2026 Dates:

Week 1: 22nd - 26th June

Week 2: 29th June - 3rd July

Click on the pictures below to see pictures from previous Welby Training Excavation:

Welby Archaeological Training Field School 2026

At Welby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Price £495 per person, or £395 per student (in full time education 18 and under, Student NUS card holder or international equivalent*, Distance Learning etc)

Gallery 2021:

Gallery 2023:

Gallery 2024:

Gallery 2022:

Community Archaeology Nottinghamshire, Community Archaeology Derbyshire, Community Archaeology Leicestershire, Community Archaeology East Midlands, Mercian Archaeological     Services Community Archaeology for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Sherwood Forest,     Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Community Archaeology Nottinghamshire, Community     Archaeology East Midlands, Community Archaeology Leicestershire. Archaeological

Welby Archaeological Training Field School

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email: info@mercian-as.co.uk

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“A fantastic introduction to so many archaeological skills. Great from start to finish of the course.”
-ST (delegate) Week 2 2021

“Learnt so much from a very dedicated and knowledgeable group of people”
-JY, (delegate) Welby Week 2 2021

“I am so glad I came to Mercian for my first field school- I now feel overqualified when I go to other field schools and digs!”
-Vanessa, (delegate) Welby Week 2 2024

Join Mercian Archaeological Services CIC in the beautiful Leicester countryside, near the market town of Melton Mowbray, in the Heart of Rural England, for this week-long training excavation, which focuses on the teaching of archaeological excavation methods.

Archaeological Training Field School:

This is not an ordinary field school - this is a ‘training field school’ where you will learn about all aspects of archaeological excavation and receive hands on training and learning from archaeological professionals in the heart of Sherwood Forest…

As well as offering the best in archaeological training and support, the Field School is tailored towards enabling attendees to fulfil the requirements of the Archaeological Skills Passport.

https://shop.bajr.org/

This course is suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced digger.

For those wishing to develop their skills, for students and post-graduates seeking to fulfil the experience requirements of their courses… for those wishing to pursue a career in archaeology, or improve their knowledge to give them the edge at work… for those looking to acquire cross-transferable skills… for volunteer diggers wishing to raise their game, impress their friends, and increase their enjoyment of archaeology and heritage through a greater skill set and knowledge base…. through to people simply wishing to learn for the love of learning…

Everyone is welcome… no previous knowledge or experience is required…

 

You will receive training and experience in many techniques of excavation,

including The Core Skills of the Archaeological Skills Passport:

• Hand-tools (Trowel etc)
• Hand-tools (Spade, Mattock etc)
• Site Formation Processes
• Stratigraphic Excavation
• Context Sheet Recording
• Site Photography
• Site Grid and Trench Layout
• Dumpy Level and Staff
• Planning
• Section Drawing
• Collection of Samples
• Site Safety
  
  

Plus many higher level archaeological techniques that make up the Secondary Skills of the Archaeology Skills Passport including:

• Finds Processing

As well as covering skill requirements for the Passport we also provide:

• Pottery identification,
• Finds handling,
• Finds processing,
• History of Ceramics lectures,
• Introduction to Photogrammetry in Archaeology,

And much more…

        

As well as the above all school attendees will receive the following:

• All techniques are taught and experienced throughout the week, with hands on training from our Archaeological experts. Every attendee will learn to excavate, draw sections and plans, and fill in context sheets and paperwork.
• Delegates will undertake workshops in surveying including:
• Measuring and recording heights with a dumpy level
• Laying out a trench in the field from co-ordinates
• Hands on learning and training is supplemented with seminars covering many of the subjects listed above - providing the theory behind the practice.
• Information from lectures is made available via online ‘hand-outs’. These will be made available to attendees to download via a file-share. The details for access are provided prior to the field school. The files can be downloaded and are for students to keep. Mercian aim to be an environmentally friendly company and this helps us to work towards reducing our environmental footprint.
• This course is suitable for people of all archaeological abilities from beginner wishing to take their first step, to experienced diggers wishing to take the next step, and from university students and post-graduates needing more experience, to retired people wanting to fulfil a life’s ambition… all are welcome and will be treated equally… the experience is tailored to the individual through hands on personal supervision.    
• Field Days include a lunchtime sandwich provided by local caterers which will be eaten in our welfare area in the field.
• On-site toilet facilities are provided along with welfare tents.
• All equipment is provided, although you are welcome to bring you own trowels etc (more details when you have booked).

*Please note accommodation is not provided*

About the site:

The Deserted Village of Welby is situated 3km to the north-west of Melton Mowbray town-centre, off the Nottingham Road (A606), in North Leciestershire.

The site “sits within a historically rich landscape with close proximity to prehistoric and Romano-British activity that could extend within the area of the site.”

The site sits a few miles north of the Historic market town of Melton Mowbray.

“Melton Mowbray is a town in Leicestershire, England, 19 miles (31 km) north-east of Leicester, and 20 miles (32 km) south-east of Nottingham. It lies on the River Eye and the River Wreake and has a population of 25,554. The town is well known for a culinary speciality, the Melton Mowbray pork pie, and as the home of one of the six licensed makers of Stilton cheese. Melton Mowbray is sometimes promoted as Britain's "Rural Capital of Food".

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melton_Mowbray)

Archaeology at Welby (Mercian field schools and research) 2019- 2025:

At the invitation of Force Archaeology, Mercian Archaeological Services CIC is undertaking archaeological investigations on the site of the shrunken settlement of Welby, Leicestershire. It is intended that the investigations will comprise multiple seasons of excavation spread over several years. The aims of the excavations are to elucidate the origins, development and demise of this Leicestershire settlement.

2021-2022:

The initial phases of work were undertaken in the field to the West of Welby Lane, where earthworks indicate the presence of a Deserted Village.

Examination of the morphology of the earthworks at the site by Force Archaeology identified a rectilinear bank and ditch that appears to constrain or enclose presumed medieval village earthworks on their southern and western sides. The corner of this enclosure appears to be rounded and on these grounds Force Archaeology tentatively drew parallels with Roman military works. The project design for the first phases of excavation identified this enclosure as an unusual feature of the settlement with a high potential to reveal information about the origins of Welby.

Excavations took place over three weeks, from 6th to 24th June 2022. The excavations occurred as part of an archaeological training field school directed by Mercian Archaeological Services CIC. The excavations were a continuation of those begun in 2021, with the same methodology, aims and objectives and trench locations. The only modifications were that trench 02 was not revisited this season, and due to the results of the first season of work, in order to maximise the possibility of achieving the aims and objectives of the excavations, the eastern end of trench 01 was abandoned and a new trench, trench 03, was instead excavated perpendicular to the bank and ditch of the toft boundary.

The 2022 excavations focussed on investigation of the western bank and ditch of the putative rectangular enclosure where it meets the bank likely to represent the rear boundary of one of the village tofts. Trench 01, begun in 2021, was partially reopened, and a new trench, trench 03, was excavated perpendicular to the rear boundary of the toft.

The weather was mostly hot and sunny, with periods of heavy rain. These conditions made excavating the clays of Welby difficult and meant that the excavations were not completed this season.

Trench 01 revealed a section across the bank and part of the ditch of the putative rectilinear enclosure. Two distinct phases of ditch were associated with the bank. The earlier ditch was partially sealed beneath the bank, which examination of the earthworks in plan suggests has spread westwards. The earlier ditch could not be bottomed in the available time and trench. There were no clear signs of recuts within the homogenous clay fill, but this may be more a product of the nature of the clays rather than an indication that the ditch had not been recut. No finds were recovered from the fill but samples of charcoal were taken for potential C14 dating, though they did not come from the primary fill so are not ideal. The second phase ditch was located west of the first and was shallower. Again, no finds were recovered.

Beneath the bank associated with these ditches, the probable pre-bank ground surface was discovered. This contained a sherd of Early Stamford Ware jar of Kilmurry Form 2/3 of pre-Conquest date. Several features were cut into or on top of the pre-bank ground surface.

A spread of burnt material, including charcoal, fired clay and burnt fragments of sandrock, was associated with a sub-oval feature cut into what was interpreted as the pre-bank ground surface. This feature was filled with burnt material, probably mostly burned sandrock fragments but with some fired clay fragments, over a layer of ash or fine charcoal fragments. On top of the fill of this feature were a range of water-rounded quartzite cobbles and large lumps of sandrock, most of which showed signs of burning (sandrock) or spalling from heat (quartzite). They had not been burned in situ, and are most likely to represent the remains of a kerb or lining, perhaps tipped or kicked into the pit to fill it in once it had gone out of use. Finds from the fill included part of the mandible of sheep or goat, a burnt fragment of Millstone Grit quern, the partially burned rim of a Stamford ware bowl, and two small sherds of Saxo-Norman oolitic limestone tempered ware. Environmental samples and charcoal for C14 dating were taken but a provisional peri-Conquest date seems likely from the pottery and stratigraphic position. The feature finds ready parallels amongst hearths, ovens and associated features excavated on other medieval village sites on clay, such as at Tattenhoe and Westbury (Milton Keynes).

Around the hearth feature was a spread of burnt material and flecks of charcoal. This extended horizontally to the west and the east of the hearth, at the same stratigraphic level, and perhaps represents material from the hearth spread or trampled into the contemporary ground surface. This spread ended on the west at the earliest ditch, which appeared to cut it. On the east it appeared to be constrained by a linear feature approximately 0.4m wide composed of clean clay with a very different texture to all the rest. It was not possible to determine what this feature was in the available time, but there were tentative hints that it could have been a positive feature, such as perhaps a cob wall or unfired daub wall, but further investigation is necessary to test this.

Trench 03 revealed the profile of the bank of the toft boundary. This survived a maximum of 0.67m above the former ground surface. The bank comprised two layers of platy sandrock fragments in clay. It contained a very fresh sherd of Stamford Ware spouted pitcher of Kilmurry form 5 broadly of mid 11th to mid 12th century date. The associated ditch could not be fully excavated this season, and only the most recent fills were excavated. These included 17th century clay tobacco pipe fragments and pieces of thin green potash window glass of post-medieval date, suggesting the final silting up of the ditch probably took place in the 17th or 18th century. To the south of the ditch a drain composed of a capping of re-used stones (mostly sandrock, some burnt) with a gully beneath, now silted up, ran to the ditch. The line of stones terminated at the ditch; there were some indications that the feature might have been truncated by the ditch but no continuation of it could be found beneath the bank on the other side of the ditch. There was no dating evidence found in the small section of fill examined, but a piece of large mammal bone was recovered for possible C14 dating. The soil through which the drain was cut produced Saxo-Norman and early medieval pottery, including Stamford ware and Potters Marston ware.

This season’s excavations have provided compelling evidence that, at least in this location, the western side of the putative rectangular enclosure is likely to be no earlier than very late Saxon or early Norman in date. They have also suggested that what is interpreted as the southern boundary of the village tofts in this area may be broadly contemporary with the enclosure. The pre-bank features seem to suggest occupation in this location. While it can be no more than speculation at present, could the regular tofts and crofts of the village represented by (some of) the surviving earthworks be the result of a significant reorganisation of an existing settlement at some point in the later 11th or early 12th century?

The findings of this season of excavation throw up new questions and allow the research design for the project to evolve. The putative enclosure still remains a key feature of the settlement and is likely to repay further investigation, particularly on the southern side where the excavations of Season 1 seemed to suggest late Saxon and Saxo-Norman material had built up against its bank. However, the pre-bank features in Trench 01 suggest that dating the occupation of the regular tofts and crofts has become a key question, with the site having the potential to usefully feed into discussion of when and how the nucleation and formalisation of settlements came about.

2023-4:

1023- and 12024 represented the the third and fourth seasons of excavation at the site. Both seasons involved the excavation of a single trench, Trench 04, located in a pasture field to the north of Welby Lane. Season three took place over two weeks from 6th to 16th June 2023. Season four took place over three weeks between 24th June and 15th July 2024 The excavations occurred as part of an archaeological training field school directed by Mercian Archaeological Services CIC.

Trench 04 was located in an area that observation of a service trench in 2022 had suggested was a focus of Saxo-Norman activity. The earthworks located in this land parcel, to the north of Welby Lane, have been interpreted primarily the remains of formal gardens around the post-medieval Welby Hall, probably set amongst earlier ridge and furrow agriculture. The finds from the service trench suggested a more complicated picture, with the possibility of peri-Conquest occupation in this area. The excavation was intended to characterise the deposits seen in the electricity trench and to recover finds to allow the activity to be understood and dated. The ceramics found in the electricity spoil suggested that occupation may have begun later in this part of the site than the area to the south of Welby Lane investigated in 2021 and 2022. Trench 04 was therefore intended to feed into the wider project that seeks to understand the development and history of the settlement of Welby.

Trench 04 was begun in 2023. It was initially 5m x 1m in size. The combination of the limited duration of this season, torrential rain and baking hot sun, and large quantity of finds meant that sub-ploughsoil deposits were not encountered in Season three. Season four was of a more normal duration. The trench was extended to a total size of 6m (west – east) x 2m (north – south).

Beneath the modern and medieval plough soils, three broadly parallel linear features were encountered. They appeared to run broadly north – south. All were relatively narrow and of different profiles, The westernmost was about 0.4m wide with near vertical sides and an irregular, but largely flat, base. The easternmost was the most substantial, at around 0.5m wide and surviving to a depth of about 0.4m below the plough soil. It was U shaped in profile. Its fill was quite rich in pottery, containing relatively large and fresh sherds of Stamford Ware, Potters Marston Ware, Shell Tempered Ware and other Saxo-Norman and Early Medieval wares. It also contained numerous small fragments of red to black fired clay, possible charcoal fragments, and some relatively large pieces of stone. To the west of this feature, the final feature was a gully with a ‘v’ shaped profile. It was approximately 0.67m wide at the top.

A few fragments of animal bone included identifiable teeth of dog. Metalwork was present in the form of a few iron objects, which included fiddle key horseshoe nails of broadly 11th – 13th century date and a socketed triangular arrowhead of similar date.

The pottery suggests occupation of this location began in the late 11th or 12th century, in contrast to the evidence of late Saxon activity discovered on the south side of Welby Lane. The latest chronologically diagnostic forms were late 12th to early 13th century, although some of the ware types continue into the 13th century (for example Potters Marston ware, Splashed ware), but only a few sherds of definite 13th to 14th century date were present.

The dominant ware types in the assemblage were Stamford ware (all late 11th - 12th century, where forms were present); a Saxo-Norman quartz and oolith tempered ware; Splashed ware; an early medieval micaceous sandy iron rich ware; a Saxo-Norman brown sandy ware; and Potters Marston ware. Other ware types from known and unknown sources were present, but only as minor components of the assemblage. Both the quartz and oolith tempered ware and the sandy micaceous iron rich ware do not appear to have been noted in Leicestershire before and appear to be new types. The inclusions in the sandy micaceous ware have some similarities to the fired clay found on site and it is possible that this ware is relatively local in origin (it is unclear how far back the nearby ‘Potter’s Hill’ placename goes).

The finds suggest that this part of the site was probably first occupied in the late 11th or 12th century and that this occupation probably ceased at some point, possibly early, in the 13th century. What appear to be the ridges of medieval arable cultivation visible on LiDAR,, as well as the small size of most of the sherds, suggests this area was probably then cultivated. The presence of so much pottery and other domestic waste in the ploughsoil would seem to suggest that the occupation layers and at least shallower features have been plough truncated. It is probable that this phase of cultivation may have occurred in the 13th or 14th century and that the few sherds of this date are likely to have been deposited as a result of manuring. However, the dearth of later ceramics suggests this land was given over to pasture or some other use that did not include cultivation before the 15th century (none of the late medieval pottery types seen in the excavations on the south side of Welby lane and known from 1970s fieldwalking around Welby were present, for instance).

Work has continued in 2025 and an update will follow soon.

A comprehensive introduction to the site history (as known at the time of writing), is available via the 2021 interim report:

Report on Archaeological Investigations at Welby, Leicestershire. Open Series Report. Mercian Archaeological Services CIC Report No. MAS051

David Budge, 2021.

http://www.mercian-as.co.uk/reports/mas051_welby_2021_report.pdf

Resistance Survey 2019:

A Resistance survey of part of the site was undertaken in 2019 by Mercian Archaeological Services CIC. Images from the preliminary results can be seen below.

Picture: LiDAR Composite DTM - 1m data hillshade image created in GIS. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. North to top of picture.

Picture: Geophysical Resistance survey data overlain on LiDAR data of the earthworks of Welby Deserted Village. LiDAR Composite DTM - 1m data hillshade image created in GIS. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. High resistance features displayed in black, low resistance in white. North to top of picture.

Picture: Geophysical Resistance survey data overlain on LiDAR data of the earthworks of Welby Deserted Village. LiDAR Composite DTM - 1m data hillshade image created in GIS. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. High resistance features displayed in black, low resistance in white. North to top of picture.

Picture: Geophysical Resistance survey data overlain on LiDAR data of the earthworks of Welby Deserted Village. LiDAR Composite DTM - 1m data hillshade image created in GIS. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. High resistance features displayed in black, low resistance in white. North to top of picture.

In addition to Mercian’s work at the site, a desk-based assessment was written by Sandy Saunders of Force Archaeology in 2017:

View the Desk-Based Assessment of the site by L. Saunders of Force Archaeology:

Deserted Medieval Village of Welby, Leicestershire.

Desk-Based Assessment

Prepared by L. Saunders. 2017. Project Code - WEL Report No. 001/2017

Click here

Gallery 2025:

Feedback from previous customers at Mercian’s field schools

“The most knowledgeable and eager to teach staff I’ve ever met in the industry! Will come again!”
 S, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Really enjoyed the field school and highly recommend others to attend, to have a taste of what archaeology is about in a span of a few days. Many techniques taught in detail over the week. The supervisors clearly have passion for their craft and as a result, it made it more enjoyable to attend practice, theory and site tours. Their sense of humour and good banter between them made the atmosphere better as well. David, Sean and Andy were patient with us and walked us over completing the tasks step by step, encouraging/correcting us along the way.

The lectures were wonderful and presented in a fun way. Full of interesting trivia and funny stories. It really made me look at pottery, flint knapping and medieval idea of a forests differently. By the end, it made me respect the people of the past even more than before and appreciate their ingenuity and way of life.

Another welcome part of the school was the freedom for attendees to focus on more digging as an alternative for the lectures. Especially beneficial for people who attended the previous week and heard the lectures but decided to come back for more fieldwork. Or people from a more academic/theoretical background looking for more hands on experience.

Meeting people of similar interests, interacting with them was a good way to pass the time and find out more about the world of archaeology through their experiences, whether it is academia or fieldwork. Talking with our tutors regarding the topic at hand or a completely different one was great as well. Grateful to them for willing to answer multiple questions for more information on future career prospects and their advice.

Of course, big thank you for Roy, our chef, for his service and tasty food.

Thank you again for the opportunity to experience archaeology at King’s Clipstone.”

V.Z. Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Thanks so much for a great week. I really enjoyed all the talks, demonstrations and hands on activities (and the banter).

It taxed my brain and my joints!

For someone who’s never done anything like this before, it was a brilliant introduction to Archaeology and information about the local area.

Special thanks to Roy, who’s meals must now be legendary.”

V, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“I just wanted to drop you an email to say a HUGE thank you for running such a wonderful field school last week - I learned so so much and am already seeing if I can come back in October!

if you would like a testimonial, please feel free to use the below,:

I had a wonderful time with Mercian; the guys are passionate and knowledgeable in a way that's infectious! I have no idea how they cram so much information into such a short space of time, but I came away brimming with new ideas and inspiration. A great way to learn while meeting like-minded people. Enjoyable and educational!”

C, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Just wanted to say thank you to all of you again for this week, it was amazing! There was just so many new things to learn about! So thanks for helping me start my pre reading for uni! Phenomenology sounds really interesting, definitely something I want to study more in the summer, and I’ve now got loads of books ready to order thanks to you lot!

I really hope I can come again in the future, if I’m off in October I’m definitely coming to the next one, it was lovely working with you!

Thanks again, and good luck with the other field schools! Keep in touch”

N, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

 “I did want to say how much I enjoyed the whole week. All of the staff were unfailingly informative, patient and humorous. My brain was absolutely filled with fascinating information by the end of the week - and my stomach was full of equally fabulous food. It was an unexpected pleasure to have such excellent catering for my vegan diet and I was never made to feel that I was making life difficult. I would happily have stayed another week if I could have. I am looking forward to the Zoom round-up of the summer dig - such a good idea.”

SA. Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Thank you so much for a really wonderful week of archaeology. Odd as it may sound, it was my first ever dig, despite being in the middle of a doctorate at the University of Sheffield’s department of archaeology! I am a coppersmith by trade, so my specialisms lie in professional metalworking and material culture, as well as heritage crafts and traditions. Finding the opportunity to break down the various aspects of archaeology into easy concepts and explore fundamental ideas was a revelation. I now have a much clearer framework for my studies, as well as better access to the literature through my new understanding of terms.

Furthermore, the quality of teaching was first rate. We were given a clear history and context for the dig at Kings Clipstone, and were encouraged to work in diverse groups, where knowledge and bonhomie could be shared. Andy, David and Sean each have specific areas of expertise and led tutorials in subjects such as contexts and stratigraphy, archaeological photography and drawing, levelling, finds identification and handling – whilst all the while relating it back to the developing dig. This ongoing conversation between the practical experience and theory, reinforced the new ideas and made learning very easy, in a relaxed environment.

Most of all, it was a laugh from beginning to end. The weather was great, the food was excellent, and the guys were really good fun. After the difficult recent times we’ve all been through, the week was an absolute tonic and all I can think about is how soon I can come back for another one!”

SE, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“I just want to say a big 'thank you' to you, David and Sean for such an enjoyable field school. It was everything I hoped it would be: fun, interesting, the learning of new skills, and lots of laughs and encouragement along the way! You guys are so knowledgeable not only on the discipline of archaeology, such as surveying, excavation and pottery finds, but also on the local area, which made it so enjoyable. I also really enjoyed the evening trip to Sherwood Forest and learning more about the landscape; it's a very special place.”
BD, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Just wanted to say thank you to you all for an awe inspiring week of archaeology

-terrific talks and walks

-didactic demonstrations

-boundless banter and

-substantial sustenance!

What more could you ask for.

I really enjoyed the week and hope to come to kjp again in the future.”

BG, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Just wanted to say a big thank you for a fabulous week.

Both Phil and I didn't know much about archaeology or Sherwood Forest when we arrived but we've come away with lots of knowledge which we can use to discover things in our forest. So much of what you talked about has made sense of things here. The teams colossal knowledge shines through.

Huge thanks to Andy for the tour round Sherwood your enthusiasm is infectious.

We met some great people of varying ages  on our course and have a WhatsApp group to keep in touch.

We wish you all the very best for the future in these uncertain times. We will of course spread the word to encourage others to join you.”
B&P, Sherwood Forest Field School 2021

“Fantastic experience and had an amazing time. Everyone was so friendly and inspired me to learn more. Thank you.”
KR, Sherwood Forest Field School Week D 2021

“Had a fantastic time at the Sherwood Field School! Staff were so knowledgeable and patient, and activities were varied and really fun. Thanks so much - hopefully will be back!”
MS, Sherwood Forest Field School Week D 2021

“A very thorough introduction to archaeology skills with knowledgeable and approachable and kind staff! Thank you all.”
NR, Sherwood Forest Field School Week D 2021

“Had and awesome time and learned so much, So good I came back a second time!”
JP, Sherwood Forest Field School Week D 2021

“Very knowledgeable, engaging and comprehensive sound lads.”
G, Sherwood Forest Field School Week A 2021

“Very informative, fun, friendly.”
KP, Sherwood Forest Field School Week A 2021

“Friendly and very patient staff. I learned a lot.”

KD, Sherwood Forest Field School Week D 2021

“Brilliant week, I learned so much and the Mercian team was amazing! Thank you.”
EB, Welby Week 2 2021

“Thanks for a great week at Welby last week. I really enjoyed myself.

I learnt a lot and enjoyed the digging, surveying with the dumpy, drawing and photography talks. The flint knapping demo was fascinating.

It was good to be on site again and be working with real people.

Thanks for your clear explanations and supervision in the trench. Filling in context sheets and even surveying made more sense.”

J, Welby Week 1 2021

“Thoroughly enjoyable and informative course. I’ve learned so much. Will be back next year!”
EH, Welby Week 2 2021

“Learnt so much from a very dedicated and knowledgeable group of people”

 JY, Welby Week 2 2021

“A great week, spent with a team that truly enjoy sharing knowledge with others.”

JG Welby Week 2 2021

“Definitely coming again!! So much knowledge and much more to learn”

Welby Week 2 2021

“Fantastic week. Great amount of knowledge from staff. Highly recommend”
MT Welby Week 2 2021

“A fantastic introduction to so many archaeological skills. Great from start to finish of the course.”

ST Welby Week 2 2021

“Educational, friendly, entertaining and interesting”
AT, Welby Week 2 2021

“A great week- really informative and a lot of fun!”
RN Welby Week 2 2021

“Very interesting, very knowledgeable and tremendous fun”
RF, Welby Week 2 2021

“Brilliant staff and lovely group. Informative and so much fun!”

Welby Week 2 2021

“Digging is addictive”
ER, Welby Week 2 2021

“A fantastic introduction to archaeology. The team at mercian posses a great spread of interests and knowledge from pre-history through to industrial era. They also have an equal verity of talents, skill sets and knowledge across all archaeological disciplines. They provide a good balance of important professional learning content as well as engaging in an incredibly down to earth fashion encouraging fun and supplying terrible jokes allowing everyone to feel welcome and relaxed.”

SJ, Bainbridge 2021

“The week at King's Clipstone was brilliant! I was really surprised by the sheer volume of knowledge and tasks we got through without feeling overloaded at any point. It was great to learn how to interpret different facets of the site and how to use a variety of instruments and techniques to record it, from the traditional to the very modern. Everyone had the chance to have a go at every task (the team deftly organised us around the downpours) and was guided appropriate to their experience.

Between tasks were interesting powerpoint presentations and fun find-identification quizzes or lunch with excellent, hearty meals provided by Roy. Additionally, on two evenings, we were treated to in-depth tours of Sherwood Forest and the local villages, exploring the history, geography and literature of the area.

Andy, Sean and Dave are a great team who really care about their projects and share their love of archaeology in an enthusiastic, engaging and accessible manner. They were very patient and professional with us and were always willing to help with whatever problem or query we had. I would also like to add they are completely down-to-earth and a great source of humour and funny stories!

A huge thank you to the guys at Mercian for giving me a fantastic introduction to the world of archaeology!”
(LD, Week B 2019)

“Great week of intensive Archaeological training with the experts. I was very impressed with all the activities arranged which gave a comprehensive overview of the job of an archaeologist and the skills needed. Many thanks to Mercian for the experience with a special thanks to Roy for supplying the culinary delights for lunch.”

(SH week B 2019)

“Well I'm back to work today after what was a truly memorable experience with you last week. Having done a couple of volunteer digs, I wasn't quite sure what a training school would entail but you managed to get just the right balance of teaching new skills, taught sessions and opportunities for practical work. Throw in the hugely informative evening walks and you provided the whole package. I have spent the weekend watching you all on TV, reading your reports, looking at historic mapping and relating some of the Forest/Park elements to my own area. I will definitely be booking again in the future and will be telling anyone who will listen how brilliant you all are! Please also pass on my thanks to Roy - its worth coming just for his lovely food!”

(KW week A 2019)

“Thank you for an amazing experience, and what a fascinating site? We were looked after so well, and you were all very informative and friendly. This is the sixth dig I’ve been on, and by far the most informative and fulfilling. I, and probably we, will be back.” 

(LM, Week A, 2019)

“I have just experienced an inspiring week with Mercian archaeologists at King John’ Palace, Kings Clipstone. Thank you for the learning, fellowship and fun. Keep up the good work you guys.”

(FS, Week A, 2019).

“Thank you so much Andy, Sean and David for such an enjoyable week! I had a great time learning new skills and meeting wonderful people. The evening tours were great as well and thank you also to Roy and Mickey! Best part of my trip by far, when I am next in the country I will see what you guys are up to! Best wishes”

(LI, Week A, 2019)

“Had the most amazing time. Everyone is very friendly and it was informative and very practical course. I’ve learnt a lot. Thanks.”

(GC, Week A, 2019)

“Thank you for inspiring my son. He has told his Dad all about it and he has got all of his facts right. Seems he has absorbed most of what you all said during the week :) Hope to see you again next year”

(PA,  Week C, 2019)

“Excellent week - great learning experience!”

(CL, Week A, 2109)

“Fantastic training school in fundamental archaeology”

(JM, Week A, 2019)

“ … just wanted to say how much we’d enjoyed our almost week.  We loved being immersed in the timelessness of the Sherwood Forest landscape… say goodbye to Roy from us - we loved looking forward to his lunches and thank you for catering for allergies.”
(E & LH, Week B, 2019)

“Thank for such a warm welcome, fantastic training and delicious food… a brilliant week… - lots of learning, laughter, great food and plenty of sunshine.  What more could you ask for?”

(CJ, Week A, 2019)

“I just wanted to send you an email to again say thank you for last week; learnt a lot and had a lot of fun doing it.”

(LH, Week B, 2019)

“Thank you all so much for your time and care… Shaun, David and yourself were absolute stars! I enjoyed your camaraderie and passion for your subject immensely. Thank you all so so so much for a wonderful week!

I hope that i will be able to join you again in the near future.”
(L T-R, Week A, 2019)

“Great coverage of archaeology, local history and excellent social context”

(FS, week A, 2019)

“Wonderful and very informative course. I will be back. Thank you!”
(LM, Week A, 2019)

“My hubby has been there this week. I bought the course as a surprise for his birthday and he has absolutely loved it. Thank you for making his week so enjoyable” 

CH week B 2019)

“Perfect Everything! Thank you very much!”

EO & LBH, Week B, 2019)

“Fantastic. Learnt so much and much to learn. Would love to come back!”
(DM, Week B, 2019)

“Great time, learned a lot to enhance my journey towards an archaeological career. Thank you very much!”

(RC, Week B, 2019)

“Excellent training session by top archaeologists. Amazing knowledge. Thanks.”
(SH, Week B, 2019)

“Enjoyed every moment.”

(AE, Week B, 2019)

“It was an amazing experience and I hope to return as soon as I can… I hope everything continues to go well and thanks again. I learnt so much.”

Cheers,

“Absolutely Amazing! Learned lots, had a blast.”

(DC, Week B, 2019).

“Very instructive on both the theory and putting it into practice.”
(JT, Week B, 2019)

“A brilliant week - didn’t want it to end! Learnt and laughed a lot!”

(LD, week B, 2019)

“A great variety, fun an learnt a lot - thank you one and all!”
(LH, Week B, 2019)

“I’ve had a lovely time at the tin tabernacle. I came for the archaeological fieldschool, and over the five days I have met some great people; eaten like a king every meal, and learnt more about pottery than I ever expected to know in a lifetime.“
(CM, Week C, 2019)

“I’d highly recommend this wonderful field school set amongst all the history and legend of Sherwood Forest.”
(KA,2018 Week B)

“I wanted to thank you, Sean and David for a brilliant week at the Summer Field School at Kings Clipstone. I had a fantastic time and it was not only an extremely educational week, but great fun!”
The week really set me up for starting my Master's degree in Archaeology and thanks to Mercian, I feel prepared and excited for this new stage in my career. The course was perfectly structured, from taking us back to basics and helping us to understand key archaeological concepts to developing our knowledge of more advanced concepts. I learned SO much while having such a good laugh!”
I honestly can't thank you and recommend you all enough, I will definitely be returning for more field schools and courses! (and the lunch club!!)”.
(KF, 2018 Week A)

“Thanks for a great experience on your field school last week (20th - 24th August). As a first time experience of getting my hands dirty on a historical site it proved to be all I could have hoped for. The range of elements covered in the training gave me a valuable in depth understanding of the degree of skills involved in discovering the past history of the site…
I realise that over the 5 days we could only get an introduction to the many skills involved but it did create a desire to learn more even in someone who is just doing it for fun.
I openly admit that the experience of revealing a piece of 10th century pottery during the cleaning activity is something that gave me a real buzz. To be handling something that was made by human hands a thousand years ago was magical…
The week was a wonderful experience which was also enhanced by Roy's meals.
My thanks again to you all for allowing me to share a great 5 days and to gain so much from all your undoubted skills and enthusiasm. It has left me wanting more.”
(BS, 2018 Week C)

“Thank you so much for our field school experience, it was brilliant. I am very happy to write you a testimonial from a higher education perspective, endorsing the opportunity for undergraduates.”
(KY, 2018 Week C)

“Thank you guys for giving so many people such a great opportunity. Absolutely fab and I learned lots! I’m glad we had the lectures too- it helped when digging to have an idea about what we were seeing when we were digging. The field trips meant we saw how King John’s Castle fit into, and changed the environment around it. It’s a pity Hong Kong doesn’t have half term, or I’d be back sooner.”
(LS, 2018 Week B, via Facebook)

“I just wanted to leave a review of sorts, as this was one of the most enjoyable and truly educational field schools that I’ve been to! Whether you have experience in archaeology or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, in a welcoming environment; all three Mercian members are extremely knowledgeable in their various fields of expertise and are able to teach aspects of archaeology that might usually be a bit daunting in an accessible, understandable, often comical way. This is a great field school to experience a wide variety of archaeological work (surveying with equipment, digging, finds processing, site photography, plan drawing)- you get to try it all and the staff is so approachable, happy to answer questions. If you have the chance to attend this school, you’ll be happy that you did; regardless of your level of experience with archaeology, you will learn a lot, likely with a good bit of laughter along the way.
Thank you Andy, Sean & David for an excellent field school experience and I hope to return for another!”
(K C-L, 2018 Week B, via Facebook)

“The welcome from the Mercian team was warm, with coffee provided by Roy (the onsite caterer… I’ll say more about him and his culinary skills further on...) and the training group was a lovely mix of all ages and experience. We had a welcome talk and introductions, which was lighthearted and relaxed, then a site tour and a fascinating background history of the medieval palace site and how it functioned and related to the surrounding area. This set the field school into a lovely context as part of the long-standing research and hard work by Mercian, who are a not-for-profit, Community Interest organisation... Their ethos is outstanding. They have a firm emphasis on research, community engagement, training and education - all underpinned by their very obvious passion for the local Sherwood Forest archaeology and history.
The course itself was amazing, with depth and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of core skills such as excavation, context sheet recording, plan and section drawing and site photography, and secondary skills such as finds processing. I loved the pottery and small finds identification sessions, and the animal, vegetable, mineral’ object quizzes....and we even got to have a go at flint-knapping at the end of the week. I think I might manage a stone tool or two now, should things get apocalyptic... :-) Seriously, it was great fun.
We learned a massive amount in the space of a week. The teaching involved not just the correct processes, but also the whys, the wherefores and often the maths (yes, maths!) behind technical approaches such as trench layout from co-ordinates, use of dumpy level, total station, and so on. Now, I don’t have a particularly refined maths brain, and it’s a (very) long time since my GCSEs but Andy presented it in such a way that we could apply and use it effectively. I was pretty impressed that his approach made it stick!
The excavation part of the course was interesting and rewarding… finding and identifying medieval pottery and other small finds on a medieval site is always exciting…
I wish I could have been there for longer! It was a fantastic experience and I came away feeling a lot more confident in my developing skills.
Now I have to talk about the food. Oh goodness me. Roy, the site caterer, is a magician. A two course hot meal every day cooked onsite in a tent, ranging from full-on roast dinners to kebabs, cottage pie and fish and chips and some rather naughty puddings. His homemade cinnamon sponge with homemade jam has custard was divine. I think there must have been some ex-army field catering experience there...but the food he produced every day was amazing and delicious.”
(KA, 2018 Week B).

“Thanks folks! I had a really awesome time for that week. Andy, Sean, Dave and Mickey -- thanks so much for the endless knowledge and all subtle requests to just tell me a story. And the potatoes. I don't think I'm going to look at clay pipes the same way again... I'll definitely recommend this dig to other people and I'll watch for your future events.”
(KG, 2018 Week A, via Facebook)

“Just want to say thanks for a great week. I learned lots and had a great time. The week was well organised and the mix of skills, hands on experience and theory was just right. Hopefully I’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
(LS, 2018 Week B)

“I just wanted to say thank you, Sean and David for a very enjoyable week.  I came away buzzing with all the information you’d tried so hard to impart and determined to keep in touch with your work and community archaeology in general.  A big thank you too to the wonderful chef.”
(2018 Week A)

“I so enjoyed the archaeology field school with Mercian Archaeology last year that I've been back again this week for more! Just home after a week of trench planning and digging, finds sorting, surveying and lots of concentration on flint technologies for me this year - just fantastic! Flint knapping, experimenting with tools - heaven. Andy, Sean and David at Mercian are so knowledgeably, professional and caring and are doing wonderful work at King John's Palace, it's a privilege to be part of it.”
(LF, 2016 & 2017).

Please have a look at the Information page for more details to enable you to come along and join the training excavation and to get the most out of the experience.

The page contains information on getting to the site, ideas about where to stay, what to wear, what to bring, and more.

Payment options

You can book your place for any of the weeks of the field School via a number of ways:

• You can pay for your place in full online via the ‘buy now’ option below for the required week. This includes a £250 non-refundable deposit for a FULL adult ticket, or £200 non-refundable STUDENT deposit. (See promotional SALE PRICE FOR AMOUNTS)
• You can pay a non-refundable deposit via the second  ‘buy now’ option below for the required week. This will reserve your place until we receive your full payment which is required 12 weeks prior to the commencement of the excavation. You can pay by cheque in FULL or the appropriate deposit. In order to pay this way please contact us first via email in order to ensure your place is reserved before sending a cheque. We will then be able to arrange where the cheque is sent to. Please tell us which week you wish to book on, and that you wish to pay by cheque.
• You can pay by direct bank transfer in FULL or the appropriate deposit. In order to pay this way please contact us first via email.

Please note Mercian cannot be held responsible for the weather during our events and field schools. If the weather is too hot, too wet, or in any way prohibitive of undertaking work safely onsite, we will endeavour to provide alternative activities/ learning inside or under shelter. We cannot pay a refund for lost days digging etc. in such circumstance. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.

        

PLEASE NOTE:

By booking a place on the field school you are agreeing to abide by Mercian Archaeological Services CIC’s TERMS and CONDITIONS and by our CODE of CONDUCT.  

Click here to view full terms and conditions including our health and safety policy

*Please note accommodation is not provided*

Some information about available accommodation is provided on our Information page in order to help you in your searches. But this information should not be seen any form of recommendation or endorsement, and Mercian are not responsible for any accommodation booked by delegates.

Field school booking form- choose your week, and your payment option below and click “Buy Now”

Booking:

Places are limited so please book promptly to avoid disappointment.

Week 1: 22nd - 26th July 2026.

Students, & Under 18s:

Book your place by paying in FULL £495:

or

Pay £250 non-refundable DEPOSIT to reserve your place:

Pay OUTSTANDING BALANCE £245:

Or

Book your STUDENT place by paying in FULL £395:

Or

Pay £200 non-refundable STUDENT DEPOSIT to reserve your place:

Pay OUTSTANDING BALANCE £195:

feedback2

Week 2: 29th June - 3rd July 2026.

Book your place by paying in FULL £495:

or

Pay £250 non-refundable DEPOSIT to reserve your place:

Pay OUTSTANDING BALANCE £245:

Or

Book your STUDENT place by paying in FULL £395:

Or

Pay £200 non-refundable STUDENT DEPOSIT to reserve your place:

Pay OUTSTANDING BALANCE £195:

*Please note accommodation is not provided*

Thank you

Please note that Archaeology can be quite physically demanding, so please contact to discuss any limiting factors with regard to you undertaking fieldwork. There are aspects of the course such as finds processing that are less physically challenging. Please contact us if you have any issues.

Please note we do not provide accommodation. We can provide a list of local accommodation from camping to hotels- but it is the responsibility of the individual booking on to the field school to organise their own accommodation.

Any list provided should not be seen as a recommendation by Mercian Archaeological Services CIC.

To pay by cheque or bank transfer, please contact us below stating which week you wish to attend and how you wish to pay.

or If you require more information before booking please contact us via our email:

info@mercian-as.co.uk

Students, & Under 18s:

Information about Melton Mowbray and the surrounding area.

For information about the surrounding area, things to do and places to stay please check out the following pages:

Visit England wesbite- Things to do in Leicestershire:

https://www.visitengland.com/things-to-do/leicestershire

Visit Explore Discover Leicestershire Official visitor website for Leicestershire:

https://www.goleicestershire.com/

Visit Explore Discover Leicestershire Official visitor website for possible accommodation in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire:

https://www.goleicestershire.com/Melton-Mowbray/where-to-stay.aspx

Google Search of “accommodation melton mowbray”:

https://www.google.com/search?ei=jxmvXdvDIK-IhbIPirKegAo&q=accommodation+melton+mowbray&oq=accommodation+melton+mowbray&gs_l=psy-ab.3...3251.3251..3299...0.0..0.0.0.......0....1..gws-wiz.i2y9xUVIjgI&ved=0ahUKEwibx5n-kLDlAhUvREEAHQqZB6AQ4dUDCAs&uact=5

*Please note Mercian are not responsible for accommodation and do not recommend anywhere in particular to stay.*

Community Archaeology in Derbyshire

Community Archaeology in Leicestershire

Community Archaeology Nottinghamshire, Excavation, Research, Volunteering, Community Archaeology Derbyshire, Training, Social, Learning, Community Archaeology Leicestershire, Heritage, Involvement, Belonging, Knowledge sharing, Community Archaeology Lincolnshire, Topographic Survey, Talks and Presentations, Outreach, Archaeology Projects , Open Days, Schools, Finds Processing, Day Schools, Field Schools, Young People, Archaeology and History of Sherwood Forest, Pottery Research, Medieval, Roman, Prehistoric, Community Interest Company, Community Archaeology Nottinghamshire.

Community Archaeology in Nottinghamshire

Community Archaeology East Midlands

Community Archaeology in Lincolnshire

Community Archaeology in Yorkshire