Time Team Season 12 Episode 13 Animal Farm, Hanslope, Milton Keynes

In season 12, episode 13 of the popular archaeological show Time Team, the team travels to Hanslope in Milton Keynes to investigate an unusual site known as Animal Farm. This site, located in a field that was once part of a farm, is rumored to contain a wealth of animal remains, including those of exotic animals like lions and tigers.

Led by archaeologist Tony Robinson, the team begins their investigation by mapping out the site and taking aerial images to get a better understanding of the layout. They also speak with local farmers and residents to gather any information they can about the history of the area and the animals that may have been kept there.

The team then begins their excavation, carefully digging through layers of soil to uncover any evidence of animal remains. They use a variety of tools, including shovels, trowels, and brushes, to carefully remove dirt and debris without damaging any potential artifacts.

As they dig deeper, the team begins to piece together a picture of the farm's history. They discover evidence of animal pens and feeding troughs, as well as large piles of animal bones that suggest the animals were slaughtered and butchered on site.

One of the most exciting discoveries comes when the team unearths the remains of a large predator. At first, they believe the bones may belong to a lion or tiger, but upon closer inspection, they determine that it is actually the skeleton of a bear. This discovery sheds new light on the types of animals that were kept at the farm, and raises questions about why a bear would be kept as a farm animal.

As the team continues to dig, they uncover more and more animal remains, including those of pigs, sheep, and cows. They also find evidence of other activities that took place on the farm, like blacksmithing and pottery making.

Throughout the investigation, the team faces a number of challenges, including inclement weather and difficult terrain. But their persistence pays off, and they are able to collect a significant amount of data that will help them better understand the history of the farm and the lives of the animals that lived there.

In the end, the team is able to piece together a fascinating story of a farm that was home to a diverse array of animals, from cows and pigs to bears and lions. Their findings shed new light on the history of animal husbandry in the area, and provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked on the farm. This episode of Time Team is a fascinating look at the intersection of archaeology and animal science, and is sure to delight viewers interested in both fields.