A MAJOR archaeological dig is to be held which could shed fresh light on the period when the Romans occupied the Yorkshire Dales.

The Yorkshire Dales Young Archaeologists Club, local schools and community groups will be involved in the three-month project in Bainbridge.

The Roman fort of Virosidium lies immediately to the east of Bainbridge and while that has been excavated, the village itself has not.

At least 25 test pits measuring a metre square will be dug by hand on the village green and in private gardens, starting on April 22.

Each test pit will be excavated by a team of six people to a maximum depth of 1.2m. Earth will be sieved, photographs taken and finds recorded. Any pottery, metal objects and animal bone will be examined by specialists.

Volunteers are being actively recruited through Bainbridge Parish Council and the National Park’s volunteer network. Primary school children from Bainbridge, Askrigg, West Burton and Hawes will be taking part in the project.

The test pitting will come to an end on July 30. Analysis of finds will be carried out during August and September, and results displayed in the autumn. An archaeological report will be produced by the end of next January.

Bainbridge is one of the few definitively Roman sites within the Yorkshire Dales. The current idea is they occupied the area to mine lead for their plumbing systems.

Young Archaeologists Club branch leader, Amanda Beckwith said: “This project is extremely interesting archaeologically. There is scope to learn an enormous amount about the life around the fort of Virosidium.”

To take part contact Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons on 01969-652353 or rebecca.cadbury-simmons@yorkshiredales.org.uk