Archaeology students uncover secrets of Leicestershire’s medieval past at Loddington field school
Archaeology students from the University of Leicester have returned to Loddington in Leicestershire this summer to further investigate a shrunken medieval village.
Fifty first and second year students are working at the site in an archaeological field school run by the University of Leicester’s School of Heritage and Culture and University of Leicester Archaeological Services, with the kind permission of the landowner, The Allerton Project.
The field school builds on successful excavations that took place in 2025 which have already revealed well preserved medieval and post medieval features.
So far, finds include medieval pottery and coins, boundary features, evidence of domestic activity and later stone-built structures thought to be associated with Loddington Hall.
Excavations this year have revealed medieval timber buildings, along with overlying later stone buildings of 16th century date. The team will carefully examine these to help shed new light on rural settlement, land use, and the changing shape of village life in the area over several centuries. The field school also gives students valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to develop practical archaeological skills while contributing to live research.
This year, members of a local heritage group are also taking part, while school children from the Young Archaeologists’ Club will visit the site and experience hands-on digging.
The field school is led by University of Leicester’s Dr Philippa Walton, Dr Gavin Speed, and Joseph Peters.
Dr Philippa Walton from the University’s School of Heritage and Culture said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Loddington this summer to continue exploring the story of this fascinating medieval settlement. Last year’s excavations revealed an exceptional range of well-preserved features, and this season we hope to uncover even more evidence about how people lived, worked and shaped the landscape over hundreds of years.”
Dr Gavin Speed from University of Leicester Archaeological Services said: “This training dig offers an outstanding opportunity for students to learn from professional archaeologists from University of Leicester Archaeological Services. Working alongside experienced practitioners, students develop essential field skills and an understanding of modern archaeological methods while contributing to significant discoveries about Leicestershire’s past. It’s also particularly rewarding to welcome members of the local community and young visitors onto the site—bringing together students, archaeologists, and the public to explore and share in this rich heritage.”
