Hidden histories revealed at Bradgate Park
In just the first two weeks of a five-year archaeological project at Bradgate Park, a team of students and staff from the University have unearthed thousands of years of history.
The 850-acre deer park is currently the home of the University’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History’s field school, giving archaeology students the chance to experience practical, hands-on field work as part of their studies.
Already staff and students have found Stone Age flint blades, Roman pottery, a musket ball, a medieval building and much more.
This is the first time archaeologists have excavated the public park – a site of historical significance with secrets from the Stone Age through to World War II expected to be revealed throughout the five-year dig.
80 undergraduate students are taking part in the first phase of the project – a six-week dig which began at the beginning of this month. The team’s discoveries have been made in a number of trenches which are being dug near to Bradgate House, the former home of the Nine-Day Queen, Lady Jane Grey.
The findings of the first phase will be revealed to members of the public in an open day event taking place at Bradgate Park on Saturday 27 June.