The Community

This project centres community involvement, with hundreds of adult volunteers and visitors, and hundreds of school children engaged through school visits and activities.

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.

Some of our key local community members