Projects
Below are all our projects, past and present. Click on current projects for more information and for those open to applications, how to apply.
Long Term Projects
2025
Haw Hill Archaeology Summer School
A key highlight of the 2025 season involved four Service Persons attending the Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Archaeology Summer School (now Lincoln Bishop University) at Haw Hill, Lincoln. Over a two-week period, these individuals completely immersed themselves in the academic environment, working directly alongside university students and professional archaeologists. The project focused on the Swanpool area of Lincoln, investigating a multi-phased site believed to hold the remains of a medieval monastic hospital. This immersive residency allowed participants to develop advanced excavation and recording skills while experiencing the social and educational benefits of life within a university team.
Attingham Park Roman Research Project
The final major collaboration of the year took place at the National Trust’s Attingham Estate in Shropshire. Wings to the Past enabled Service Pupil Premium children, those with a parent currently or having served recently in the military. A total of 29 students from Years 7 through 11 attended the site, joining professional archaeologists to investigate the hinterland of Wroxeter Roman City. The students focused on identifying Roman farmsteads and road systems that once supported one of Britain's largest Roman cities. By supporting the wider excavation, these young people played a vital role in the National Trust’s mission while building confidence and connecting with peers from similar military backgrounds..
South Common: Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories
During July 2025, the project collaborated with the "Local Landscapes & Hidden Histories" initiative at South Common in Lincoln. This community-led excavation focused on the historic site of the Malandry Leper Hospital (the Hospital of the Holy Innocents), dating back to the 11th century. 100 families and service personnel worked together to excavate test pits, uncovering medieval artefacts and architectural evidence of the hospital’s past. The project successfully bridged the gap between military life and the local community, using the shared discovery of Lincoln’s "hidden" heritage to build resilience and social well-being.
Norton Disney Roman Villa Excavation
In June 2025, Wings to the Past returned to the internationally significant site at Norton Disney in Lincolnshire. Service personnel and their families were embedded into a high-profile community excavation that aimed to further uncover the mysteries of the Roman villa and its landscape. Working alongside the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group, participants contributed to the ongoing research surrounding the site where a rare Roman dodecahedron was previously discovered. This project provided a unique opportunity for the military community to engage in professional-standard fieldwork while fostering deep connections with local history.
Digging Market Garden 15 - 17 Aug 24
15 personnel spent 3 days investigating the colourful history of the British First Airborne – on the very site that was the 1944 billet for their commander Maj Gen Roy Urquhart before he left for Arnhem in September 1944.
Norton Disney Time Team Dig Oct 24
On a sunny Friday in October 2024, 30 Service personnel and their families deployed to the lovely village of Norton Disney.
The Time Team episode will be viable to view on Youtube in early 2025, date TBC.
The Caistor Roman Project August 2024
3 Service personnel spent a week digging 3.5 mile from the center of Norwich, working with the Caistor Roman Project to unearth this fascinating site.
Field School Bursaries June / July 2024
For the 2nd year Bishop Grosseteste University kindly offered us places on their field school for a second year which would normally cost approx £2000.
Norton Disney June 2024
The internationally renowned Norton Disney community archaeological project invited RAF personnel on their summer dig in Jun 24, 3 personnel spent a week digging this fascinating site.
Near Cranwell Jul 23
Our first self-led project after Covid at a site near RAF Cranwell. It was started off with a field school.
Ermine Street - Anglian Water Sep 23
Wings to the Past are so excited that we were able to offer places to visit a dig on a section of Ermine Street.
Field School Bursaries June 2023
Bishop Grottestue kindly offered us places on their field school which would normally cost £2000.
Hartlebury Castle July 2023
We partnered with Dig Hartlebury and Hartlebury Castle to provide an opportunity to dig a civil war bastion.
Operation Bishops Challenge Feb 2023
We partnered with Bishops Grotesstue to provide fieldwalking opportunities to serving personnel and their families.
Pre-Covid Projects
RAF Cosford Mini Project 2021
Our first project after Covid, we developed a series of lecture for the participants.
Riseholme Project 2019
Our first project run with support from network archaeology and the University of Lincoln
