Volunteers Join Effort to Map Hadrian’s Wall Route

An archaeological team conducting a survey of Hadrian’s Wall aims to clarify a segment of its path. Archaeologist Mark Graham is recruiting volunteers to assist with a geophysical survey spanning 25 acres (10 hectares) in Drumburgh, Cumbria. Mr. Graham stated that a substantial portion of the Roman wall’s trajectory, predominantly subterranean, remains unverified, a situation he hopes to correct. He added, “I think people sometimes have this misconception that because something is so protected, it means it is really well understood.” Volunteers are being sought for multiple survey dates scheduled for November, December, and January. The project, financed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), does not involve excavation but rather utilizes magnetic and electric resistance measurements of the ground. Mr. Graham explained that irregularities detected in these readings can indicate the precise course of the wall. “Sometimes it can feel like Hadrian’s Wall belongs to someone else,” Mr Graham commented. “It’s in the realm of high academics…but it is owned by everyone.” He further stated, “Finding out exactly what it does here is our chance to just add to that story and to work together with local people.” He concluded, “Any piece of the jigsaw of Hadrian’s Wall which we can clarify, helps us to understand just how the Romans functioned on the wall.” Additionally, the team aims to locate a small fort, known as a milecastle, within the World Heritage site, which has been long theorized to exist in the area. Mr. Graham remarked, “If we do, then we will be the first people to actually see that milecastle and put it in the right position.” For further updates, BBC Cumbria can be followed on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.