Time Team

In this exclusive interview, critically acclaimed author of 'The Dig', John Preston chats to Time Team's creator and Series Producer, Tim Taylor, to discuss one of Britain's most incredible archaeological discoveries: Sutton Hoo.

They consider the amazing discovery of the Anglo-Saxon burial by Basil Brown and Edith Pretty (as recently portrayed in the Netflix film adaptation), and the state-of-the-art survey techniques that Time Team is now deploying at the site to help us uncover more of its secrets.

Copies of John's book 'The Dig' are available to order in our shop here.

The original video interview is available to watch here.

A major archaeological discovery was made by a British farmer during lockdown – a large Roman villa, complete with an intriguing mosaic depicting scenes from Ancient Greek mythology... buried under a field in England.

The mosaic discovered in England's smallest county, Rutland, tells a story that stretches back thousands of years into the Bronze Age. Time Team's resident community archaeologist, Dani Wootton catches up with John Thomas from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services to find out more about this amazing discovery.

John Thomas is no stranger to Time Team having appeared on the programme several times over the years, alongside fellow archaeology Peter Liddle (who we interviewed recently on Patreon). What's more the geophysical survey on the villa was carried out by SUMO – the company led by Time Team's own geophys whizz, Dr John Gater!

Very special thanks to John Thomas, UCLA and Historic England.

The original video of this interview can be watched here.

Time Team meets Sid, a young boy who made an incredible ancient discovery in his back garden, when looking for pottery during lockdown. Sid's amazing find made the national headlines here in the UK and he has since appeared on iconic children's TV show, Blue Peter.

We're also joined by Dr Tim Ewin, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum to discuss the similarities between archaeology and palaeontology, and amazing 'Jurassic Pompeii' also recently discovered in the UK.

While very different subjects, there are some clear parallels between archaeology and palaeontology, and Time Team is no stranger to palaeontology, having searched for mammoths in an Oxfordshire gravel pit back in Series 3. We also headed to Montana's 'Dinosaur Belt' for a 2001 special to excavate a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Special thanks to Sid and Vish Singh, and Dr Tim Ewin of the Natural History Museum, London.

You can watch the original video interview here.

We catch up with old friend and authority on Anglo-Saxon archaeology, Prof Helena Hamerow for a wide ranging discussion, covering everything from Saxon royal power bases to discoveries including the Staffordshire Hoard.

Helena – a key contributor to our dig at Sutton Courtenay, featured in last week's Time Team Classic – takes a closer look at Saxon royal great halls, including an incredible recent reconstruction at a neighbouring site in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire. Prof Hamerow also sheds light on a fascinating period of history when royal women wielded a significant degree of power and influence.

The original video interview is available to watch on the Time Team Official YouTube Channel.

Watch Time Team Classics episode, 'In the Halls of a Saxon King (Sutton Courtenay) here.

Discover more about the Sylva Foundation and the amazing Saxon hall reconstruction, the House of Wessex, here.

Time Team regular and buildings expert Dr Jonathan Foyle catches up with Series Producer Tim Taylor to shed light on some of the most beautiful and intriguing historic buildings in England.

Jonathan and Tim consider the incredible Tudor gatehouse, Layer Marney Towers in Essex, Jonathan's former stomping ground, Hampton Court, and several glorious cathedrals. They also discuss the legendary and opulent temporary palaces of the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520, France.

But, most importantly, can Jonathan help Time Team find its next dig site?

The original video interview is available to watch on the Time Team Official YouTube channel here.

We revisit an interview with queen of historic fiction, Philippa Gregory CBE, with an extended chat including fascinating and previously unseen insights. Philippa discusses her bestselling novels, and experiences on Time Team at Syon House and Groby Old Hall – home of the ‘White Queen’, Elizabeth Woodville.

Philippa shares her wealth of knowledge, shedding light on the forgotten stories of women throughout history and discusses her recent novel, Dark Tides.

Note: This is an extended version of an interview originally recorded in July 2020, featuring many fascinating and previously unreleased moments.

The original video interview is available to view here.

Join Time Team for a walk through time, discovering some of the amazing historical features that you can encounter on a stroll through the British countryside.

Time Team's Dani Wootton catches up with East Devon archaeologist, and former 'Bard of Exeter', Jon Freeman to find out how we can all discover more about the history and archaeology of our local areas.

To discover more about Routes for Roots, download the PDF walking guides and watch the online video tours, visit this website.

If you'd like more information about researching local history and archaeology across Britain, check out Time Team's Dig Village book, available in hardback.

The original video interview is available to listen to here.

In Summer 2021, archaeologists from the University of Reading made a major discovery: the long lost monastery ruled by a prominent and hugely influential Anglo-Saxon queen.

Cynethryth was the wife of Offa of Mercia, and a powerful queen in her own right – the only female ruler depicted on coinage at this time in all of Western Europe.

The Reading team, led by Dr Gabor Thomas, made some amazing discoveries at Cookham village on the banks of the River Thames. Time Team's Dani Wootton catches up with Dr Thomas to find out more.

The original video is available to watch here.

You may have heard of the 'cottage core' trend that has captured many people's imaginations recently. While the concept might portray a slightly idealised view of countryside living, we thought it would be interesting to approach the rural dwelling from an archaeological perspective.

Time Team archaeologist Dani Wootton catches up with buildings expert and gifted illustrator, Dr Richard Parker, to discuss some of the archaeological techniques used to understand the development of a building over time.

Together, Dani and Richard guide us through 500 years of history of a Devon farmhouse, from its origins in the 1500s up to the present day, using Richard's incredible drawings. They discuss how fashions changed in different eras, and how these affected the structure and fabric of a home.

You can watch the original video interview here.

Introducing Neil Emmanuel – 2D graphic artist and motion graphics whizz, who featured on Time Team for 10 years and will be returning for our new digs this year.

As well as sharing his Time Team memories, Neil tells us more about his excellent new book, 'The Middle Ages: A Graphic History', which he illustrated alongside author and historian, Dr Eleanor Janega.

This brilliant read busts the myth of the ‘Dark Ages’, shedding light on the medieval period’s present-day relevance in a unique illustrated style. A unique, illustrated book that will change the way you see medieval history!

To celebrate the publication this book is now available in the Time Team Official Shop here.

See more of Neil's work here.

See more of Eleanor's work here.

In this exclusive interview, the master of the historical thriller, Robert Harris, joins Time Team's Derek Pitman to discuss the inspiration behind his novels.

Robert's books including 'Fatherland', 'Archangel' and 'Munich' often draw upon historical themes to construct intricate and engaging narratives, a blend a fiction and fact that immerses the reader is numerous histories and alternative histories.

Robert transports us back to Ancient Rome, the setting for his landmark 'The Cicero Trilogy', which is now being released in a special hardback edition.

Join us to find out Robert's fantasy dig site and what he thinks about Time Team, as well as the archaeological inspiration behind 'The Second Sleep'.

COMPETITION! Win a copy of Robert's new book and some Time Team Official merch here.

The original video interviews available to watch here.

Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw, best known for their 'Career in Ruins' podcast, join us for a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion on all things archaeology.

The duo begin planning the (entirely hypothetical) 'Official Time Team Academy University of Learning Stuff About Archaeology', sharing insights on the fundamentals of their craft and adapting practices in response to Covid-19. What's more, they give us a taste of the latest gadgets available to archaeologists today – from Star Trek inspired 'ray guns' and drones to smartphone apps and augmented reality. What on earth does the latest Mario Kart video game have to do with archaeology?! You'll have to listen to find out...

Finally, Lawrence and Derek look back at Time Team's visit to St Mary's City, sparking an interesting debate on the cultural differences in practising archaeology in different regions, as well as the advances in technology and approaches since the dig almost 25 years ago.

Check out the 'Career in Ruins' podcast here.

Watch the original video interview here.

As we draw ever closer to the two brand new Time Team digs, members of the team share a range of perspectives on the Roman villa in Oxfordshire and the Iron Age settlement in Cornwall.

Carenza Lewis, Helen Geake, Naomi Sewpaul, Stewart Ainsworth, John Gater, Miles Russell and Tim Taylor tell us what they are excited about and how they will be approaching the digs. As you can see, we're getting just a little bit excited!

You can watch the original video interview that was recorded before the digs started on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

Tim Taylor catches up with bestselling 'Labyrinth' author, Kate Mosse to discuss her latest novel, 'The City of Tears'. We always learn so much when talking to Kate and this conversation doesn't disappoint!

Once again, Kate shares her breadth of knowledge on the genuine historic events, characters, locations and physical artefacts that inspire her fiction. We take a closer look at the fascinating role of reliquaries throughout history, and Kate reveals her own 'fantasy dig site' that relates to the book.

You can watch the original video interview in full here.

To find out more about Kate's books and other projects visit here website.

This week, we're joined by 'Man with the Plan', Professor Henry Chapman – Time Team's resident surveyor. Professor Chapman, of the University of Birmingham, tells us about his study of bog bodies and why we should keep researching Stonehenge. He also shows us his 'long service award' for completing over 100 Time Team shoots!

Discover Henry's fantasy dig site and what he thinks was the key to Time Team's success.

You can also view the original video interview here.

Join us for this fascinating chat as Series Producer Tim Taylor and Archaeologist Helen Geake consider the importance of unveiling and recording ancient mosaics.

Time Team is returning to dig a large Roman villa later this year on the Broughton estate, Oxfordshire. Of course, a potential floor mosaic is just one aspect of a much bigger picture that we hope to uncover at this site.

So does it really matter if we find one? Tim and Helen make a compelling case for gleaning what we can in the here and now...

** TIME TEAM IS COMING BACK –JOIN US ON PATREON! ** Support Time Team by becoming a patron and get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content here: https://www.patreon.com/TimeTeamOfficial

Following the historic final of the Euro 2020 football tournament between England and Italy, Time Team takes a look at the history and archaeology of the 'beautiful game'.

Variations of ball games have been enjoyed for thousands of years, from Ancient China, and the riotous folk football played across Europe in the Middle Ages, through to the modern game that developed over the last 150 or so years.

It's a game of two halves, and Time Team's Dani Wootton is joined firstly by sports historian, Professor Matthew Taylor of De Montfort University, and then archaeologist and heritage consultant, Jason Wood, to discover more about the historic development of football and also the fascinating lessons that can be learnt from the archaeology of football.

Find out more about the 'hidden history' of women's football that enjoyed a Golden Age during World War I, and the value in combining folk memory, living history and excavation to test archaeological theories and techniques. The links between football and archaeology might not be immediately obvious, but as Matthew and Jason highlight, it's amazing what can be learnt when two seemingly contrasting fields come together.

You can also watch the original video interview here.

Our hugely popular and exclusive interview and catch up with our lifelong friend, Sir Tony Robinson, Time Team's presenter of 20 series and countless specials is now available to download and listen to on our podcast! While Tony is taking a step back from his presenting role, Time Team is in his blood and we're delighted announce Tony as our Honorary Patron and 'chief super-fan'!

Tony told us: "I was delighted to hear about the plans for the next chapter in Time Team’s story. It’s an opportunity to find new voices and should help launch a new generation of archaeologists, under the guidance and watchful eye of Mr Taylor! While I won’t be involved in the new sites, I was delighted to accept the role of Honorary Patron of the Time Team project. It makes me chief super-fan and supporter – all armoury in our shared desire to inspire and stimulate interest in archaeology at all levels.”

You can watch the original video interview here.

You're in for a real treat as we catch up with popular Time Team digger, trench supervisor, ever-willing historic re-enactor and all round good sport, Matt Williams!

Matt recalls some of his most memorable moments on Time Team, including the time he unearthed the 'find of his life'. We also hear about what Matt is up to now and the various projects he's currently involved in.

Of course, with two brand new Time Team digs on the way, the million dollar question is: Will Matt be returning to the team?

You can watch the original video interview here.

Tim Taylor catches up with graphic designer, architect and heritage consultant, Raysan Al-Kubaisi. Raysan shares his Time Team memories, his thoughts on the evolution of virtual reconstruction and the role of the heritage sector in New Zealand – where he now lives with fellow Time Team regular, Brigid Gallagher, and their family.

We're thrilled that Raysan and Brigid will be lending their expertise to the new digs remotely from their New Zealand base. Tim and Raysan discuss some of the details of how this might happen...

You can watch the original video interview here.

In this episode, we catch up with old friend, Mick ‘the Dig’ Worthington. Mick was the excavation supervisor on the first seven series of Time Team. He later returned as Mick ‘the Twig’ – a 'dendrochronologist’ using tree ring samples to date historic buildings and boats with pinpoint accuracy. Now based in Maryland, USA, Mick shares his thoughts on Nevis, fantasy dig sites, working at Mount Vernon and making the headlines.

You can watch the original video interview here.

Tim Taylor meets Neil MacGregor, bestselling author and presenter of the wonderful 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', as featured on BBC Radio 4. Neil is no stranger to stunning artefacts, as former Director of both the British Museum and the National Gallery. Tim and Neil take a look at a series of intriguing historic objects, including some discovered by Time Team, as well as personal favourites from the British Museum's collection.

These objects speak of the very fundamentals of humanity: our need for play and faith, our sense of identity, our aspirations of beauty, our struggle for survival, and the unfortunate inevitability of war.

During his tenure at the British Museum, Neil oversaw new displays of the Sutton Hoo treasure, as featured in the recent Netflix film, 'The Dig', starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Neil tells Tim what it was like to work with these incredible objects and their lasting appeal.

You can watch the original video interview here.

We're thrilled that Kerry Ely – long running team member, prankster and all-round Mr Logistics – will be returning to the fold for this year's Roman villa dig! In this interview Tim Taylor catches up with Kerry to look back at his favourite moments and find out what he's up to now. 

Kerry first joined the show as a digging archaeologist on the suggestion of his close friend, Mick Aston. He later moved into the production side and was key to organising everything on site, from helicopters to porta-loos. Kerry played an integral role in keeping everything running smoothly, both on and off screen. 

The original video interview is available to watch here.

Join us for an exclusive interview with architectural historian, Dr Jonathan Foyle. Jonathan was a key member of the team on many episodes recently featured on Time Team Classics, including 'Keeping Up with the Georgians', 'The First Tudor Palace?', 'The Castle in the Round', 'School Diggers' and 'The Manor That's Back to Front'.

Historic buildings expert, Jonathan remembers Syon House, shares his insights on (upcoming dig site) Broughton Castle and reveals his own fantasy dig sites, which might just be added to our list of potential future sites...

Watch the original video interview here.

Dani Wootton gets the lowdown on an incredible 1400-year old detective story, concerning the major rediscovery of an early Anglo-Saxon saint and member of the Kentish royal family.

St Eanswythe was the grand-daughter of King Ethelbert of Kent and aunt of the two princes murdered at Eastry (featured in the Time Team episode S13E06). Local legend placed her mortal remains in the local church dedicated to her in Folkestone, Kent. Then, in the 1880s an ancient reliquary casket containing a pile of bones was discovered in a hidden alcove. Could they possibly belong to the early English princess and saint?

Dr Andrew Richardson (Canterbury Archaeological Trust) explains how modern scientific techniques – including carbon dating, isotope analysis and DNA analysis – are shedding light on the discovery, helping to settle the mystery once and for all.

Discover more about Finding Eanswythe Time Team Official shop.

Watch the original video interview here.

We're honoured to be joined by Natalie Haynes – stand-up comedian, author, classicist and presenter of BBC Radio 4's much-loved 'Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics'. Natalie discusses her latest book, 'Pandora's Jar', with Tim Taylor, and shares insights on the classical influence that the Romans introduced to Britain.

Please note: Some of themes of this discussion relating to Ancient Greek mythology and culture might be distressing and unsuitable for younger audiences.

Time Team regular guest, Dr Miles Russell takes us on a hypothetical tour of a Romano British villa. What types of rooms did it have? How many people lived there? How did the owners make their money and how did they spend it? Who else kept the estate running?

Miles considers the importance today of uncovering, preserving and documenting mosaics before they are lost forever, while also calling to place every villa within the wider landscape it occupies. As we edge closer to our very own Roman villa dig, Dr Russell's many insights prove invaluable!

In the second part of our revealing interview with Kate Mosse, the bestselling author of Labyrinth, Citadel and Sepulchre discusses her fantasy digs sites, upcoming novel, The City of Tears, and why it's essential that Time Team returns.

We're joined by number one bestselling author of Labyrinth, Kate Mosse. In the first instalment of a revealing two-part interview, Kate discusses her involvement in the Women's Prize for Fiction (this year won by Maggie O'Farrell for Hamnet), her love of the Languedoc region of France and the inspiration behind her Carcasonne trilogy, which also includes Citadel and Sepulchre.

Kate shares her love of archaeology, which began as a child growing up beside Fishbourne Roman Palace in Sussex, and explains the importance of the physical artefacts at the centre of her novels. Keep a look out for even more fascinating insights in the concluding 2nd part of the interview up next!

We're joined by Ken Follett, internationally bestselling author of epics including 'Pillars of the Earth' and 'Fall of Giants'. Ken tells Tim Taylor about the inspiration behind his latest Kingsbridge novel, 'The Evening and the Morning'.

As you'll see, Ken is no stranger to Time Team and he shares his fascination with reconstructing ancient crafts and techniques from stone-masonry to forging coins. Which is Ken's favourite cathedral? What's he currently researching? Where is his fantasy dig site? Join us to find out!

In this episode we meet Martin Brown, the illustrator behind the gruesomely popular history books, famed for 'leaving the nasty bits in'. We'd like to think that Time Team shares some affinity with Horrible Histories, created at a similar time, in bringing the lives of the ordinary people from previous centuries back to life... At the heart of it all is a good story!

So we tracked the lead illustrator of the series, Martin Brown for a chat. The effortlessly charming Aussie shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics including: Time Team's resident artist, Victor Ambrus; the thousands of years of history that surround his home village in Dorset; his fantasy dig site; ensuring historic accuracy in reconstructing the past; finding the funny side of history; and the long tradition of cartoon strips and satire.

This week, we're joined by good friend and historian, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Suzannah explains what she finds so fascinating about the Tudors and sheds light on the 'Holy Grail' document that all Tudor historians want to get their hands on.

We take a look back at Time Team's dig at Richmond Palace – the splendid, lost Thames-side royal residence where Queen Elizabeth I died. Suzie tells us more about her own experiences on the show and reveals her fantasy dig site, inspired by Henry VIII and a legendary international event that celebrates its 500th anniversary this year.

We catch up with old friend Philippa Gregory, historian and bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen. We discuss Time Team's dig to find Syon Abbey, Philippa's knack for uncovering the stories of fascinating women throughout history, her latest series including Tide Lands, and a fantasy dig at the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury – one of the decisive moments in the War of the Roses. This is one interview not to be missed!

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

Time Team looks back at the life of an incredible man and great talent, Victor Ambrus, who passed away on 10th February 2021. Victor was not only Time Team's resident artist from its inception; he was also a prolific illustrator of over 300 books!

Victor was celebrated for humanising the past. Though a naturally quiet man, Victor's pictures spoke a thousand words and his legacy lives on in the huge catalogue of work he left behind.

We hear from many of Victor's colleagues and admirers, including Tim Taylor, Sir Tony Robinson, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Carenza Lewis, Stewart Ainsworth, Helen Geake, John Gater, Phil Harding, Suzannah Lipscomb, Jimmy Adcock, Jim Mower, Sue Breeze, Mick 'the Dig' Worthing, Neil Emmanuel, Philip Reeve, Martin Brown, Miles Russell.

Please note that many of the recollections featured here were recorded during interviews throughout the last 18 months. You can view some additional tributes from Time Team family and friends here.

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

We meet Sir Michael Morpurgo, bestselling author of War Horse (made into an award-winning film by Steven Spielberg) and Private Peaceful, for a fascinating chat that takes in the Isles of Scilly, Arthurian legends, the importance of physical finds and much more!

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

We're delighted to be joined by John Preston, critically-acclaimed author behind the latest Netflix smash, 'The Dig'. The film that everyone's talking about reimagines the real-life discovery of one of England's most iconic archaeological sites – Sutton Hoo. It stars Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown and Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty. John is the real-life nephew of archaeologist Peggy Piggott, played in the film by Lily James.

John tells Tim Taylor, series producer of Time Team, about his personal inspiration behind the book and shares his own Time Team fantasy dig site. He also reveals one of more unusual finds to be discovered at Sutton Hoo.

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

We're joined by bestselling historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell, mastermind behind the Napoleonic Sharpe series and the Saxon Stories. Bernard shares the lowdown on his upcoming novel, War Lord, his family connections to Saxon hero, Uhtred and much more!

Hear about the possible discovery of the location of the monumental Battle of Brunanburh, Bernard's fantasy dig sites, and the return of Richard Sharpe – famously brought to life on screen by Sean Bean.

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.