Archaeological dig which unearthed Oxford’s ‘lost college’ on TV

The BBCs 'Digging for Britain' filmed during Oxford Archaeology's excavation of a basement for 30 new student flats at the Brasenose College annexe Frewin Hall.

The dig attracted worldwide media attention when it uncovered the remains of the ‘lost college’ of St Mary’s, which was founded in 1435 but fell into disrepair after the dissolution of the monasteries.

Further surprising discoveries followed, including human bones of an individual buried in the 8th or 9th centuries AD, before Oxford was founded, and the ditch of a Bronze Age barrow or burial mound.

READ ALSO: Remains of Oxford's lost college uncovered by archaeologists

Last year an open day was held in February, which, despite the very stormy weather, attracted some 500 visitors to the site, who viewed the excavations, examined some of the many artefacts recovered, talked to staff, and enjoyed site tours conducted from a specially constructed walkway.

The dig won the Temporary Projects Award in the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2022 in a ceremony at St John’s College.

Digging For Britain presented by Alice Roberts is on BBC2 at 8pm and iPlayer.

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