Time Team Season 16 Episode 8 Blood, Sweat and Beers: Risehill, North Yorkshire

In season 16, episode 8 of Time Team titled "Blood, Sweat and Beers: Risehill, North Yorkshire," the team travels to a small village in North Yorkshire to uncover the remains of a medieval castle. The show begins with an introduction to the village of Risehill and its history, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle was mentioned in historical documents, but there is little information about it. The team plans to discover the castle's layout and history by excavating the site.

The team consists of presenter Tony Robinson and archaeologists Raksha Dave, Phil Harding, and Matt Williams. They are joined by historian Dr. Kate Giles, who provides background information on the castle. The team begins by surveying the site using geophysical techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry. The results show that there are several features on the site, including a moat and a building.

The team starts digging and soon discovers the remains of a wall and a pit. They also find evidence of a post-medieval building, which was built on top of the castle's remains. The team discovers several artifacts, including a coin from the 12th century and a medieval arrowhead. The finds are clues to the castle's history and its importance in the local area.

The team faces challenges during the excavation, including bad weather and difficult soil conditions. They also face problems with the site's ownership and permissions to excavate. The team perseveres and continues to make discoveries, uncovering more evidence of the castle's history and purpose.

As the team uncovers more of the castle's features, they learn about its strategic importance and its role in the local power struggles of the time. They find evidence of a defensive ditch and a possible gatehouse, suggesting that the castle was not just a small fortification, but a significant stronghold.

Throughout the episode, the team faces setbacks and struggles but continues to work tirelessly to uncover the castle's history. They are also joined by volunteers from the local community, who help to dig and learn about the excavation process.

In the end, the team has discovered a wealth of information about the castle and its importance to the local area. The finds will help to piece together the history of Risehill and its pivotal role in the medieval period.

Overall, Time Team season 16, episode 8 is a fascinating look at the process of archaeological excavation and the challenges and rewards of uncovering history. With stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, the team brings the past back to life and offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in and around Risehill centuries ago.