Jarrow Archaeological Mission

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 the finds recovered during our 2026 season.
This event is for people 16+
Anyone in attendance under the age of 16 will be asked to leave.
If you would like to encourage a young person in your life under the age of 16 to get involved with Archaeology at Jarrow Hall, look for the Young Archaeologists Club over at the Jarrow Hall website.

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 2026Thank 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 Schedule9:30-9:45&nbsp;Morning inductions, RA, task allocation&nbsp;9:45-11:00&nbsp;Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;11:00-11:15&nbsp;Break&nbsp;11:15-12:30&nbsp;Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;12:30-13:00&nbsp;Lunch&nbsp;13:00-13:30&nbsp;Finds Processing&nbsp;&nbsp;13:30-14:45&nbsp;Break&nbsp;14:45-16:00&nbsp;Find Processing16:00Pack upWe will meet at 9:30 each morning in front of Jarrow Hall Museum and head to the Archaeology Room in Jarrow Hall. Here we will go through Risk assessments and task allocation.The day will end at 16:00 so that tools and finds can be tidied away before Jarrow Hall and the Museum close at 16:30.EquipmentAll tools will be provided by JAM.Volunteers should bring their own food for the day. Some snacks will be provided, as well as tea and coffee. Please remember to bring water in a refillable bottle.Finds processing happens inside, but can still get messy if we're washing artefacts.TrainingTraining will be provided by JAM Staff. This will include cleaning, sorting, marking and auditing finds.Facilities and AccessibilityWe have access to the facilities at Jarrow Hall (Hive) and within the Museum.The Archaeology Room in Jarrow Hall is on the first floor. There is a lift in Jarrow Hall for anyone who may need to us it.Risks &amp; HazardsPPE such as gloves will be provided for volunteers. A copy of the site risk assessment will be available, 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

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.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 the finds recovered during our 2026 season. This event is for people 16+Anyone in attendance under the age of 16 will be asked to leave. If you would like to encourage a young person in your life under the age of 16 to get involved with Archaeology at Jarrow Hall, look for the Young Archaeologists Club over at the Jarrow Hall website.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.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 returned to Drewett's Park for a longer season to investigate the tantalising glimpses into Jarrows' historic past which were uncovered in the 2025 season. This involved both continuing excavations to investigate a number of features uncovered in the previous season so as to understand more about the Social History of Jarrow and the Old Jarrow Village. We also excavated deeper to find the historic deposits described by Professor Dame Rosemary Cramp, and determine the scope of the potential Anglo-Saxon and Medieval activity which once took place in the area of the park.

Jarrow Archaeological Mission

JAM Post-Ex