Idris Martin reporting, including text from Dorset Council website and Wikipedia.
Residents and visitors were invited to explore Weymouth’s hidden history when a major community archaeology dig opens its doors to the public today, 9th May 2024.
The Weymouth Community Excavation 2026 Open Day took place at the excavation site on St Nicholas Street, Weymouth, the site of the former ten-pin bowling alley.
The dig, which is being organised by Context One Heritage & Archaeology for Dorset Council, is uncovering centuries of life in Weymouth, from medieval buildings and wells to Victorian gardens and everyday objects once used by local families. The open day gave people the chance to see the excavation up close, meet the archaeologists and volunteers, and learn what has been discovered so far.
The excavation is being carried out with strong community involvement, with local volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists. Recent weeks have revealed medieval walls, historic wells, early refrigeration cold stores and a wide range of finds including coins, tiles, pottery and personal items that help bring past lives into focus.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:
“This dig is about much more than archaeology; it’s about people feeling connected to the place they live. The open day is a brilliant chance for residents to see what’s being uncovered, ask questions, and share in the excitement of discovering Weymouth’s past together. You don’t need any background knowledge, just curiosity.”
Idris spoke to a ‘musketeer’ from the Battle of Weymouth in 1645 who explained more about the conflict…
Here is a gallery of photos taken by Idris Martin from the archaeological dig today…
