Harlaxton Historical Society is appealing for volunteers to participate in a community archaeological project, in Harlaxton, between 6th and 21st September 2025. The project is headed by Douglas Brown and funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Harlaxton is on the A607, near Grantham.

They have a range of options for volunteers on their Community archaeology project taking place this September and would be really keen to explore these further with you.

If any members have experience of working on an archaeological dig elsewhere, they are aiming to have at least two trenches on site that will require volunteers who have previously spent time on a dig. If you do not have archaeological experience, though, they still have a range of survey tasks specifically designed to allow folk who have never been part of a project like this to play a part.

Site work will take place across eight days in September and will be focussed around weekends. A brief outline of the tasks and dates they will be working are shown below. Please note, tasks with an asterisk (*) require volunteers with previous experience of an archaeological dig.

6-7 Sept Dig Days 1&2

Volunteers needed to

• Open two main trenches across GPR targets and manage/record finds *
• Survey of No2 Rectory Lane Garden and other properties on street for worked stone
• Measuring and recording the wall towards the Eastern end of the garden (poss. former walled garden)
• Metal detecting across garden of No1

12, 13, 14 Sept Dig Days 3,4 & 5

Volunteers needed to

• Continue excavation of two main trenches, manage/record finds*
• Open other small trenches and manage/record finds*
• Clear and record sunken room*
• Record all worked stone in No. 1 rectory Lane Gardens
• Measure and record Pond at Pond Street

19, 20, 21 Sept Dig Days 6,7 & 8

Volunteers needed to

• Continue excavation of all trenches and close in afternoon*
• Continue to clear and record sunken room*
• Record all worked stone in fabric of No1 rectory Lane
• Measure and record moat

Further information about what we are looking for and background to the project can be found here https://www.harlaxtonhistory.co.uk/_files/ugd/360e5a_a1fa723353424773960fb5f7e29131b2.pdf

A summary of our project plan for this year is also attached for info.

We plan to work on the site, which sits in the heart of Harlaxton village, from 09:30hrs to 17:00hrs each day, shown above. There is ample parking in the village, and we will be providing some refreshments and tools for volunteers. Full briefings will be sent in due course.

In line with our intention that this remains a community venture, we are keen to ensure access is as wide as possible. If you have any mobility limitations or special requirements, please let us know.