Join an archaeological dig near Ironbridge, Shropshire

Budding archaeologists are invited to join the professionals at Ironbridge and help them make history. Archaeology Live is an exciting research project designed to explore the site of the Old Furnace at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, where Abraham Darby was the first to smelt iron with coke in 1709. Visitors can join staff and volunteers for free as they break new ground in scientific exploration by participating in excavation, artefact analysis, field recording, drawing, photographing and recording over the weekend of 19 and 20 July.

The Old Furnace was built in 1658 and stayed in use until the 1820s, after which new buildings were put up around the site and its presence was forgotten until the 1950s when it was ‘rediscovered’ and the surrounding buildings demolished. In the 1980s a new cover building was put in place to protect it from the weather which now needs refurbishment; the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is taking this opportunity to carry out a full archaeological investigation.

“This is a tremendously exciting project”, said Paul Belford, the Museum’s Head of Archaeology and Monuments. “It is the first time that modern archaeological techniques have been used to explore this important site.”

The team and visiting helpers will be searching for the remains of the old buildings associated with the furnace where Abraham Darby first cast iron and the giant bellows that blew air into the furnace. They also hope to uncover the site of the great water wheel, which powered the bellows. This work will improve understanding of the site and help to develop an exciting new generation of interpretation. The new improved cover building will be opened in 2009 in time for the 300th anniversary of Abraham Darby’s industrial breakthrough.

Visitors are welcome to join in the dig between 10am - 4pm on Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July. They should come wearing appropriate clothing suitable for gardening and all weather conditions. Trowels and other equipment will be provided.

A Passport to all ten of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £14.95 per adult, £12.95 for the 60 plus, £9.95 for students and children and £48 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

The museums are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm; activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre or visit Ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).