Members of the public are being given the opportunity to take part in an archaeologocial dig aimed at uncovering evidence of Derry’s development as far back as the medieval period or beyond.
The excavation is regarded as an ambitious undertaking as only one other archaeological dig in the city has discovered remains which can be definitively dated to the pre-plantation period.
It is hoped local people will get involved in their heritage and enjoy being a part of the dig team or just drop in to take a look and to see how it is progressing.
Archaeological works will get under way this Monday in Bishop Street Within car park, adjacent to the city walls and St Augustine’s Church and are expected to continue for three weeks.
The excavation is a partnership project between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Derry City Council Heritage and Museum Service and the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queen’s University Belfast.
DRD Road Services own the area of the car park where the dig is to be carried out and their permission to undertake the work has been “greatly appreciated” by all involved.
The excavation will be undertaken by archaeologists from the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queen’s University Belfast and there are opportunities for members of the public to volunteer and participate.
The volunteering is being managed and coordinated by Derry City Council Heritage and Museum Service and the North West Volunteer Centre.
Daily site tours will also be provided during the second and third weeks of the excavation (from 16 September) at 12.00 noon and 3.oopm, Monday – Friday (meet at the entrance to the site).
Local schools will also be visiting the excavation and there will be a family open day on Saturday, 28 September.
Regular updates on the development of the excavation will be posted on the site blog: http://legenderrydigs.blogspot.co.uk/
For more information can contact Museum and Heritage Services at Derry City Council on 028 71365151 or the North West Volunteer Center at 22 Bishop Street, telephone: 028 71271017.
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