Students learn the right Manor in which to dig

The University of Sheffield is running an archaeological field school for international students and students at the University around their excavations of Sheffield Manor Lodge. The Archaeology Research Consultancy at the University of Sheffield (ARCUS) is holding six weeks of excavation which will focus on the south range of the 15th-17th century Manor Lodge and the 18th-19th century hamlet that developed within the ruins of the abandoned estate. Sheffield Manor Lodge, the former prison of Mary Queen of Scots is a Scheduled Ancient Monument situated on a ridge at the heart of the former medieval deer park overlooking Sheffield city centre. From the beginning of 2009, ARCUS have initiated a three year HEIF-4 funded partnership with Green Estate, involving the excavation, survey, standing building recording, laser scanning and phased computer visualisation of the landscape and ruins. The project will primarily focus on the substantial buried archaeology of the 15th-17th century Manor Lodge, the 19th-20th century rural and industrial landscape that developed around the ruins of the estate, and the surviving standing ruins and buildings dating from the 16th to 19th century. James Symonds, Director at ARCUS, said: "This is a great opportunity for students to learn and develop their skills in direct relation to their courses. It is a real hands on project that is interesting and can provide real insight into the history between these centuries."