Magdalene House pupils get last-minute chance to join archaeologists at Wisbech Castle dig

HANDS-on history students at Wisbech Grammar School s junior department tapped into the town s long-lost past as part of the archaeological dig at Wisbech Castle. More than 40 pupils from Magdalene House were given a last-minute chance to watch the expert

HANDS-on history students at Wisbech Grammar School's junior department tapped into the town's long-lost past as part of the archaeological dig at Wisbech Castle.

More than 40 pupils from Magdalene House were given a last-minute chance to watch the experts in action and to delve into traces of the town's hidden history on the concluding afternoon of the two-week community dig.

Pupils joined a team of archaeologists who have been excavating the grounds and vaults at the castle in a bid to locate the footprint of the lost 15th century Bishops's Palace, a tall stone building which stood on the site of the earlier Norman castle.

The apprentice archaeologists learned how to use a trowel as well as beginning to appreciate how remains unearthed in the soil can provide a window into a vanished world.

Deputy head Geraldine Reinbold, who organised the visit with teacher Alison Kelly, said: "It was a valuable way to enrich our history curriculum."

The dig was organised by Oxford Archaeology and Cambridgeshire County Council.

The picture shows Magdalene House pupils (seated from left) Luke Marney, Aiden Burt, Barnaby Gray and William Means, (standing from left) Isabelle Hall, Courtney Fleet, Francesca Tibbett and Thomas Clabon examining finds with Oxford Archaeology project manager Stephen Macaulay.