The Irchester Field School is a collaborative community research project that is central to a wide-ranging partnership between the University of Leicester and North Northants Council, based at the Chester House Estate (https://chesterhouseestate.org/). It encompasses research, learning, community engagement, wellbeing and enterprise. The University of Leicester team is coordinated through the University of Leicester Heritage Hub (https://le.ac.uk/research/natural-heritage/heritage-hub).

The Chester House Estate is a unique free to enter heritage site. There is evidence for 10,000 years of human activity in the landscape, from flint scatters dating the Mesolithic (c. 10,000 to 4,000 BC) to a complex of traditional farm buildings dating back to the 17th century. Within the Estate lies one of the best preserved walled Roman small towns in Britain, known as Irchester. At present, much of this heritage is buried; the challenge is to bring it to life and tell its stories.

The Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) is a state-of-the-art facility located within the Chester House Estate, which is the new archaeological archive repository for the whole of Northants.

The excavations

In June and July, the University of Leicester’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History (SAAH) and University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) conduct archaeological excavations in partnership with volunteers and staff from the Chester House Estate and the ARC.

Archaeological survey and excavations are revealing houses, workshops and cemeteries, allowing us to better understand the lives of the town’s inhabitants. The Irchester Field School is a long-term collaborative project that supports local community and school involvement in archaeological research. The collaboration is enhancing our understanding of this archaeologically rich landscape, and is helping to make archaeological research and archives accessible and engaging.

Archaeological experience

We can offer a limited number of places to students at other organisations at a cost of £375/week (NOT including accommodation).

The excavation will run from Monday 16 June – Friday 4 July 2025.

How much does it cost?

The cost is £375 per week (Monday-Friday) not including accommodation/food (see below).

How do I book?

Please email Irchesterfs@le.ac.uk with details of your preferred dates. Once dates have been agreed / approved you can book your place.

Week 1 16 -20 June @£375

Week 2 23-27 June @£375

Week 3 30 June-4 July @£375

What is included?

On-site tuition, including excavation and on-site recording, post-excavation processes and archiving. 

All equipment, learning materials and a certificate of completion from the University of Leicester.

Instruction from a team of enthusiastic and supportive staff from the University of Leicester School of Archaeology and Ancient History and University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

Opportunities to work alongside and learn from staff and volunteers from the Chester House Estate and Archaeological Resource Centre and University of Leicester staff and students at a nationally significant site.

What is not included

International travel to and from the UK

Academic credits from the University of Leicester

Travel within the UK

Travel or medical insurance

Visa costs, if applicable

Accommodation (see below)

Meals or refreshments between meals

Personal spending money

Accommodation

A fully catered camping option is offered by our partners at the Chester House Estate.

Camping is available from Sunday 15 June until Friday 4 July @£40/day

Please do not book accommodation until you have received confirmation and paid for your place on the Irchester Field School experience programme.

Once you have received confirmation of your place, camping can be booked via this link: https://chesterhouseestate.digitickets.co.uk/category/61025

Health and safety

You are required to hold medical insurance (if you are from outside the UK)

You may be asked to work outside in varied weather conditions

You must read the risk assessment (which you will receive in advance) and follow all directions for site safety and protocols for your own safety and for the safety of others around you

You are required to bring your own suitable clothing and footwear (see appendix below).

Both the University of Leicester and the Chester House Estate hold public liability insurance.

If you have specific requirements, queries or concerns please contact us at: Irchesterfs@leicester.ac.uk

Payment Terms
Payment is accepted by credit card by clicking on 'book now.'

Please note that your booking will not be confirmed until we are in receipt of this information and payment has been made.

Refund and Cancellation policy
Requests for refunds will only be considered in the following circumstances:

• The participant or immediate family are seriously ill (medical evidence will be required).
• The participant is unable to obtain a visa (documentary evidence of the rejection letter will be required).

Please note that after 27 May refunds will not be considered due to costs incurred.