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.

For the last 4 years we have been running Young Archaeologist Club at Jarrow Hall, making Archaeology accessible to young people.

JAM Quick Summary 2026 Thank you for signing up to help us open the JAM Jar! we apprciate everyones contribution, the project wouldn't work without the amazing team we've built over the years and the support of the community. Daily ScheduleDaily Schedule&nbsp; 9:30-9:45&nbsp;Morning inductions, RA, task allocation&nbsp;9:45-11:00&nbsp;Excavation/Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;11:00-11:15&nbsp;Break&nbsp;11:15-12:30&nbsp;Excavation/Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;12:30-13:00&nbsp;Lunch&nbsp;13:00-14:30&nbsp;Excavation/ Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;14:30-14:45&nbsp;Break&nbsp;14:45-16:00&nbsp;Excavation&nbsp;&nbsp;16:00-16:30&nbsp;Pack up tools, take finds to JH&nbsp; We will meet at 9:00 each morning in the car park opposite the museum, towards the very back next to the black shipping containers. Here we will collect tools and head down to site. At site we will go through Risk assessments and task allocation. The day will end at 16:00 so that tools can be gathered up and taken back to the black shed and finds taken back to Jarrow Hall before it closes at 16:30. Equipment All tools will be provided by JAM. If you already have your own trowel or other small tools you are very welcome to bring these for personal use. Volunteers should bring their own food for the day. Some snacks will be provided on site, but we cannot guarantee hot water for tea or coffee, so a packed lunch and thermos is highly recommended. Please remember to bring water in a refillable bottle. Comfortable, close-toed shoes must be worn on site: No Crocs! Durable trousers are recommended, as well as a warm layer and waterproof. Shirts must stay on! Training Site training will be provided by JAM Staff. This will include excavation, recording, finds recovery, photography, environmental sampling, and other methodology that may become apparent or necessary as the dig continues. Facilities and Accessibility We have access to the facilities at Jarrow Hall (Hive) and within the Museum. In the case of inclement weather we will likely make our way to Jarrow Hall. If the weather is deemed too poor to allow safe site access, volunteers will be contacted, and the day will switch to inside activities such as finds’ processing. In the event of a travel warning, the day will be cancelled. Access to the main trench will be sloped, however if there are any other access concerns you may have, please feel free to contact me or talk to me directly and I will accommodate these to the best of my ability. Risks &amp; Hazards Be aware that there are a few areas of risk that may be present on site; namely slips, trips and falls. It is important for volunteers to wear sturdy footwear to prevent this, however if you have any particular concerns about additional accessibility needs please contact me and we can accommodate this. PPE such as gloves and masks will be provided for volunteers. A copy of the site risk assessment will be available on site, and there will be a risk assessment talk prior to work for all volunteers. Key Responsibilities • Support JAM in its research aims.• Engage with curious members of the public by answering questions and directing them to museum resources or staff where appropriate.• Ensure that the site and storage facilities are tidy, safe, and that tools are stored correctly at all times.• Adhere to JAM Health and Safety Procedures at all times.• Deal with any public enquiries or volunteer issues efficiently and politely, redirecting as appropriate.• Be an ambassador for Jarrow Hall and JAM. If you have any questions, please contact me: Lucy.mclay@groundwork.org.uk

For these few weeks we will be de-turfing and opening the site. This should involve minimal excavations but they'll still be finds to be found and learning to be done. ------- In May 2025 Groundwork South &amp; North Tyneside was awarded £249,188 from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch the Jarrow Archaeological Mission (JAM) at Jarrow Hall. 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. Finds from these digs are what established the original museum in Jarrow Hall House in the 1970s, which then expanded as Bede’s World in 1993 before becoming the Jarrow Hall we know today in 2016. The museum is honoured to be able to reopen the excavations in Jarrow, continuing the legacy of the late Dame Rosemary Cramp and beginning a new cycle. In September 2025 we dug into this second round of excavations, led by Research, Learning and Education Manager Dr. Marco Romeo Pitone and Archaeology Coordinator Lucy McLay, to explore the previously omitted area of Drewett’s Park. Phase 1 of our dig lasted four weeks, during which we were joined by local community groups, residents, students, Route2Work learners and volunteers who helped us on site to uncover layers of Jarrow’s history. Digging wrapped up at the end of September with finds from Season 1 being further analysed and processed throughout the less excavation-friendly months. In 2026 we are returning to Drewett's Park for a longer season to investigate the tantalising glimpses into Jarrows' historic past which were uncovered last season. This will involve both continuing excavations to investigate a number of features uncovered last season, to understand more about the Social History of Jarrow and the Old Jarrow Village. We will also be trying to excavate deeper so that we can find the historic deposits described by Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp, and determine the scope of the potential Anglo-Saxon and Medieval activity which one took place in the area of the park.

Opening the Jarrow Archaeological Mission

Jarrow Hall

JAM Quick Summary 2026 Thank you for signing up to help us open the JAM Jar! we appreciate every ones contribution, the project wouldn't work without the amazing team we've built over the years and the support of the community. Daily ScheduleDaily Schedule 9:30-9:45&nbsp;Morning inductions, RA, task allocation&nbsp;9:45-11:00&nbsp;Excavation/Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;11:00-11:15&nbsp;Break&nbsp;11:15-12:30&nbsp;Excavation/Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;12:30-13:00&nbsp;Lunch&nbsp;13:00-14:30&nbsp;Excavation/ Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;14:30-14:45&nbsp;Break&nbsp;14:45-16:00&nbsp;Excavation&nbsp;&nbsp;16:00-16:30&nbsp;Pack up tools, take finds to JH&nbsp; We will meet at 9:00 each morning in the car park across the road from the museum, towards the very back next to the black shipping containers. Here we will collect tools and head down to site. At site we will go through Risk assessments and task allocation. The day will end at 16:00 so that tools can be gathered up and taken back to the black shed and finds taken back to Jarrow Hall before it closes at 16:30. Equipment All tools will be provided by JAM. If you already have your own trowel or other small tools you are very welcome to bring these for personal use. Volunteers should bring their own food for the day. Some snacks will be provided on site, but we cannot guarantee hot water for tea or coffee, so a packed lunch and thermos is highly recommended. Please remember to bring water in a refillable bottle. Comfortable, close-toed shoes must be worn on site: No Crocs! Durable trousers are recommended, as well as a warm layer and waterproof. Shirts must stay on! Training Site training will be provided by JAM Staff. This will include excavation, recording, finds recovery, photography, environmental sampling, and other methodology that may become apparent or necessary as the dig continues. Facilities and Accessibility We have access to the facilities at Jarrow Hall (Hive) and within the Museum. In the case of inclement weather we will likely make our way to Jarrow Hall. If the weather is deemed too poor to allow safe site access, volunteers will be contacted, and the day will switch to inside activities such as finds’ processing. In the event of a travel warning, the day will be cancelled. Access to the main trench will be sloped, however if there are any other access concerns you may have, please feel free to contact me or talk to me directly and I will accommodate these to the best of my ability. Risks &amp; Hazards Be aware that there are a few areas of risk that may be present on site; namely slips, trips and falls. It is important for volunteers to wear sturdy footwear to prevent this, however if you have any particular concerns about additional accessibility needs please contact me and we can accommodate this. PPE such as gloves and masks will be provided for volunteers. A copy of the site risk assessment will be available on site, and there will be a risk assessment talk prior to work for all volunteers. Key Responsibilities • Support JAM in its research aims.• Engage with curious members of the public by answering questions and directing them to museum resources or staff where appropriate.• Ensure that the site and storage facilities are tidy, safe, and that tools are stored correctly at all times.• Adhere to JAM Health and Safety Procedures at all times.• Deal with any public enquiries or volunteer issues efficiently and politely, redirecting as appropriate.• Be an ambassador for Jarrow Hall and JAM. If you have any questions, please contact me: Lucy.mclay@groundwork.org.uk

In May 2025 Groundwork South &amp; North Tyneside was awarded £249,188 from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch the Jarrow Archaeological Mission (JAM) at Jarrow Hall. 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. Finds from these digs are what established the original museum in Jarrow Hall House in the 1970s, which then expanded as Bede’s World in 1993 before becoming the Jarrow Hall we know today in 2016. The museum is honoured to be able to reopen the excavations in Jarrow, continuing the legacy of the late Dame Rosemary Cramp and beginning a new cycle. In September 2025 we dug into this second round of excavations, led by Research, Learning and Education Manager Dr. Marco Romeo Pitone and Archaeology Coordinator Lucy McLay, to explore the previously omitted area of Drewett’s Park. Phase 1 of our dig lasted four weeks, during which we were joined by local community groups, residents, students, Route2Work learners and volunteers who helped us on site to uncover layers of Jarrow’s history. Digging wrapped up at the end of September with finds from Season 1 being further analysed and processed throughout the less excavation-friendly months. In 2026 we are returning to Drewett's Park for a longer season to investigate the tantalising glimpses into Jarrows' historic past which were uncovered last season. This will involve both continuing excavations to investigate a number of features uncovered last season, to understand more about the Social History of Jarrow and the Old Jarrow Village. We will also be trying to excavate deeper so that we can find the historic deposits described by Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp, and determine the scope of the potential Anglo-Saxon and Medieval activity which one took place in the area of the park. Signing Up for this event means you're signing up to help us process finds! you'll be working with archaeologists and museum staff to wash, categorise and record finds as they are recovered on site.

Jarrow Archaeological Mission Finds Processing

In May 2025 Groundwork South &amp; North Tyneside was awarded £249,188 from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch the Jarrow Archaeological Mission (JAM) at Jarrow Hall. 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. Finds from these digs are what established the original museum in Jarrow Hall House in the 1970s, which then expanded as Bede’s World in 1993 before becoming the Jarrow Hall we know today in 2016. The museum is honoured to be able to reopen the excavations in Jarrow, continuing the legacy of the late Dame Rosemary Cramp and beginning a new cycle. In September 2025 we dug into this second round of excavations, led by Research, Learning and Education Manager Dr. Marco Romeo Pitone and Archaeology Coordinator Lucy McLay, to explore the previously omitted area of Drewett’s Park. Phase 1 of our dig lasted four weeks, during which we were joined by local community groups, residents, students, Route2Work learners and volunteers who helped us on site to uncover layers of Jarrow’s history. Digging wrapped up at the end of September with finds from Season 1 being further analysed and processed throughout the less excavation-friendly months. In 2026 we are returning to Drewett's Park for a longer season to investigate the tantalising glimpses into Jarrows' historic past which were uncovered last season. This will involve both continuing excavations to investigate a number of features uncovered last season, to understand more about the Social History of Jarrow and the Old Jarrow Village. We will also be trying to excavate deeper so that we can find the historic deposits described by Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp, and determine the scope of the potential Anglo-Saxon and Medieval activity which one took place in the area of the park. Signing Up for this event means you're signing up to dig! you'll be working with archaeologists and museum staff to excavate and record the archaeology using small hand-tools and recording techniques such as drawing, Context recording and GPS.

Jarrow Archaeological Mission

Opening the Jarrow Archaeological Mission

Jarrow Archaeological Mission Finds Processing

Jarrow Archaeological Mission Excavation