A FASCINATING exhibition celebrating the labourers who excavated an important historic Roman site in the region is due to open today. (Thursday, April 7)
New research has identified 11 of the workmen who, under the guidance of Oxford University scholars, helped uncover Corbridge Roman Town between 1906 and 1914.
English Heritage is now asking people to help identify the many more men from newly colourised photographs who have remained anonymous for more than a century.
Extraordinary Exploration; The Edwardian discovery of Coria showcases dozens of pictures of the men who worked at Corbridge for nine years before the First World War broke out.
The completely inexperienced excavators helped uncover remains of extraordinary quality and international renown.
Dr Frances McIntosh, a curator at English Heritage, said: “The back-breaking work at the heart of these excavations really was phenomenal, especially considering how deep many of the remains were buried.
“Even more extraordinary is that it was mainly undertaken by local labourers with no prior experience of archaeology.
“Brick makers, miners and gardeners, these men took on the job at Coria simply to pay the bills.
“But over nine seasons they were taught how to excavate and, in the process, discovered objects and buildings of international importance.”
Hundreds of photographs were taken of the excavations, some of which feature the labourers at work.
They provide an important record of this part of the excavation, showing the clothes they wore and the equipment they used.
Extraordinary Exploration will display these photographs outside, within the remains themselves, so visitors can compare what the Edwardians saw to what is visible today.
Dr McIntosh said: “The labourers were immensely proud of their work, their site and its place within the story of the Tyne Valley, but many of their own names have since been lost to history.
“We want to discover more about the unnamed workers who toiled to uncover Roman Corbridge.
“If you spot a familiar face from your own family research, please get in touch.”
The Romans brought about political, economic and cultural changes in England and the period remains one of the most appealing and accessible in our history.
With over 53 Roman sites and the largest collection of Roman artefacts in England, English Heritage is in a unique position to bring to life the formative history of the 400 years of Roman occupation in Britain.
English Heritage is also a partner of the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival, a programme of the events running throughout the year to mark the 1900th anniversary of the commencement of the building of Hadrian’s Wall.
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