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.
When the significance of the site was realised initial excavations began. More text in here. Not too much…
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.
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.
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.
2021?
The Gefrin Trust have plans to excavate unexplored areas of the site, where ongoing surveys using state of the art technology have unlocked previously hidden structures below the surface of an innocent field.