Award-winning public archaeology programme returns to the Chester House Estate

11 June 2026

North Northamptonshire Council and the University of Leicester are pleased to announce the return of the Irchester Field School, with excavations taking place from Monday 15 June to Friday 3 July 2026 at the nationally significant small Roman town which lies within the Chester House Estate. 

Students and staff from the University of Leicester work alongside volunteers and Estate staff to excavate one of the best-preserved Roman small towns in Britain, while delivering a wide-ranging programme of public events and learning activities. From Roman Fest - Northamptonshire’s largest free heritage event - to a learning programme for more than 1200 local school students, these activities enable people of all ages to explore and get involved with local history and archaeology.

Following approvals for Scheduled Monument Consent, this year’s excavation will be focused on the western probable entrance to the walled area of the town and will enable the team to carry out the next phase of research at this nationally significant site. These are the first major community excavations to be carried out within this area of the town since the 1870s.

Group Tours: Book now

Organised group tours will run throughout the Field School, offering guided access to the excavation with expert interpretation from the project team. These tours are ideal for community groups and organisations interested in experiencing archaeology in action.

Book Irchester Field School 2026 Group Tour Package

Public Open Day and Tours: Wednesday 1 July

A dedicated Open Day will take place on Wednesday 1 July 2026, including guided site tours and opportunities to speak directly with archaeologists and participants.

Book Open Day Public Tours

Roman Fest 2026, 25–26 July

Our popular Roman Fest weekend on 25–26 July 2026 will bring the Roman past to life through re-enactments, living history, family activities, and demonstrations. Building on previous years’ success, Roman Fest is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Chester House Estate. The event is free to enter, but booking is required for this very popular event.

Opportunities for young people

Young person digging days will be announced shortly, offering young people the chance to experience hands-on archaeology in a structured and supportive environment, working alongside professional archaeologists and experienced volunteers. Keep an eye on the Chester House Estate social media.

The Irchester Field School is a powerful example of how partnership working can create a wealth of exciting opportunities for people of all ages to take part in archaeological research, develop new skills, and connect with the archaeology and history of this nationally significant Roman site. It is inspiring to see students, volunteers, staff and visitors coming together each year, learning new skills, building connections across generations and cultures and sharing in the excitement of discovery. Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology, University of Leicester

The history of the Chester House Estate is fascinating and this long-term collaborative project between our team and the University of Leicester continues to go from strength to strength.

This year they will be moving to a new phase which will hopefully help us further understand the site.

Alongside this year’s excavation, Roman Fest returns for 2026 - this always popular event provides a tangible link to the past whilst celebrating all that is great about the Chester House Estate.Cllr Greg Wilcox, the council’s Executive Member for Communities

The partnership between North Northamptonshire Council and the University of Leicester directly supports the goals of the Northamptonshire Visitor Economy Strategy by increasing visitor numbers, developing skills, supporting business growth and promoting inspirational places. It also advances the University’s mission to strengthen public engagement and collaboration across the region, inspiring socially responsible and locally relevant heritage research, innovation and enterprise. 

The partnership received the MJ Award for Innovation in Public Private Partnerships 2025. The MJ Awards recognise the efforts of local government to support local communities. The judges praised the partnership for the ‘way it deepens public connection with place, making history and archaeology relevant for all sections of the community…showing impressive results, not only in engagement, but also in non-educational outcomes such as public health and wellbeing’.

More information about the Chester House Estate is available on the Estate’s website.

More information about learning programmes for schools can be found on the Estate’s learning pages.