Time Team Season 14 Episode 3 School Diggers, Hooke Court, Dorset

Time Team is a British documentary TV series that explores historical landmarks and sites across the UK. In season 14, episode 3, the team dives into the archaeological dig at Hooke Court, Dorset.

The episode is titled "School Diggers" and follows the Time Team as they investigate the history of Hooke Court, which is now a girl's boarding school. The team arrives on the scene and meets up with some of the teachers and students who are excited to learn more about the history of their school.

First, the team examines some of the old maps of the area to understand how the site has changed over the years. They learn that there used to be a manor house on the land, which was replaced by the current school in the 1950s. The team starts by surveying the area, which includes a large stretch of meadow, the school's lawn, and a small forest.

The first clue the team examines is a small brick building covered in ivy near the meadow. The structure was originally thought to be an icehouse, but as the team examines it more closely, they realize it was most likely a well-house. They discover that there are multiple wells on the property, which would have been used for drinking water, irrigation, and possibly even for brewing beer.

Next, the team turns their attention to the lawn in front of the school. They use ground-penetrating radar to scan the area and discover a large rectangular feature under the soil. They excavate the site and find evidence of an old garden pond, complete with brick walls and a fountain.

The team then moves on to the forested area of the site. They explore a mysterious sunken path that runs through the trees. They speculate that it may have been used for hunting or horse riding, and use a drone to get a bird's-eye view of the path.

Finally, the team looks at some of the history of the manor house that used to stand on the site. They uncover evidence of a grand staircase that would have been a focal point of the house, and discover that the manor was owned by some of the wealthiest families in the area.

Throughout the episode, the Time Team works closely with the teachers and students at the school, who are eager to get involved in the excavation. The team talks to the students about the importance of preserving history and the excitement of discovering the past.

Overall, "School Diggers" is a fascinating exploration of the history of Hooke Court and the surrounding area. The Time Team's discoveries shed light on the lives of the people who lived and worked on the site over the centuries, and inspire curiosity and excitement in the students who call Hooke Court home.