On 24 August 2011 the archaeological dig on the site of Shakespeare’s last home in Stratford-upon-Avon was the location for BBC One’s new history programme National Treasures Live. Historian Dan Snow and BBC presenter Sian Williams delved into what the Dig for Shakespeare can tell us about the world’s best-known playwright, talked to volunteers who have unearthed some intriguing finds, and helped to bury a time capsule reflecting life in 2011 for future generations to find.
Watch the programme [available on BBC iPlayer until 14 September 2011]
The Dig for Shakespeare began last year when the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust commissioned Birmingham Archaeology, of the University of Birmingham, to help it unravel the mysteries of Shakespeare’s last years at New Place. The painstaking project has already unearthed finds spanning more than 2000 years, including evidence which challenges the historic interpretation of how Shakespeare’s house would have looked, and how the property was used.