When relating the field school back to medieval history, Jason says that: “For me personally, the field school has really emphasized the importance of putting things in context: whether this is historically, geographically, culturally or otherwise. In terms of how this relates to medieval history, it highlights the fact that nothing happens in isolation, be it a war, the founding of a new town, or the building of a castle. Instead, there have always been decision-makers involved, and a human ‘voice’ present in history that should always be taken into consideration.”

We hope all of those involved in the BISC Online Archaeology Field School enjoyed their term! We are also excited to see what kinds of excavations will be conducted during the 2021 Field School next year. Stay tuned to learn more!

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