Rejoicing in Ripon: Community dig set to unearth more of Ripon’s rich military history
Residents and visitors can help unearth more of Ripon’s rich and deep military heritage next month, in a community dig organised by Ripon History and Archaeology Trust (RHATs) and Friends of Hell Wath (FOHW).
Antony Prince, one of the founders of RHATs, has sparked the imagination of people of all ages with his fascinating and painstakingly researched book Forged in War: Ripon Camp 1914–1919 📘, which revealed many new facts about the huge military presence in our city throughout the First World War and for a period after the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918.
He told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon blog:
“At any given time, the number of troops passing through the training and recuperation camps located to the north and south of Ripon totalled more than 42,000 – five times larger than the then population of the city.
“During that period, Hell Wath would have looked like a township of tents ⛺ and part of the story of what life was like for the soldiers who stayed there can be found in the ground through discovery of items they left behind, either on their way to or from the WWI battlefields.”
All are welcome to join the community dig 🤝
The dig will take place (weather permitting) between Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May (10am–3pm).
The event, supported by newly appointed Community Archaeologist Jon Kenny, is designed to bring local history to life through hands‑on discovery 🧤.
A wide range of partners and participants, including Ripon Disability Forum, local schools, historians, volunteers and residents, will be involved. The aim is to make the dig welcoming and accessible, whether people want to dig in, observe, learn, or simply visit for a chat and a look at what has been uncovered 👀.
The Saturday programme (May 23) will include a family‑friendly element designed to help children and families safely engage with archaeology 👨👩👧👦.
Across the three days, the team will undertake archaeological trenching, organised metal detecting, and advanced drone surveying and scanning 🚁 to help map the wartime landscape and identify features linked to the former military camp.
The project will also explore surviving concrete structures connected to the camp, including the well‑known Fairy Steps 🪜, with a view to gathering evidence that could support future protection and preservation.
Antony pointed out:
“Hell Wath hosted thousands of troops from across the world, and their presence shaped Ripon’s streets, its economy and its people. It is exciting to see growing community enthusiasm to learn more, and we are delighted to be working with FOHW, Jon Kenny and other local groups to quite literally dig further into the story.”
How to take part 📝
Anyone interested in volunteering or attending can register online via SurveyMonkey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DTVLP8
Participants are asked to note that the area where the community dig is taking place cannot be used for solo detecting or any independent investigations outside the scope of this project, unless permission has been granted by the landowners and organisers.
Donations and support 🧰
As community charities, RHATs and FOHW would also be grateful for practical donations to support the dig. Items such as trowels, spades, gloves, buckets, kneeling pads, sieves, tarpaulins and hand brushes are especially useful. Businesses or individuals who can help are encouraged to get in touch.
About RHATs and FOHW 📚🌿
RHATs (Ripon History and Archaeology Trust) is a charity established to promote understanding of Ripon’s history and archaeology through learning, events and community projects, and to support the development of a museum for Ripon.
FOHW (Friends of Hell Wath) is a charity working to protect Hell Wath and promote the areas use by the community and visitors.
