In this installment of Digging for Britain, the series sets its sights on the often-overlooked archaeological riches of Britain’s islands. From ancient tombs to sunken warships, this episode unearths historical narratives that have remained hidden for centuries.
In Orkney, archaeologists investigate a 5,000-year-old tomb, uncovering burial chambers teeming with skeletal remains. This discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial rituals of Britain’s distant past. Meanwhile, near the Isles of Scilly, a team undertakes the challenging task of recovering the bell from the USS Jacob Jones, the first US ship sunk by enemy action in World War I. Historian Yasmin Khan provides context on the sinking, alongside insight from the Ministry of Defence who are collaborating on the recovery effort.
The episode also ventures to the Violet Bank in Jersey, a peculiar intertidal reef only accessible during extremely low tides. And on the Shetland Islands, excavators explore an ancient settlement perched precariously atop a 38-meter-high rocky headland, speculated to be either a solitary Christian monastery or a Viking stronghold.
Tune in to Digging for Britain: Island Treasures on Thursday, January 9th at 8:00 PM on BBC Two.
