Time Team Season 9 Episode 14 The Big Dig in Canterbury

In the 14th episode of the 9th season of Time Team, titled "The Big Dig in Canterbury," the team visits the historic city of Canterbury to explore its rich past. Canterbury has been a center of Christianity in England since the arrival of St. Augustine in 597 AD and has a wealth of archaeological sites waiting to be uncovered.

The Time Team focuses on the area around the River Stour, where there were once several mills, watermills, and an ancient bridge. They begin by examining the water system that supplied the mills, and the time Team is led by expert geophysicist John Gater. They use geophysical technology to scan the ground, uncovering a complex network of channels and watercourses that have been buried for centuries.

The team then moves on to the site of an ancient bridge, where they hope to learn more about the engineering skills and materials used by the Romans to build it. Aerial photographs from previous surveys reveal the outlines of the bridge, but Time Team wants to learn more about its construction and why it was built where it was.

As they dig deeper, the Time Team uncovers a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, coins, and animal bones. These provide valuable clues to the lifestyles and living conditions of the people who once lived in the area. Some of the artifacts and bones even point to evidence of trade links with other parts of the world.

The team works tirelessly to uncover more information about the bridge, building a detailed picture of how it was constructed and how it functioned. They also explore the possibility that the bridge was used as a military structure, as the River Stour was an important strategic point in medieval England.

As the excavation progresses, the Time Team also discovers evidence of other structures in the area, such as the remains of a mill, a house, and other buildings. Using the latest techniques, they can reconstruct the layout of the area, and reveal much about the history and development of Canterbury over the centuries.

Overall, "The Big Dig in Canterbury" is a fascinating exploration of one of England's most historic cities. The Time Team's expertise and dedication are evident, as they uncover hidden secrets and piece together the story of Canterbury's past.