The dig team returns: Shrewsbury Castle set for second archaeological dig

After a successful first archaeological dig in 2019, Shrewsbury Castle is set for a second dig season this September funded by the Castle Studies Trust.

The 2020 dig will build on the success and answer questions that arose from the 2019 project. The team will excavate a trench on the grassed slope of the western rampart overlooking the drive close to the Great Hall.

Shrewsbury Castle

This years’ dig will again be led by Dr Nigel Baker and is a partnership project between Shropshire Council, University Centre Shrewsbury, Shropshire Museums and the Castle Studies Trust.

The dig will take place from 1 to 18 September and will allow for social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures to be in place to keep the dig team, staff and visitors safe.

Shrewsbury Castle reopened after being closed during lockdown on 25 July 2020.

The Castle grounds will remain open to visitors to witness history being uncovered and ask the team questions from a safe distance. In 2019, 4,500 people visited the Castle and were actively engaged with the dig team.

Dr Nigel Baker, said:

“Last years’ dig was a great success revealing the hidden history of the castle that we could only have dreamt of and it gave us the appetite to find out more. We’re delighted to be coming back.

“Shrewsbury Castle still remains little explored yet is one of the most historically significant sites in the UK. We hope this years’ dig will help us further develop our understanding of this Grade 1 listed Norman site and answer some currently unanswered questions.”

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“Last years’ excavation, the first ever at Shrewsbury Castle, was a huge success and only served to further the intrigue around the history of the site.

“It was touch and go as to whether COVID-19 would scupper plans for a second dig this year but I’m thrilled that the team are able to safely return.

“I’d like to thank the Castle Studies Trust for providing further funding for the exploration of Shrewsbury Castle.

Professor Tim Jenkins, Head of Group (Arts & Humanities) at University Centre Shrewsbury, said:

“Dr Capper and I are delighted that University Centre Shrewsbury students are, once again, able to assist in exploring one of the county’s most significant historical landmarks and deepen our understanding of Shrewsbury’s rich and unique architectural unique heritage.”

Jeremy Cunnington of the Castle Studies Trust, said:

“The Castle Studies Trust is delighted to support the excavations at Shrewsbury Castle for a second year following last year’s exciting discoveries. As one of the most important fortresses in the Welsh Marches as well as the least understood we are really looking forward to seeing what Nigel and his team discover this year.”

2019 dig – What did we learn?

When Shrewsbury Castle was built it was extremely strongly fortified to a degree not previously understood. The Norman motte (the great earth mound) was originally surrounded by a massive defensive ditch which filled up to two-thirds of the lawn in front of the Castle that we see today.

The Norman motte ditch found during the excavation

We also learned that there was an Anglo-Saxon presence on the site of the castle even before the Normans invaded in 1066.

Immense damage was caused to the medieval castle remain by Thomas Telford during his ‘restoration’ of 1786-1790 for the then MP of Shrewsbury.

Two arrow heads or crossbow-bolt heads were also discovered. Both of these were ‘bodkin’ type arrows: sharp, square-edged heavy points designed to pierce armour. These arrows were clearly for military use and not for hunting.

Armour piercing arrowheads dating to 1100 – 1400.

For more information about the 2019 dig, visit Shropshire Council’s newsroom.

Shrewsbury Castle is owned and managed by Shropshire Council.

Further Information

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and is one of the oldest SAMs in the country. It is also a Grade 1 listed building and was first listed by Historic England in 1953.

The Castle is one of the best-preserved, Conquest-period earthwork castles in England, but is also one of the least well-know. No excavation work has taken place within its current perimeter. It is unusually well preserved because it escaped rebuilding.

Castle Studies Trust

The Castle Studies Trust, founded in 2012, is a registered charity (Reg No: 1148165). The Trust awards individual grants of up to £10,000 to promote the understanding of castles in the UK and abroad. So far it has awarded over £130,000 of grants to further the understanding of castles. It is funded entirely by donations from the general public.

To learn more about these and previous projects the trust has funded people can visit the Trust’s website.