South Common 2026

Wings to the Past was once again invited by Dr Sam Tipper of Anglia Ruskin University to be involved in the Lincoln South Common excavations that took place in Lincoln from 2–4 October 2026, the dig represented an exciting opportunity for Wings to the Past to build on its previous involvement with the site in 2025.

Wings to the Past had already established a relationship with the South Common project through the 2025 Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories excavation, which investigated the remains of the medieval Hospital of the Holy Innocents (the Malandry). 20 Service personnel and their families attended the 2025 project, with 10 joining this year’s excavations. 

The 2026 excavation formed the opening fieldwork for the new three-year Hidden Histories Unearthed project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The 2026 excavation was particularly significant because it brought together Wings to the Past, professional archaeological teams, local volunteers and Time Team, with Anglia Ruskin’s University as the lead organisation supported by Lincoln Council. Time Team was on South Common throughout the three-day excavation, investigating the hospital site and working alongside the local archaeological teams, including Hidden Histories Unearthed and Wings to the Past.

Wings to the Past participants were therefore directly involved in a high-profile archaeological investigation rather than simply attending as visitors. They worked alongside professional archaeologists and Time Team, gaining practical excavation experience while contributing to the investigation of the hospital, its buildings and the people who lived and died there.

The involvement also provided a strong public engagement and community dimension. Time Team recorded its podcast live in Lincoln during the excavation, with project specialists discussing the emerging archaeology and discoveries with the wider community.

For Wings to the Past, the project demonstrates the strength of our model of using archaeology and heritage to bring Service personnel, families and civilian communities together. Participants had the opportunity to develop practical archaeological skills, work as part of a team, make memories, build confidence and connections, and contribute meaningfully to the investigation and interpretation of Lincoln's heritage.

Importantly, Wings to the Past was recognised as one of the archaeological partners working alongside Time Team and the Hidden Histories Unearthed project. This represents a significant development in the organisation's heritage partnerships and demonstrates the value of providing the Armed Forces community with meaningful opportunities to engage with major archaeological projects.

Amazing feedback was received from those that took part, with participants highlighting the chance to deliver both genuine heritage outcomes and create positive experiences for Service personnel, families and the wider community.  The Time Team Programme should be aired on the Time Team Digital YouTube channel in 2027, but keep an eye out for more information on social and the Patreon platform.