Digging into the Past: Dylan’s Archaeological Adventure

This summer, Year Nine pupil Dylan Hatchett had the exciting opportunity to join the University of Reading’s summer field school at Cookham Abbey, an Anglo-Saxon monastery site in Berkshire. Dylan secured his place through a national competition run by the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC), the only UK-wide club where young people aged 8 – 16 years can participate in real archaeological digs.

Dylan has been a keen member of Worcestershire YAC for several years and was thrilled to be selected. During the field school, he worked alongside University students and tutors, experiencing many aspects of professional archaeology. His day included excavating in two trenches, where he uncovered animal bones and shells, and learning the delicate process of floatation, used to separate soil particles and recover environmental evidence. In the finds tent, he carefully cleaned fragments of bone and metal, developing the precision and patience required of archaeologists.

The highlight of Dylan’s experience was working in the cemetery trench, where he helped excavate a complete femur bone from one of the burials. He described it as “fascinating to see how people in the past utilised the space to bury the dead”, and he relished the chance to handle such significant discoveries with care and respect.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Dylan said he thoroughly enjoyed the day, the company of the other winners, and the chance to learn from the University of Reading team. His enthusiasm and dedication to archaeology shine through in his blog, published on the YAC website, which details his discoveries and the skills he gained.

You can read Dylan’s full blog on the Young Archaeologists’ Club website here.

We are delighted to celebrate Dylan’s achievement and look forward to seeing where his passion for archaeology may lead him.