The Lost Manors of Harlaxton
Weekend Excavations – September 2025
Harlaxton History Society is organising a series of digs this September as they seek to identify and record the site of the three ancient manor houses.
The project is supported by a lottery fund grant and is being guided by Prof Abi Hunt from Nottingham University.
The group is looking for volunteers with excavation experience to join their September fieldwork. If you are interested please email project leader, Douglas Brown: hhsmanordig@gmail.com
The preliminary plan is as follows:
Please note, tasks with an asterix * require volunteers with previous experience of an archaeological dig.
6-7 Sept Dig Days 1&2
Volunteers needed to
· Open two main trenches across GPR targets and manage/record finds *
· Survey of No2 Rectory Lane Garden and other properties on street for worked stone
· Measuring and recording the wall towards the Eastern end of the garden (poss former walled garden)
· Metal detecting across garden of No1
12, 13, 14 Sept Dig Days 3,4 & 5
Volunteers needed to
· Continue excavation of two main trenches manage /record finds*
· Open other small trenches and manage /record finds*
· Clear and record sunken room*
· Record all worked stone in No1 rectory Lane Gardens
· Measure and record Pond at Pond Street
19, 20, 21 Sept Dig Days 6,7 & 8
Volunteers needed to
· Continue excavation of all trenches and close in afternoon*
· Continue to clear and record sunken room*
· Record all worked stone in fabric of No1 rectory Lane
· Measure and record moat
Harlaxton is just a couple of miles to the East of the A1 at Grantham, just half an hour North of Peterborough.
