Jarrow Archaeological Mission

At Jarrow Hall, we are proud to lead the Jarrow Archaeological Mission (JAM), a significant initiative supported by a £249,188 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Our mission aims to reopen archaeological investigations at the historic Jarrow monastic site, a project that has not been undertaken since the 1960s. In September 2025, we commenced our second round of excavations, engaging local community groups, residents, students, and volunteers in uncovering the rich layers of Jarrow’s history. This collaborative effort not only fosters a sense of community involvement but also honors the legacy of the late Dame Rosemary Cramp, whose work laid the foundation for our museum.

Through our events and educational programs, we strive to make history accessible and engaging for everyone. Our activities not only provide hands-on learning experiences but also contribute to the preservation and understanding of our local heritage. By involving diverse groups in our archaeological digs, we empower individuals to connect with their history and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the past. As we analyze and process the findings from our excavations, we are excited to share our discoveries and insights, ensuring that the impact of our work resonates within the community and beyond.

Thank you for booking a day with JAM.&nbsp;&nbsp;Daily Schedule&nbsp;10:00-10:20&nbsp;Arrival, Induction and Risk Assessment 10:20-11:00 An intro to Archaeology and JAM&nbsp;11:00-11:15&nbsp;Quick Break 11:15-13:00&nbsp;Finds Processing 13:00-13:30 Lunch&nbsp; 13:30-15:00 Finds Processing&nbsp;15:00-15:15 Quick Break 15:15-16:00 Finds Processing, Pack-up and Home Time We will meet at 10:00 outside of the museum, we'll make our way inside where we'll get settled, sign in and have presentation about archaeology and JAM. We will then go through the Risk Assessment and get to work.&nbsp;The day will end at 16:00.&nbsp;&nbsp;Equipment&nbsp;&nbsp;All tools and Personal Protective Equipment will be provided by JAM.Everyone should bring their own food for the day, a packed lunch is highly advised, though there is a cafe in Jarrow Hall and some snacks can be bought at the museum gift shop. Tea and Coffee is available for everyone taking part.&nbsp;&nbsp;Training&nbsp;&nbsp;Introductory training will be provided by JAM Staff. If any volunteers are interested, we will be able to provide you with a British Archaeology Jobs and Resources (BAJR) Skills Passport. This is ideal for anyone looking to track their skill&nbsp;development within archaeology, and as evidence of participation for professional and educational development.&nbsp;&nbsp;Facilities&nbsp;and Accessibility&nbsp;The facilities within the museum are available for use, including a small kitchen.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the weather is deemed too poor to allow safe access and travel to the museum, volunteers will be&nbsp;contacted as soon as possible. The museum is fully accessible for those with mobility issues, however if there are any other access concerns you may have, please feel free to contact me or talk to me directly and&nbsp;I will accommodate these to the best of my ability.&nbsp;&nbsp; Risks &amp; Hazards&nbsp;&nbsp;Be aware that there are a few areas of risk that may be present; namely&nbsp;slips, the material we are processing includes broken glass, PPE will be made available to mitigate the risk of injury, as well as this there will be a First Aider and First Aid Kit on site at all times.PPE such as gloves and masks will be provided for volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;A copy of the site risk assessment will be available on site, and there will be a risk assessment talk&nbsp;prior to work for all volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have any questions, please contact me:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Lucy.mclay@groundwork.org.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Lucy.mclay@groundwork.org.uk</a>&nbsp;

Jarrow Archaeological Mission (JAM) is a community based archaeological excavation which aims to expand our knowledge of the Jarrow monastic site and to build skills, connection, and resilience within the Jarrow and South Tyneside community through the exploration of shared heritage. JAM officially reopens the archaeological investigations around the Jarrow monastic site for the first time since the 1960s, when Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp led excavations at both the Jarrow and Wearmouth monasteries.&nbsp;This second round of excavations explores the previously omitted area of Drewett’s Park. Through participation and collaboration the dig also engages local communities and creates inclusive opportunities for residents, volunteers and students, helping to uncover a missing part of Jarrow’s history. We are running a second block of Post-Excavation work so that we can get our collection washed, sorted and catalogued before the next excavation season this summer. This work is indoors, mostly seated, and is ideal for calm working, socialising and learning new skills. This block is designed for volunteers who would like a dedicated day of practical work and learning, and is appropriate for ages 11+ (young people under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian- this will require booking two separate places for both guardian and child).

Jarrow Archaeological Mission

JAM Post-Ex Part 2