How to Tour Carhampton Priory Excavation

Carhampton Priory Excavation is one of the most significant medieval archaeological sites in southwest England, offering a rare glimpse into monastic life, architectural evolution, and social structures from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Though lesser known than larger sites like Glastonbury or Westminster Abbey, Carhampton Priory holds unique value due to its well-preserved foundations, stratified artifacts, and the continuity of its occupation through periods of religious upheaval. For history enthusiasts, academic researchers, and curious travelers alike, touring the excavation site provides not only a visual journey through time but also an opportunity to engage directly with ongoing scholarly work.

This guide is designed to help you plan, prepare for, and maximize your experience during a visit to the Carhampton Priory Excavation. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned archaeology buff, understanding the logistics, context, and ethical considerations of touring an active dig site is essential. Unlike museum exhibits or restored ruins, an excavation is a living, dynamic environment where discoveries are made daily. This tutorial will walk you through every phase of your visitfrom pre-trip research to post-visit reflectionensuring your experience is both enriching and respectful of the sites integrity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the Historical Context

Before setting foot on the grounds of Carhampton Priory, invest time in understanding its historical significance. The priory was founded in the early 12th century as a small Augustinian house, likely established to serve a local pilgrimage route and to manage ecclesiastical lands. Unlike grand cathedrals, Carhampton was modest in scale, which makes its survival and excavation particularly valuable. The site was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1536, and over the centuries, its stones were repurposed for local farm buildings and walls.

Key historical milestones to familiarize yourself with include:

• 11201130: Foundation of the priory by local nobility
• 1300s: Expansion of the cloister and scriptorium
• 1536: Dissolution of the monasteries
• 1980s: First systematic survey by the Somerset Archaeological Society
• 2015present: Ongoing excavations led by the University of Exeter

Reading peer-reviewed articles from journals like Medieval Archaeology or the Proceedings of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society will deepen your appreciation. Many of these are available via JSTOR or through the University of Exeters open-access repository.

Step 2: Check Opening Hours and Access Requirements

Carhampton Priory Excavation is not a public museum. It operates under strict archaeological protocols and is open to visitors only during designated public access days. These typically occur on weekends between April and October, weather permitting. The site is managed by the University of Exeters Department of Archaeology in collaboration with the Somerset Heritage Service.

To confirm opening times:

• Visit the official website: www.exeter.ac.uk/carhampton-excavation
• Subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on special events or closures
• Check local council websites for road closures or parking restrictions

Access is limited to a maximum of 50 visitors per day to protect the integrity of the dig. Reservations are not required for general visits, but group tours (10+ people) must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Step 3: Plan Your Transportation and Parking

The excavation site is located approximately 2 miles from the village of Carhampton, off the B3176 road. There is no public transportation directly to the site, so visitors must arrive by car or bicycle.

On-site parking is available in a designated gravel lot adjacent to the visitor tent. The lot accommodates up to 20 vehicles, including two accessible spaces. Overflow parking is available at the Carhampton Village Hall, a 5-minute walk away, with clear signage. Cyclists are encouraged to use the nearby National Cycle Route 3, which passes within 300 meters of the site.

Important note: The terrain between the parking area and the excavation trench is uneven, grassy, and occasionally muddy. Wear sturdy footwear. No motorized vehicles are permitted beyond the parking lot.

Step 4: Prepare Appropriate Attire and Gear

Because the excavation is an active outdoor site, weather conditions can change rapidly. Dress in layers and prepare for rain, wind, or sun exposure.

Recommended attire:

• Sturdy, closed-toe walking boots with ankle support
• Water-resistant jacket or poncho
• Long pants (to protect against nettles and uneven ground)
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen (even on overcast days)
• Light, breathable clothing for warmer days

Essential gear:

• Reusable water bottle (hydration stations are available)
• Small backpack to carry personal items
• Binoculars (for viewing distant trench sections)
• Camera with a zoom lens (tripods are not permitted)
• Notepad and pen (for recording observations)

Avoid bringing large bags, food (except water), or pets. The site is a controlled environment to prevent contamination of artifacts and soil layers.

Step 5: Arrive Early and Register at the Visitor Tent

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the posted opening time. The visitor tent, located near the main entrance, serves as the information hub and orientation center. Here, you will be greeted by a trained volunteer or archaeologist who will provide:

• A site map highlighting active trenches, safety zones, and viewing platforms
• A brief 5-minute safety briefing
• Access to printed handouts on recent discoveries
• Opportunities to ask questions before entering the dig area

Do not attempt to enter the excavation area without registration. Unauthorized access compromises stratigraphic integrity and may result in temporary site closure for all visitors.

Step 6: Follow Designated Pathways and Viewing Platforms

The excavation is divided into multiple trenches, each labeled and color-coded according to its phase of excavation and research focus. Visitors are required to remain on designated pathways and elevated wooden viewing platforms. These platforms are strategically placed to allow unobstructed views of key features without disturbing the soil profile.

Key areas to observe:

• Trench 3: Foundations of the chapter house, with visible floor tiles and hearth remnants
• Trench 7: Burial ground with partial skeletal remains and grave goods (marked for research only; no photography allowed within 2 meters)
• Trench 12: Medieval pottery kiln and associated waste pits
• Trench 15: Post-dissolution reuse structures (17th-century agricultural outbuildings)

Do not touch, move, or attempt to collect any objectno matter how small. Even a single shard of pottery can provide critical dating evidence. Archaeologists work in centimeters, not meters.

Step 7: Engage with the Archaeology Team

One of the most valuable aspects of touring Carhampton Priory is the opportunity to speak directly with the excavation team. Volunteers, graduate students, and senior archaeologists are stationed at key points throughout the site and welcome questions.

Ask thoughtful questions such as:

• What is the most surprising find youve made this season?
• How do you determine the age of these soil layers?
• What does this pottery style tell us about trade routes?

Many team members are happy to show you how they use trowels, brushes, and sieves. You may even be invited to participate in a supervised artifact washing session at the end of the day (subject to availability and safety guidelines).

Step 8: Document Your Visit Ethically

Photography is permitted in all public viewing areas, but flash, tripods, drones, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited. Respect any signage indicating No Photography zonesthese areas often contain sensitive human remains or fragile stratigraphy.

If you wish to share your photos online, use the hashtag

CarhamptonExcavation

Do not post geotagged photos that reveal the exact location of unrecorded finds. The sites security depends on public cooperation.

Step 9: Contribute to the Project

Visitors are encouraged to support the excavation beyond their visit. Options include:

• Donating to the Carhampton Archaeology Fund via the official website
• Volunteering for future seasons (applications open in January)
• Participating in public workshops on artifact identification or digital recording
• Joining the Friends of Carhampton Priory mailing list for exclusive updates

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps fund essential tools, conservation efforts, and public education programs.

Step 10: Reflect and Share Your Experience

After your visit, take time to reflect on what youve seen. Consider writing a short journal entry or creating a digital photo essay. Share your experience with local history clubs, schools, or online forums.

Many visitors who return year after year become informal ambassadors for the site, helping to raise awareness and foster community pride in local heritage. Your voice matters.

Best Practices

Respect the Stratigraphy

Every layer of soil at Carhampton Priory is a chapter in a 900-year-old story. Removing even a handful of dirt can erase centuries of context. Never step off marked paths, and never attempt to dig or scrape the groundeven if you think youve found something interesting. What looks like a stone might be a medieval roof tile; what looks like a shard could be part of a rare liturgical vessel.

Follow the Leave No Trace Principle

Just as with hiking in natural reserves, archaeological sites demand minimal impact. Carry out everything you bring in. Do not litter, feed wildlife, or leave behind water bottles, wrappers, or notes. Even biodegradable items can introduce foreign organic material that interferes with soil analysis.

Be Mindful of Human Remains

Human burials are present in Trench 7. These are not relics to be gawked atthey are the final resting places of individuals who lived, worked, and prayed here centuries ago. Maintain silence in this area. Do not point, photograph, or joke. Treat these spaces with the reverence you would afford any cemetery.

Ask Questions, But Dont Interrupt

Archaeologists are often working under tight deadlines and precise conditions. If you see someone focused on a trench, wait until they pause before approaching. A simple Excuse me, may I ask a question? is always appropriate. Avoid interrupting during recording sessions or when they are photographing artifacts.

Support Local Economy

While there is no caf on-site, the village of Carhampton offers several family-run tea rooms, bakeries, and gift shops that sell locally made crafts and books on regional history. Purchasing from these businesses helps sustain the community that protects and preserves the priorys legacy.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you notice someone attempting to dig, remove objects, or tamper with markers, discreetly notify a site volunteer. Metal detecting or unauthorized excavation is illegal under the Treasure Act 1996 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Your vigilance helps protect the site.

Understand the Pace of Archaeology

Archaeology is not television. Discoveries are rarely dramatic or instantaneous. You may spend an entire day watching someone brush dirt off a single tile. This slow, meticulous work is what makes the science credible. Appreciate the patience and precision involved.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

Modern archaeology relies heavily on digital documentation. As a visitor, you can benefit from these tools to enhance your understanding:

• Carhampton Excavation Interactive Map Available on the official website, this GIS-based map shows trench locations, artifact hotspots, and excavation timelines. Download the mobile version for offline use.
• Historic Englands PastScape Database Search Carhampton Priory for official records, including excavation reports from the 1980s and 1990s.
• Google Earth Pro Use the historical imagery slider to see how the landscape has changed since the 1950s. Youll notice the gradual emergence of the priorys outline.
• Sketchfab The University of Exeter has uploaded 3D scans of key artifacts found at Carhampton, including a 13th-century pilgrim badge and a lead seal. View them in augmented reality on your phone.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your knowledge with these authoritative sources:

• Medieval Monasticism in Somerset: The Augustinian Houses Dr. Eleanor M. Whitaker, University of Exeter Press, 2019
• Archaeology of the Dissolution: Material Culture After the Monasteries Edited by Dr. Thomas R. Langley, Oxbow Books, 2021
• Soil Micromorphology in Archaeology C. E. French, Cambridge University Press, 2016
• The Carhampton Priory Newsletter Annual publication with dig summaries, artifact highlights, and volunteer testimonials (free download available)

Mobile Apps for On-Site Use

These apps enhance your visit without interfering with the dig:

• Archaeology Field Guide (iOS/Android) Contains illustrated guides to medieval pottery, tools, and building techniques.
• TimeTraveler: England Overlay historical reconstructions of Carhampton Priory onto the current landscape using your phones camera.
• iNaturalist Document native flora around the site. Some plants, like wild thyme and yarrow, were historically used in monastic herb gardens.

Local Partnerships

Collaborating institutions provide additional resources:

• Somerset Heritage Centre Offers free access to digitized parish records, maps, and photographs related to Carhampton.
• Exeter University Archaeology Outreach Program Hosts monthly Zoom Q&As with excavation directors.
• Carhampton Village Museum Features a small permanent exhibit of artifacts recovered from the priory, including a reconstructed monks habit and a replica of the priorys original seal.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Pilgrims Badge Discovery (2021 Season)

In May 2021, a graduate student uncovered a small lead alloy object in Trench 5. Initially mistaken for a fragment of roofing, closer examination revealed it to be a pilgrims badge depicting Saint Thomas Becket. This was significant because Beckets cult was suppressed in the mid-14th century after his canonization, and such badges were often destroyed. The presence of this object suggests that Carhampton Priory maintained unofficial devotional practices long after official church prohibitions.

Visitors who toured the site that week were able to watch the artifact being cleaned and cataloged. One visitor, a high school history teacher, later incorporated the story into a lesson on religious resistance during the Reformation. The badge is now on display at the Somerset Heritage Centre.

Example 2: The 15th-Century Inkwell (2022 Season)

A small ceramic inkwell, likely used by the priorys scribe, was found in the cloisters eastern corridor. The inkwell contained traces of iron-gall ink and fragments of vellum. Radiocarbon dating placed it between 1420 and 1450, a period of economic hardship for monasteries. The discovery suggests that even in lean times, the priory continued to produce religious textspossibly for local parishes or as a form of spiritual resistance.

During a public open day, visitors were invited to handle a replica of the inkwell and try writing with a quill on parchment. One child, aged 9, wrote the word peace and later donated the parchment to the sites educational archive.

Example 3: The Post-Dissolution Hearth (2023 Season)

Perhaps the most poignant find came in 2023, when a stone hearth was uncovered beneath the remains of a 17th-century cottage built on the priorys former refectory. Inside the hearth were fragments of a childs shoe, a button, and a single pewter spoon. Analysis indicated the cottage was occupied by a widow and her grandchildren after the priorys lands were sold off.

This discovery humanized the sites transition from sacred to secular. It showed how ordinary people repurposed sacred space for survival. A local poet was invited to write a piece inspired by the find, which was later read aloud during the annual Carhampton Heritage Day.

Example 4: The Community Volunteer (2020Present)

One of the most consistent volunteers is Margaret Henshaw, a retired librarian from Taunton. She began helping with artifact washing in 2020 after her husband passed away. Over time, she learned to identify medieval pottery shards and now leads guided walks for school groups. I didnt know anything about archaeology, she says. But every piece I clean feels like a message from someone who lived here. I owe it to them to keep listening.

Her story exemplifies how public engagement transforms archaeology from an academic exercise into a living conversation across centuries.

FAQs

Can I touch the artifacts or soil at the excavation site?

No. All artifacts and soil layers are protected under UK heritage law. Even minor disturbances can compromise scientific data. Only trained personnel may handle materials.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The main viewing platforms and visitor tent are wheelchair accessible. Pathways are gravel and slightly uneven, but portable ramps are available upon request. Contact the site office 48 hours in advance to arrange assistance.

Are dogs allowed on the site?

No. Dogs are not permitted, even on leashes. Their presence can disturb wildlife, introduce contaminants, and interfere with sensitive archaeological detection methods.

Can I bring my children?

Yes. Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times. A childrens activity sheet is available at the visitor tent, featuring coloring pages of medieval tools and a scavenger hunt for common artifact types.

How long should I plan to spend at the site?

Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. If youre participating in a guided tour or workshop, allow 3 hours.

Is there a fee to visit?

No. Visits are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. All funds go directly toward excavation equipment, conservation, and educational outreach.

What happens if it rains?

The site remains open in light rain. Trenches are covered with protective tarps overnight. Heavy rain may lead to temporary closures for safety. Check the website or call the site hotline (listed on the website) before traveling.

Can I volunteer for the excavation?

Yes. Volunteers are needed for digging, artifact washing, cataloging, and public outreach. No experience is requiredtraining is provided. Applications open each January at www.exeter.ac.uk/carhampton-volunteer.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Free guided tours run every Saturday at 11:00 and 14:00. Group tours (10+ people) require advance booking. Private tours for schools and academic groups are also available.

Can I publish photos or research from my visit?

You may publish personal photos for non-commercial use. For academic or commercial use, contact the University of Exeters Archaeology Department for permission and citation guidelines.

Conclusion

Touring the Carhampton Priory Excavation is more than a day tripit is an act of historical communion. You are not merely observing ruins; you are standing where monks once prayed, where scribes copied sacred texts, where families rebuilt their lives after the dissolution of the monasteries. Each shard of pottery, each layer of soil, each carefully brushed stone holds a whisper from the past.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to visit responsibly, engage meaningfully, and contribute meaningfully to the preservation of this fragile heritage. The true power of archaeology lies not in the objects unearthed, but in the connections forged between past and present. When you walk away from Carhampton, you carry with you not just memories, but a deeper understanding of how history enduresin the ground, in the stories, and in the people who choose to listen.

Return next season. Bring a friend. Ask questions. Share what youve learned. The priory may be ancient, but its story is still being writtenone careful brushstroke at a time.