The Community

The project was organised (entirely by volunteers) by the international outreach charity Archaeologists Engage in partnership with the local community via the Great Torrington Futures Group and the Commons Conservators, the latter of which are the landowners. Further support was provided by the local councils and businesses. The project team included the Chair of the local museum, three town councillors and two district councillors.

All stakeholders co-produced a plan, citing the following principles for future projects:

● Broad appeal - to increase footfall and engagement.

● Accessible - information to be free and easy to find/read.

● Social benefit - engage multiple groups.

● Info hub - a website to provide info on local history and businesses.

● Visitor trail - to showcase the town’s character and businesses.

● Events - opportunities to bring people together, promote the town and draw upon archaeology’s proven mental health benefits.

The subsequent co-produced Great Torrington Heritage Trail (2021) drew attention to the often-overlooked medieval castle site. This led to several years of engagement and building relationships with the local community, businesses, groups and politicians who collectively realised and created the Dig The Castle Project. The project is situated within and contributes to the wider promotion and regeneration of the town and community.

Support

A special thank you to Arcadis for sponsoring our 2025 and 2026 fieldwork activities. This Sparks Community Grant helped ensure that professional archaeologists from Arcadis could attend. 

The project received support in the form of land access, funding, logistics, goods and services from:

● Torridge District Council

● Great Torrington (GT) Town Council

● GT Town Lands Charity

● GT Commons Conservators

● GT Heritage Museum

● GT Chamber of Trade

● GT Futures Group

● GT Cavaliers

● GT Rotary Club

● Torridge District Councillors – Cllr Cottle–Hunkin, Cllr Bright,

● Cllr Brown. Cllr Craigie

● Devon County Council – Cllr Saywell

● Tamar Trading

● D. Scott Financial

● L J Developments

● R.G.B. Building Supplies

● Tesco XTRA, Barnstaple

● Duffys Hardware

● Week Farm

• any many many more!

A special thank you to Arcadis for sponsoring our 2025 and 2026 fieldwork activities. The Arcadis Local Sparks Grant helped ensure that professional archaeologists from Arcadis could attend (covering things like accommodation and transport costs). Additionally, professional archaeologists took time off work to attend as volunteers on the project, and they are listed on the Archaeology Team page.