Excavations
For centuries Ad Gefrin was simply a place of legend. It’s whereabouts was hinted at by Bede, but the true location of the 7th Century Palace of King Edwin of Northumbria remained a mystery until, in 1949, an aerial survey revealed an impressive series of crop marks in an otherwise unremarkable field to the north of Yeavering Bell.
Use the links below to explore the history of excavation on the site. Additional downloadable resources, including a complete edition of Brian Hope-Taylor’s ‘Yeavering’ book are available in the excavation sections.
2023
The Gefrin Trust and Durham University launched and concluded their second field season at Yeavering in September 2023.
Rooted in the Resource Assessment and Research Agenda undertaken for the Gefrin Trust, and subsequent Project Design presented to Historic England, our aims are to test out Hope-Taylor’s interpretations, extend new knowledge, improve academic and public understanding of this multi-period site and establish the first scientific chronological framework for the long-term development of human activity on the gravel plateau and the broader environs.
2021
A pilot phase of work was completed in 2021 designed to test anomalies revealed via geoprospection and establish secure dating and phasing for the archaeological activity on the gravel terrace.
1976
Anthony Harding's 1976 excavation concentrated on the area south of the earlier Hope-Taylor excavations. A single summer of archaeology reveals some fascinating evidence of our history and heritage.
1953 - 1962
Beginning with a rescue dig and culminating in world renowned excavations, the initial investigations on site, led by Brian Hope-Taylor, remain a benchmark in archaeology and a fascinating glimpse into out past.