Excavation dates: 8th – 26th June 2026.Post‑excavation research: 2026 – 2030.
In June 2026, Durham University archaeologists and students will return to East Park, Sedgefield, to undertake further excavations at one of the North East’s most important Roman archaeological sites.
Image: Previous excavations undertaken at East Park, Sedgefield.
East Park is the site of a Roman roadside civilian settlement that developed alongside Cade’s Road, the main Roman route running through the north‑east of England. The site was first identified through aerial photography and metal‑detector finds, subsequent excavations revealed a complex settlement occupied between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. The site provides evidence for Roman‑period homes, workshops, pottery production, metalworking, agriculture, and trade. Uniquely, the settlement does not appear to be associated with a nearby Roman fort, and it therefore offers a rare insight into civilian life beyond the military frontier.
Previous excavations have uncovered timber buildings, ovens, pottery kilns, enclosure systems, and finds that give us an insight into Roman life. Despite this work, many questions remain about how the settlement developed, how people lived and worked there, and how the site connected to wider Roman and local communities.
The Department of Archaeology’s 2026 excavation will focus on the heart of the settlement, opening new trenches on either side of the Roman road to explore homes, industrial areas, and enclosures in greater detail. Alongside excavation, the project will also bring together and analyse finds from earlier digs to help to build a much fuller picture of daily life at East Park.
This work forms part of Durham University’s commitment to advancing archaeological research, training students, and sharing discoveries with the public.
Further updates, results, and opportunities to visit the site will be shared during the excavation season.
Members of the public are warmly invited to join guided site tours during the 2026 excavation season at East Park.
When: Daily at 11.30am during the excavation period (10th – 26th June 2026). To ensure a safe and engaging experience, some dates will be reserved and prioritised for organised group visits (usually Thursdays and Fridays). Please check the website for updates.
Where: The excavation area at East Park, Sedgefield.Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.Capacity: Up to 20 individuals per public tour.
Tours will be led by members of the excavation team and will introduce visitors to the archaeology of East Park, its wider Roman context, and the history of previous discoveries at the site. Visitors will learn about the key research questions currently being explored and will have an opportunity to see both the excavation trenches and the finds‑processing area.
When: 1pm - 4pm, Wednesday – Friday (subject to the quantity of finds and weather conditions).Where: On‑site Finds Processing Hub, East Park, Sedgefield.Who: Led by Dr Sophie Laidler with student volunteers.Capacity: Up to 8 local volunteers per day (advance booking required).
Take part in hands‑on archaeological finds washing and processing. Volunteers will receive a site induction, a health and safety briefing, and training in basic post‑excavation techniques. No previous experience is required.
To book a volunteer slot, please complete this sign-up form: Sedgefield Excavations: Community Finds Washing Volunteer Sign‑Up 2026
A series of three public talks will take place to explore East Park’s Roman past, and the wider landscape of Roman County Durham, including new discoveries from the 2026 excavations and a show‑and‑tell with finds. The talks will take place at a local venue in Sedgefield.
Please check back on this page for further updates and information.
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