Time Team experts to return to Brancaster for new investigations into Branodunum Roman fort this summer
A popular archaeology programme is set to return to North West Norfolk to carry out new investigations into the site of a Roman fort.
Experts from Time Team will be back at the site of Branodunum Roman fort in Brancaster, which is looked after by the National Trust, this summer.
The team will be using specialist Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to establish if there are any new archaeological secrets at the site.
Sir Tony Robinson and a team of Time Team volunteers first came to Branodunum in 2012. Following a geophysical survey of parts of the site, an archaeological dig with five trenches was carried out.
The dig revealed several previously unknown buildings inside the fort, including huge granaries, barrack blocks for soldiers, and a possible bath house.
Various artefacts pre-dating circa 225-250 AD were recovered, including pieces of pottery and glass, and some Roman coins.
It is hoped that this summer’s geophysical survey, focusing on parts of the site that were not surveyed in 2012, will reveal important new features.
Victoria Egan, general manager for the National Trust’s Norfolk coast and Broads, said: “Although 13 years have passed since the first Time Team dig at Branodunum, the visit by the team is well-remembered by many in the local community and by the National Trust staff and volunteers who were fortunate enough to be involved.
“It was a unique opportunity for us to learn more about Brancaster’s Roman heritage and the importance of this site.
“We’re all eagerly awaiting the return of Time Team and excited to find out what this work might tell us about areas of the site that were not covered by the geophysical surveys in 2012.”
The fort at Branodunum was both a staging post for traders and a military base. First, an infantry unit from Gaul (modern France) was stationed at Branodunum and then later cavalry from Dalmatia (modern Croatia and Bosnia).
Soldiers and traders from other nations would have passed through the fort, and all would have mingled with British people in the village (vicus) outside its walls. Naval and trading vessels would have landed at the nearby Roman beach.
Time Team’s creator and series producer Tim Taylor added: “We are all really excited about returning to Branodunum.
“Our growing partnership with the National Trust is a great opportunity to continue unearthing these fascinating stories of the past.
“Our fans love to keep up to date with any news related to previous digs, so we know they will be delighted to learn that we are back here again.”
Branodunum is one of 11 forts along the south and east coasts of England, known as the Saxon Shore forts. The Romans built these forts during the 3rd century AD.
At first, they were used to protect and control shipping and trade around the coast - later they helped repel raiders from across the North Sea.
The forts remained military stations for more than 150 years before being abandoned when the Roman army withdrew from Britain.
