Archaeologists at the University of Birmingham have a royal appointment - to dig up the Queen’s back garden.
Henry Chapman, Ben Gearey and Emma Tetlow from Birmingham Archaeology will join Channel 4’s Time Team for the Big Royal Dig which begins today, running across the Bank Holiday weekend.
The three Birmingham archaeologists will be digging at Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence.
Dr Henry Chapman said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to dig down into the history of the palace. Buckingham Palace is one of the most fascinating buildings in London. The garden has hardly been touched before, and archaeologists have never been able to choose where to dig – that is why it’s so exciting.”
The team will be uncovering new finds and hoping to determine the exact location and layout of the original Buckingham House, as well as the original garden layout and design. They will use 3D graphics to chart the evolution of the buildings over a millennium.
Time Team will be based at two other Royal Palaces from 25 –28 August, with teams also at Windsor Castle and Holyroodhouse.
Notes to Editors
For further information Anna Mitchell – Press Officer
0121 414 6029 / 07920 593946 / a.i.mitchell@bham.ac.uk