ARS Ltd at Ad Gefrin: Exploring the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age with Durham University and The Gefrin Trust

The site of Ad Gefrin © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022
Archaeologists on site at Ad Gefrin © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022
ARS Ltd Drone Survey Specialist Services © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022

Towards the end of 2021, we were thrilled to have the chance to partner with Durham University and The Gefrin Trust on one of our favourite British archaeological sites.

Yeavering, or Ad Gefrin, in Northumberland, is not only a stunning part of the world, but a site rich in archaeological importance. It was the location of the palace of King Edwin of Northumbria in the 7th Century and Bede mentions it as being where Bishop Paulinus baptised Christian converts in the River Glen in 627 AD. Through aerial photography and previous excavations, a lot has been revealed here, such as a complex of great timber halls, a grandstand, and a royal residence. And in 2021, archaeologists led by Durham University returned to the site to see what else could be uncovered.

The team from Archaeological Research Services was delighted to be part of this project, providing our unique set of specialist services, including a geochemical survey and drone survey. We also produced this video to offer a little more information on the fascinating site and provide a glimpse at how the project unfolded.

For more information on Ad Gefrin, and the opening of the nearby whisky distillery at Wooler – which will be providing an exciting Anglo Saxon visitor experience – see these pieces in The Guardian, Newcastle Magazine, and The Gefrin Trust website..

Excavations begin at Ad Gefrin © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022
The team from Durham University overseeing the first cut © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022
Construction of the Ad Gefrin Whisky Distillery is underway (image: © Copyright ARS Ltd 2022)
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