Poulton Research Project

Contact Us

Poulton Research Project
c/o Chapel House Farm
The Green
Poulton
CH4 9EE

Students

We have run courses at Poulton for nearly 20 years now. They have been very well received and the vast majority of people who have attended would recommend them to others and come again.

Volunteers

On our volunteers' page, you will find the answer all of your questions about volunteering at Poulton. We are not asking you to simply wash pots or move spoil. Within hours of your arrival on-site we expect you to be excavating serious archaeology.

What Our Students Say

We have a very high satisfaction rating from our course attendees (the details for the latest 2013) season are here). Everyone who has attended over the last 4 years would recommend us to others and would come again.

COVID-19 Statement.

In light of the current Covid -19 outbreak the Poulton Research Project has taken the decision to cancel our summer school for students.

I am sure you will be disappointed, as indeed we are, for as much as you were looking forward to spending some time at Poulton , we were

equally looking forward to your company and teaching you the art of excavating.

On the bright side, what has been in the ground for thousands of years will still be there next year !

We are, of course, monitoring the situation closely and listening to Government advice and recommendations.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

The Poulton Project – Registered Charity Number 1094552

The Poulton project was incorporated as a charity on August 7th 2002. the incorporation statement is: To further the education of the public in archaeology, history and architecture of a multi-period landscape in Chester hinterland known as The Poulton project and to promote and foster public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of archaeology generally.

History

In 1995 the Poulton Project started with an interest in developing a multi-period archaeological landscape investigation in the Chester hinterland. The hope was to find a settlement that was archaeologically rich over several periods, and set in a landscape accessible to investigation. The chapel site at Poulton more than fulfilled these needs. The history and origin of the chapel were scarcely known, yet it had a close connection with the last Cistercian Abbey of Poulton. Although the Abbey was removed in the 13th century, the Cistercians continued to dominate and shape the landscape around Poulton until dissolution in 1534. In addition to the medieval archaeology, an initial evaluation in 1995 revealed unexpected evidence for Roman and prehistoric occupation. It has since been confirmed that at least two Roman buildings exist, one of which is very substantial, producing numerous brooches, coins etc. Establishment of the nature of this occupation and of possible continuity to the medieval period remains a main research objective at the site.