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Time Team

Time Team

A History and Science podcast

#31 in History · 🇩🇰 #55 in History · 🇬🇧
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About the show

Time Team's Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams explore the world of archaeology. Featuring exclusive access to digs and interviews with experts to unearth the stories of the past. We bring you a podcast here every Tuesday, with one available to watch per month on our YouTube channel. Join our community of archaeology and history enthusiasts over on Patreon. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

Newest episodes

Iron Age treasure discovered on RAF site

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to Richard Osgood who's leading a team of military veterans to construct an Iron Age chariot. You can support them here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/build-a-chariotRichard also has details about work being done at RAF Valley on Anglesey where volunteers and archaeologists have discovered some remarkable Iron Age objects. Also on today's podcast; you'll learn more about WWI dugouts still hidden below the fields of Flanders, you'll catch up with Jacq Barnard at the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company as work continues to create an Anglo Saxon ship, and anthropologist Briana Pobiner explains her research on the palaeolithic diets of our ancestors. Become a Time Team member to discover more. You'll get ad-free and bonus podcast episodes, masterclasses, 3D models and exclusive Dig Watch episodes which take you to the very heart of a dig as it's happening. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

The revolutionary origins of language

33 min

The origins of human language have always been mysterious. There have been lots of ideas, but very little evidence, and the arguments within the anthropology, sociology and linguistics worlds have been furious. So far there’s been little use of archaeological evidence, but a new book has drawn us into the debate too. In The Revolutionary Origins of Language, UCL anthropologists Chris Knight and Jerome Lewis argue that language didn’t emerge simply because our brains got bigger or our ancestors developed better voices. Instead, they suggest, it grew out of something much more social: cooperation, trust, ritual and the power of people to stand together. So how does archaeology provide evidence for ritual, social co-operation and therefore language? In this podcast Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to the book’s authors to find out. The Revolutionary Origins of Language is available to buy now in the Time Team shop. You can find it at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/collections/books/products/the-revolutionary-origins-of-language-chris-knight-jerome-lewis For more from Time Team, including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast, Dig Watch updates from excavations, 3D models and so much more, consider becoming a Time Team member. Your support allows us to carry out archaeology up and down the country and continue to make episodes of the programmes. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The search for a fallen WWII airman

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams reminisce about their time at Sutton Hoo as we publish our films about Time Team's 2025 season of digging at the Anglo-Saxon burial site. Angus Wainwright from the National Trust gives you an idea of what you can expect from upcoming episodes.You'll also meet Tim Fletcher from Geoscope. He's the lead archaeologist on a project that's been sifting through peat in West Yorkshire in an attempt to discover the final resting place of 22-year-old Cpl Clarence Watson. His body was never recovered after the American B24H bomber he was in crashed on Twizle Head Moss near Holmfirth in 1942.Helen's particularly excited to introduce you to Tasha Fullbrook, a PhD researcher at The University of Reading. She's been working on a unique category of Roman coins and her work could change our understanding of how the Romans used money.There's also an interview with Time Team's creator, Tim Taylor MBE. He explains how the Dig Village book helps village communities uncover their own archaeology. The book's now available to buy in the Time Team Shop at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/. Becoming a Time Team member is a great way to support the archaeology we do up and down the country. You'll also get access to ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast, as well as 3D models, masterclasses and episodes of Dig Watch which take you to the very heart of a trench as an excavation is unfolding. To find out more visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial and get your first 7 days free.

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All episodes

Iron Age treasure discovered on RAF site

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to Richard Osgood who's leading a team of military veterans to construct an Iron Age chariot. You can support them here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/build-a-chariotRichard also has details about work being done at RAF Valley on Anglesey where volunteers and archaeologists have discovered some remarkable Iron Age objects. Also on today's podcast; you'll learn more about WWI dugouts still hidden below the fields of Flanders, you'll catch up with Jacq Barnard at the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company as work continues to create an Anglo Saxon ship, and anthropologist Briana Pobiner explains her research on the palaeolithic diets of our ancestors. Become a Time Team member to discover more. You'll get ad-free and bonus podcast episodes, masterclasses, 3D models and exclusive Dig Watch episodes which take you to the very heart of a dig as it's happening. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

The revolutionary origins of language

33 min

The origins of human language have always been mysterious. There have been lots of ideas, but very little evidence, and the arguments within the anthropology, sociology and linguistics worlds have been furious. So far there’s been little use of archaeological evidence, but a new book has drawn us into the debate too. In The Revolutionary Origins of Language, UCL anthropologists Chris Knight and Jerome Lewis argue that language didn’t emerge simply because our brains got bigger or our ancestors developed better voices. Instead, they suggest, it grew out of something much more social: cooperation, trust, ritual and the power of people to stand together. So how does archaeology provide evidence for ritual, social co-operation and therefore language? In this podcast Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to the book’s authors to find out. The Revolutionary Origins of Language is available to buy now in the Time Team shop. You can find it at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/collections/books/products/the-revolutionary-origins-of-language-chris-knight-jerome-lewis For more from Time Team, including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast, Dig Watch updates from excavations, 3D models and so much more, consider becoming a Time Team member. Your support allows us to carry out archaeology up and down the country and continue to make episodes of the programmes. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The search for a fallen WWII airman

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams reminisce about their time at Sutton Hoo as we publish our films about Time Team's 2025 season of digging at the Anglo-Saxon burial site. Angus Wainwright from the National Trust gives you an idea of what you can expect from upcoming episodes.You'll also meet Tim Fletcher from Geoscope. He's the lead archaeologist on a project that's been sifting through peat in West Yorkshire in an attempt to discover the final resting place of 22-year-old Cpl Clarence Watson. His body was never recovered after the American B24H bomber he was in crashed on Twizle Head Moss near Holmfirth in 1942.Helen's particularly excited to introduce you to Tasha Fullbrook, a PhD researcher at The University of Reading. She's been working on a unique category of Roman coins and her work could change our understanding of how the Romans used money.There's also an interview with Time Team's creator, Tim Taylor MBE. He explains how the Dig Village book helps village communities uncover their own archaeology. The book's now available to buy in the Time Team Shop at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/. Becoming a Time Team member is a great way to support the archaeology we do up and down the country. You'll also get access to ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast, as well as 3D models, masterclasses and episodes of Dig Watch which take you to the very heart of a trench as an excavation is unfolding. To find out more visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial and get your first 7 days free.

Time Team live in Lincoln

39 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams host a special live edition of the Time Team podcast from Southside Arts Centre in Lincoln where Time Team has been carrying out a three day dig.People in the audience are invited to put their questions to Prof. Carenza Lewis, Dr Samantha Tipper, Matt Williams and Helen as they learn more about the archaeological dig happening just a stone's throw away.Geophysics whizz Jimmy Adcock and osteoarchaeologist Jackie McKinley are also on hand to offer their expertise. Time Team members received discounted entry to the event, which was recorded at the end of day two of the three-day dig. Members also get access to loads more from Time Team including Dig Watch episodes which take you to the heart of the excavation. We're so grateful for the supports are members give us. You can join our archaeology community by visiting patreon.com/timeteamofficial. Next week the podcast will be learning more about Sutton Hoo. After a month of digging in the summer of 2025 the films are finally out on YouTube and ad-free on Patreon.

Medieval leprosy hospital uncovered

35 min

Time Team archaeologists have been in Lincoln looking for a medieval leprosy hospital. Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are on site to find out more. We take you behind the scenes as the three day dig takes place. Featuring interviews with Sir Tony Robinson, Carenza Lewis, Stewart Ainsworth and John Gater. Don't forget to listen to our bonus podcast, available exclusively to Time Team members on Patreon. You'll hear from more experts, plus Helen answers questions from Time Team members. Joining our community of Time Team members gives you access to so much more; from masterclasses and 3D models to the chance to come and dig with us on site. Your support allows us to undertake archaeology up and down the country. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Roman Britain in Twenty Towns

36 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to archaeologist Richard Hingley. He's Emeritus Professor of Roman Archaeology at Durham and author of ‘Roman Britain in Twenty Towns: A Visitor's Guide’.The new book looks at looks at a world of power and wealth, trade and religion, slavery, colonialism and resistance, all through 20 specially-selected locations. You can get a copy of the book through the Time Team shop at the following link:https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/products/roman-britain-in-twenty-towns-a-visitors-guide-paperback-richard-hingley?_pos=1&_sid=c8e2a8736&_ss=r Become a Time Team member to get even more from Time Team. Your support directly funds archaeological digs up and down the country. It also gets you access to behind the scenes videos, ad-free and bonus podcast episodes, masterclasses, 3D models and the chance to dig with us on site. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The Royal Navy's lost shipwrecks

38 min

With Time Team's next three day dig happening in Lincoln from Friday, Helen and Martyn speak to Time Team's Prof Carenza Lewis and Dr Samantha Tipper from Anglia Ruskin University. They explain why the site of a medieval leper hospital is so exciting and ask the questions we're hoping to get answers to.You'll also hear from Lieutenant Commander Jen Smith, the Royal Navy's Deputy Fleet Wreck Officer. She'll tell you how a change in the law could protect more military shipwrecks.Dr Toby Driver from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales summarises the incredible archaeological discoveries that've been made during the dry and hot conditions over the summer months. You'll learn how parch marks in the soil can be viewed from the air to reveal lost history beneath our feet.Finally Helen and Martyn catch up with Dr David Neal, one of the leading experts on Romano-British mosaics. Become a Time Team member to support archaeology up and down the country. Joining us on Patreon gives you access to ad-free and bonus episodes, behind the scenes videos, masterclasses, 3D models, the chance to dig with us on site and so much more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.

The founding father of archaeology

38 min

Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members. You'll learn about the man widely considered to be the founding father of modern archaeology, discover which archaeological sites don't get re-buried after an excavation and find out which archaeological technique has produced to the most surprising results. Helen's Find discusses an object discovered through archaeology with an exciting story to tell. You can look at this week's object here:https://finds.org.uk/pas/recorded-find/HAMP-9DA925 There's so much more from Time Team available to Time Team members. Supporting the work we do means you get exclusive access to bonus content, ad-free episodes and the chance to join us on site. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial now for all the details.

Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London

35 min

The Bayeux Tapestry has arrived at The British Museum on loan from France. Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to medieval embroidery expert Alex Makin who got an exclusive preview of the new display before the rest of the public got to see it.Derek Pitman joins the podcast from Northumberland where a Time Team X-Crew dig has been underway. Historian and writer Alistair Moffat gives some context to the lawless border region where the shieling sites are situated.Dr Hugh Willmott takes you on a tour of the second season of excavations at Cerne Abbas, a forgotten abbey at the foot of the famous Cerne Abbas chalk giant in Dorset. Time Team members have access to a bonus episode of the podcast this week. It's an in-depth conversation about the Cerne Abbey dig with Dr Hugh Willmott. Join us on Patreon now for that, ad-free episodes, dig updates from Northumberland and so much more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.

The real legend of King Arthur

31 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams explore Tintagel Castle with Professor Ken Dark, Director of the Tintagel Hinterland Project and author of Tyrants and Traders: Tintagel, Arthur and The Lost Kings.You'll learn more about this remarkable location, its place in history and its links to the legend of King Arthur, who's rumoured to have been conceived within its walls. The book's available right now in the Time Team shop. Head to https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/ for details. Don't forget you can support Time Team's work by becoming a Time Team member. At patreon.com/timeteamofficial you'll get ad-free and bonus editions of the podcast, masterclasses, behind-the-scenes footage and so much more.

Bronze Age DNA discovery

37 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams meet the team behind a new DNA discovery that changes our understanding of Bronze Age society. David Dawson from Wiltshire Museum and Tom Booth of the Crick Institute explain how it turns out the famous "stout man" is actually "stout woman"!Time Team's Carenza Lewis has details of how Time Team members can join us on our next dig in October. It's taking place in Lincoln, with more information available soon at patreon.com/timeteamofficial.Lawrence Shaw gets you excited for Time Team's expedition crew dig in Northumberland and you'll meet the mathematician trying to solve a neolithic mystery using his geometry knowledge. To support the archaeology work we do up and down the UK and around the world, consider becoming a Time Team member. You'll receive tonnes of benefits such as ad-free and bonus podcasts, 3D models, behind-the-scenes photos, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

How heatwaves are revealing lost archaeology

37 min

Time Team archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions sent in by Time Team members. You'll find out how recent heatwaves are exposing lost archaeology in the ground below, how children can ask the most illuminating archaeological questions and whether double yellow lines would be interpreted as decorative by archaeologists of the future. We also pay tribute to Sir Tony Robinson on his 80th birthday. Helen's Find shines a spotlight on an object discovered through archaeology. Today's find can be seen via the following link:https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1991-0411-2858 Don't forget that you can ask a question in a future episode, plus get ad-free and bonus podcast content by supporting us as a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to see how we use your money to make more programmes and carry out more archaeology in the UK and around the world.

Digging a neolithic mystery on Orkney

35 min

Martyn Williams is at Time Team's dig on Orkney where the mysterious geophysics 'blobs' are being investigated. You'll hear from Sir Tony Robinson who's visiting the site and has fallen in love with the landscape and its remarkable neolithic history.There are also conversations with Time Team's John Gater and Jackie McKinley who are battling the wet and windy conditions in the Northern Isles.Martyn also learns more about the local neolithic landscape by speaking to historian and writer Sigurd Towrie. This is just a taste of what's been going on. To follow the dig as it happened, become a Time Team member on Patreon to see what we've been getting up to. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details of how you can support what we do.

Is the Brodgar Butterfly really a butterfly?

32 min

We had so many of your questions about The Ness of Brodgar that we decided to make another podcast answering them! Martyn Williams is at the neolithic site on Orkney with Anne Mitchell, one of the site's directors. Martyn and Helen put your questions to Anne including a discussion about the iconic Brodgar Butterfly. To get more from Time Team, including exclusive day-by-day dig updates from The Ness, head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial. Your support allows us to do more archaeology and produce more brilliant Time Team programmes. You'll also get access to masterclasses, behind-the-scenes updates, ad-free episodes and bonus podcasts.

Orkney neolithic site starts to reveal its secrets

39 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams take you to the heart of Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. You'll hear from inside the trench as the site finally starts to give up its secrets. Jackie McKinley sheds light on what the mysterious circular structure could really be and Dani Wootton makes an amazing discovery.You'll also hear from Rob Watts from the YouTube channel RobWords. He's in Orkney to visit the dig and learn more about the languages once spoken there.Plus, Sean Romo, the Director of Archaeology at Jamestown in the US gives us an update on the ongoing work to understand more about one of the first sites in North America to be settled by Europeans. Time Team members can get more from our dig at The Ness of Brodgar, including being able to watch the many Dig Watch updates from the site. Your support allows us to do more archaeology here in the UK and around the world. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

Your Ness of Brodgar questions answered

34 min

Martyn Williams speaks to Helen Geake from The Ness of Brodgar on Orkney where Time Team's been carrying out a month-long excavation.The Ness is a neolithic site where 20 years of digging identified dozens of buildings just a stone's throw away from majestic stone circles and burial mounds.Following a geophysics survey our very own John Gater noticed a strange circular anomaly. The team were dispatched to work alongside Ness of Brodgar archaeologists to find out what it might be. Nick Card, one of the site's directors, answers some of the many questions sent in by Time Team members who are eager to learn more about this incredible site. There's another podcast from Orkney next week. In the meantime, why not check out more Time Team content from The Ness of Brodgar. We've been keeping you updated on the dig moment by moment. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to become a member and catch up on what you might've missed.

Hidden Tudor tunnels at Henry VIII's palace?

32 min

In this week's Time Team podcast you'll learn about an exciting discovery at New Hall School in Essex, home to the Palace of Beaulieu which was once owned by King Henry VIII. Workers repairing a ha-ha (sunken wall) came across what are thought to be Tudor tunnels, once part of the original palace building. The site was once the subject of a Time Team dig back in 2009. Martyn Williams revisits to see the latest discovery for himself. Also today, John Gater speaks to Helen and Martyn from Orkney where Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar continues. Time Team members can follow it as it happens on Patreon. You'll also hear about Orkney's unique rock art from expert Tertia Barnett and Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw check out a historic festival at Butser. To follow updates from The Ness of Brodgar, as well as getting access to ad-free and bonus episodes of the Time Team podcast, become a Time Team member. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.

How did Romans grout their mosaics?

38 min

Helen Geake answers questions on archaeology and history submitted by Time Team members on Patreon.You'll hear about the items archaeologists take home from a site, the features that are crucial for an archaeological drawing and you'll learn how you can still be an archaeologist without digging in a trench. There's also Helen's Find, where Helen brings a historical object to your attention. You can see the one mentioned in today's episode at the following link:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/500107 Time Team's currently at the Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. You can follow our dig as it happens by joining us as a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to support the work we do.

Orkney's hidden stone circle?

39 min

What could the mysterious circular anomaly be? Time Team geophysicist John Gater has scanned an area near the iconic neolithic site of The Ness of Brodgar. An intriguing circular pattern has revealed itself in the data, but what is it? Helen Geake shares her theory with co-host Martyn Williams. Time Team's Jackie McKinley also has her own idea of what might be hidden beneath Orkney. She shares her thoughts as she prepares to travel to the site herself. Also on today's podcast; you'll learn how AI is helping to unravel ancient scrolls, find out more about the skeletons discovered on an ancient Wars of The Roses battlefield and you'll hear what happened when Martyn visited Time Team's Meg Russell on a site in Dorset where archaeologists of the future are being trained. You can follow Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar, with updates from site, by becoming a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more. Becoming a Time Team member supports the archaeology we do up and down the country and around the world. We couldn't do it without you!

When recovering finds goes wrong

36 min

Helen Geake answers more questions from Time Team members about archaeology, history and Time Team. You'll learn about the delicate process of recovering buried finds, ponder the merits of archaeological experience and hear about the Time Team moments Mick Aston would've enjoyed. In Helen's Find you'll learn about an object discovered through archaeology. This time it's a small sundial. You can see it here:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/502553 Become a Time Team member to ask your question on a future edition of the podcast. You also get access to ad-free and bonus content, 3D models, behind-the-scenes insights and the chance to join us on site. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Amazing Stonehenge discovery

37 min

Phil Harding tells the Time Team podcast about a remarkable discovery at a site just five kilometres from Stonehenge. Holes thought to have once contained huge wooden posts were discovered which date back 500 years before the stones at Stonehenge were erected. The posts at Bulford line up with the summer and winter solstices, in the same way they do at Stonehenge. It means this new discovery could have been an early prototype for the solar alignment seen at Stonehenge. You'll hear Phil talking to Helen Geake and Martyn Williams, alongside Fabio Silva, an astroarchaeologist, who helped to confirm the findings. There are also details of how you can contribute to Time Team's future research by suggesting sites for new digs. You can help Time Team unearth more of our past by becoming a Time Team member. In return you'll get access to ad-free and bonus episodes, 3D models, behind-the-scenes exclusives and the chance to dig with us on site. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Could an Egyptian mummy be hiding in a field?

37 min

Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members. You'll learn the archaeological significance of ditches, ponder whether climate change might destroy our buried ancient past and consider the possibility ground up ancient Egyptian mummies might be scattered across British fields! There's also Helen's Find. This time Helen's looking at two objects from the Portable Antiquities Scheme:1) https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/5121402) https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/912922 Time Team members can ask Helen a question for a future episode. Sign up on Patreon for ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast as well as so much more from Time Team.

Who were the Picts, really?

37 min

Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams take you deeper into the world of history and archaeology. On today's episode you'll discover the remarkable result of 10 years of research into the Picts in Scotland. Prof. Gordon Noble summarises a decade's worth of work! There's also an update from the Guildhall in King's Lynn where it's believed William Shakespeare performed, Time Team's Naomi Sewpaul explains why snails could hold the key to understanding our past and you'll meet some Time Team members! You can find more information on a decade of research into the Picts here:https://www.socantscot.org/news/new-society-book-transforms-our-understanding-of-the-picts/ Want to become a Time Team member and support the work we do? Get access to loads more from Time Team, including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast. Go to www.patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

What nobody knows about hill forts

38 min

Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake is answering questions from Time Team members. Where did people who lived on Iron Age hill forts get their water? Did Anglo-Saxons live in buildings vacated by the Romans and which member of Time Team is most keen to get to the pub? Helen brings you her thoughts on the things you want to know. There's also a surprise guest in the form of Dr Michael Olsson from Uppsala University in Sweden. He's got in touch after hearing Helen and Martyn discuss a topic he knows a fair bit about! Everything we do on Time Team is made possible by the generosity of Time Team members. To join us, and get access to so much more from Time Team including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast, masterclasses, 3D models and a chance to join us on site, head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial. 

Did we discover a medieval village?

34 min

Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are back with another edition of the Time Team podcast on YouTube. In this episode Lawrence Shaw and Stewart Ainsworth make the tricky journey to a remote part of Northumberland. Might they have come across the site of a lost medieval village, or perhaps an ancient 'shieling' site? The pair debate how suitable the site might be for a larger Time Team investigation.  Also, Time Team's Carenza Lewis gives an update on work following our dig in the village of Norton Disney and Time Team's graphics whizz, Matt 'Bear' Clark, shows us behind the scenes on some of the works of art he's creating for the programme.  In Time Team News this month you'll learn about the discovery of a site for producing illicit whiskey, the medieval notebook lost in a toilet and the doomed 19th Century expedition to discover new trade routes. Links below.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx219pg5lpxo https://www.heritagedaily.com/2026/05/medieval-notebook-found-preserved-in-latrine/158064 https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/more-doomed-franklin-expedition-sailors-identified-revealing-clues-about-how-they-tried-to-find-safetyAll of the work we do unearthing the past and making programmes, including this podcast, is funded by the public. Becoming a Time Team member and supporting us on Patreon directly funds excavations and the programmes we make. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to discover the benefits you'll receive when you join us.

What were ancient roofs built from?

35 min

It's a question and answer edition of the Time Team podcast. Dr Helen Geake puts on her thinking cap as Time Team members grill her on subjects such as the prevalence of ants on a dig, the relationship between archaeology and other fields, and the way to determine what an ancient roof might have been constructed from. Helen's Find also makes a comeback. This time Helen's looking at a stylus. You can see the item for yourself here:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/900647 Time Team members get to ask Helen a question. Just head to the 'chat' section on Patreon at patreon.com/timeteamofficialBecoming a member is a great way of supporting the archaeology we do and the programmes we make. All our digs are funded by you! In return we bring you ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast as well as behind the scenes films, 3D models, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Consider becoming a Time Team member today and thank you for supporting what we do.

Secrets of neolithic artificial island revealed

39 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams find out more about a crannog in a Scottish loch which has been hiding a secret about its construction. Dr Stephanie Blankshein from the University of Southampton explains the findings from exciting new research.You'll go behind the scenes of a conservation lab at Birmingham Museum where ancient objects are restored to their former glory.Jacq Barnard from the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company gives an update as work continues to reconstruct an Anglo-Saxon ship.Ahead of the release of a classic episode of Time Team, you'll learn more about a stone age tsunami which could have been partly responsible for making Britain an island. Get ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. You'll also get loads more exclusive content from Time Team, including 3D models, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more about how you can support the archaeology we do.

Plaque to the future

32 min

Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members in this episode of the Time Team podcast. Co-host Martyn Williams shares some of the ideas the production team have been coming up with on how to mark the moment the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company launch their reconstructed Anglo-Saxon ship. There are questions on identifying dental work on skeletal remains, the future of large scale archaeological excavations, telling a person's profession from their bones and the Time Team project Helen's most proud of. You can submit your question for a future episode, plus get ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. Your support on Patreon allows us to make more programmes and carry out more archaeology. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The maps that unlock your family tree secrets

37 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams bring you more from the world of archaeology. In this episode of the podcast Derek Pitman shares some of the results from a geophysical survey of the Mapperton Estate. Could the grainy blobs on the data be a lost Roman building?As Suzannah Lipscomb takes you behind the scenes at Broughton Castle, our chief metal detectorist, Keith Westcott, reveals how he discovered a huge Roman villa nearby.Mark Bayley from The Genealogist demonstrates how you can use maps to research your family tree.There's also Time Team News, where you'll get Helen's thoughts on the following archaeology stories in the news this week.Cave discoveries: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8ejjw7377joHomer's Iliad: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/egypt-mummy-homer-iliad-gut-b2961509.htmlRed hair genetics study: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/apr/16/red-hair-gene-favoured-natural-selection-study Time Team members have access to a bonus podcast where osteo-archaeologist Jackie McKinley gives you an in-depth insight into research done into the double burial at Cherington. Cutting edge DNA technology has revealed a boy and girl, buried together, were brother and sister. Jackie explains why the discovery is changing what we know about Anglo-Saxon burials. That's available at patreon.com/timeteamofficial

The archaeology of language

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are in conversation with linguist, writer and broadcaster Danny Bate. His new book, 'Why Q Needs U', invites you to get to grips with the complexities of language and how tracing its roots can help us discover more about the past. You can get much more from Time Team and the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. Get ad-free and bonus episodes as well as 3D models, masterclasses and early access to new Time Team episodes. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to learn more.

Has Time Team discovered a lost Roman site?

36 min

Time Team's expedition crew have been on the Mapperton estate in Dorset where they've been excavating a mysterious structure in a field. Helen Geake and Martyn Williams take you to the heart of the dig and wonder whether the discovery could be a long-forgotten Roman building. There's also exciting news from Time Team's Jackie McKinley who's received some remarkable information about the bodies of a young boy and girl found buried together in a grave in Cherington, as featured in our 'Princely Burial' dig. For ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast why not join us as a Time Team member on Patreon. There's loads more from Time Team there. Your support means we can fund more archaeological right across the UK and around the world.

Understanding Brancaster's Roman fort

36 min

Time Team have just finished a three day excavation of the Roman fort at Brancaster in Norfolk. On the evening of our second day on site the team headed to the local village hall where people in the community gathered to hear about some of the discoveries archaeologists had made.Recorded in front of a live audience you'll hear from the podcast's own Helen Geake, Angus Wainwright from the National Trust, Dani Wootton, Matt Williams and Carenza Lewis as they answer questions put to them from people who live just a short walk from the iconic Roman site. There's lots more from Brancaster on Patreon where you can also get ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast. Support the archaeology we do by becoming a Time Team member at patreon.com/timeteamofficial

Excavating the Roman fort of Branodunum

37 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are on site with Time Team in Brancaster, Norfolk. Archaeologists are excavating the Roman fort of Branodunum following some amazing geophysics results, whilst filming a new Time Team episode. Helen and Martyn will take you behind the scenes as the dig takes place. You'll meet the team of experts and volunteers who are all working hard on a very cold and windy site. Time Team members at the Project Supervisor tier and above have access to a bonus episode recorded on site. Helen and Martyn are joined in the Time Team dome by Carenza Lewis, Dani Wootton and John Gater to answer some of the questions you've been sending in via Patreon. For ad-free and bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes videos, masterclasses, 3D models and so much more visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out how you can support the archaeology we do and the programmes we make.

The truth about The Celts

33 min

In a special edition of the podcast, Helen Geake and Martyn Williams sit down with John Waddell, author and former Professor of Archaeology in the University of Galway.He's just released 'The Celtic World: A History', which looks at what life was really like for The Celts of Europe. John helps to dispel myths and tells you things you never knew about their culture, language and lifestyle. You'll finish listening to this podcast with a far deeper understanding. 'The Celtic World: A History' is now available to buy in the Time Team shop at https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/collections/books Time Team members can get even more from the podcast, including ad-free and bonus episodes. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out how you can help support the archaeology we do and the programmes we make.

Hadrian's Wall and more at Current Archaeology Live

37 min

We're at Current Archaeology Live at UCL in London. Guest speakers from the world of archaeology are presenting to a packed audience. Helen and Martyn have been chatting to some of them.You'll hear from the event's keynote speaker, David Breeze, who knows all there is to know about Hadrian's Wall. There's also a conversation with the winner of the Archaeologist of the Year award at the Current Archaeology Awards, Dr Jane Kershaw. Time Team members at Project Supervisor level and above can listen to a bonus episode recorded in the pub after the event, where more archaeologists share their research with Helen and Martyn. To find out how to access ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial

Why nobody's sure what furniture was in a roundhouse

39 min

Helen and Martyn are back with another questions episode. Archaeologist Helen Geake is answering queries sent in by Time Team members on Patreon. They include the furniture you might find in a roundhouse, why the Iron Age didn't come before the Bronze Age and what Time Team archaeologist do when they're not filming episodes of the show. There's also Helen's Find, which looks at an interesting object from the past. You can see Spong Man here:https://www.museumscollections.norfolk.gov.uk/collections-object-page?id=NWHCM%20:%201994.192.1 If you're not a Time Team member yet then you're missing out on ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast. There's also special masterclasses, behind-the-scenes films, 3D models and the chance to join us on site. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.

2,000-year-old footprints discovered on beach

36 min

Join archaeologist Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams as they guide you through the world of archaeology. In this episode you'll learn about the 2,000-year-old footprints found on a beach in Scotland, the battle to save Ukraine's archaeology from destruction, Giselle Király is on the lookout for rock art on Ilkley Moor and there's an update on the Dorset shipwreck which appeared on a beach. You can get ad-free and bonus episodes of the Time Team podcast by joining us as a Time Team member on Patreon. Your support funds the archaeology we do. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

Did the Iron Age happen at the same time everywhere?

34 min

Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members on this episode of the podcast. She'll ponder if time periods like the Iron Age, Bronze Age and Stone Age happen at the same time in different parts of the world. There are also questions about what archaeologists might have got wrong, whether people looking at the past are being respectful and how you can get a job as an archaeologist.You'll also hear Helen describing another ancient object in Helen's Find. This time it's a belt buckle, which you can look at here:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1226891 Thank you to our Time Team members for submitting questions for the podcast. You can join them and support the archaeology we do by heading to patreon.com/timeteamofficial

17th century shipwreck appears on Dorset beach

36 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams hear about shipwreck timbers, buried for hundreds of years on a Dorset beach, that have been uncovered during a storm. Maritime archaeologist Tom Cousins from Bournemouth University explains how they got there.Time Team's Henry Chapman is explaining how the work he's doing at Stonehenge is revealing new secrets about the landscape the monument is set in.Also, Helen tried her hand (or arms) at rowing an ancient ship, you'll find out about this year's Current Archaeology Awards and it's all change at Cerne Abbas, the site of the huge chalk giant carved into the landscape. Time Team members can enjoy a bonus episode over on Patreon right now. Find out more at patreon.com/timeteamofficial

Tony Robinson celebrates five years of Time Team’s return

34 min

You're invited to a special meet-up at the pub where the whole Time Team gang gathered to celebrate five years of the show's return. We say thank you to the fans who brought us back with an episode recorded at The George Inn, London. Helen Geake and Martyn Williams chat to Sir Tony Robinson, John Gater, Gus Casely-Hayford, Jackie McKinley, Derek Pitman, Lawrence Shaw and many more. They reminisce on the last five years of adventures and answer questions sent in by Time Team members. To get more from Time Team consider becoming a member. Your support allows us to make more programmes and do more archaeology. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more about the benefits of joining us, including exclusive videos, masterclasses, 3D models and the chance to dig on site. 

Incredible discoveries at nuclear power station site

36 min

Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams explore the world of archaeology.In this episode Richard Osgood, from Operation Nightingale, reveals what it was really like to excavate at Time Team's latest dig; the princely burial at Cherington. You'll also meet the conservator tasked with bringing an Anglo-Saxon sword back to life.Time Team's environmental archaeologist, Naomi Sewpaul, takes you on a tour of the lab where she analyses wood and charcoal samples and Helen answers your questions.There's also Time Team News where we discuss the amazing discoveries at Sizewell C, the site that will eventually be home to a new nuclear power station for the UK. You can read about that and the other stories we mention in the links below: Sizewell C: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2d70yder9poRoman pools in Italy: https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/roman-pools-scrapyard-baffle-historians-3hdcldxh6?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqc0alPwGvxZpa8KGBPVn7kRuaMbgy7JoLEoPkTyXGyddSOX6yjB41e3h1jVJTM%3D&gaa_ts=696fb235&gaa_sig=Af6QZj4gaO2ffLaGt8xR383Uk2eKYPOJoJ0Sq2V7dOiszOEzUhcaZSurmN8FZ_4IwVDSOBLuQdXQeA0e5lsEUQ%3D%3DRoman villa in Port Talbot: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk8j1gkxelo You can get more from Time Team by becoming a member. Join us now to support the work we do and get access to ad-free episodes, masterclasses, 3D models, the chance to dig with us and more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial

Princely graves, symbols, and Anglo-Saxon England

36 min

Archaeologist Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams speak to Richard Osgood ahead of Time Team's return to the village of Cherington, where excavation of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery continues. You'll also meet some of the military veterans working on the site who are part of Operation Nightingale, an organisation which uses archaeology to help former and serving military personnel recover from psychological injuries. The brand new Time Team film, 'Return To The Princely Burial: The Sword In The Stones?' is released on YouTube this Saturday.There's also the remarkable story of how Time Team's logo came to be. You'll meet Jamie Wiggins, who designed it at just 18 years old. The show's current graphic artist, Neil Emmanuel, talks about how the design has evolved.Helen's also answering questions from Time Team members. Support our archaeology and the programmes we make by becoming a Time Team member. You'll get access to exclusive content, 3D models, extended interviews, masterclasses and the chance to dig with us on site. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The everyday ancient objects lost to archaeology

37 min

Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members in this episode of the podcast.There's a discussion about Purbeck marble, a question about the everyday household items that are lost to archaeology, thoughts on patriarchal societies and whether Helen would ever write a novel.In Helen's Find you discover more about an ancient item. This time it's a musical instrument. You can see it here:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/821173 Become a Time Team member to support the work we do and get more from Time Team. We've got behind-the-scenes videos, masterclasses, extended interviews and the chance to ask a question on the podcast. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Remarkable Iron Age battle trumpet unearthed

39 min

Archaeologist Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams discuss an amazing find from a dig in Norfolk. They also get more information about two of the excavations Time Team's embarking on this year; one at The Ness of Brodgar in Orkney and the other in Brancaster on the Norfolk coast.Nick Card from The Ness of Brodgar explains the site's significance and The National Trust's Angus Wainwright sets the Roman fort of Branodunum in its wider context.You'll also hear how other people in Time Team are getting on as 2026 begins. Helen will also be answering questions from Time Team members. To ask yours and to get loads more from Time Team, including behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive interviews, masterclasses and more, join us at patreon.com/timeteamofficial

Sutton Hoo ship update and more 2025 best bits

38 min

Helen Geake and Martyn Williams look back at more of their favourites from the Time Team podcast in 2025.This time Stewart Ainsworth makes a discovery at Bodbury Ring, John Gater's revisiting a Roman site, Francis Pryor has a warning about Flag Fen, Jackie McKinley's on site at Sutton Hoo, Giselle Király's walking in the footsteps of Otzi The Iceman and Martyn's getting up close and personal with the Mary Rose.There's also a progress update from Jacq Barnard of The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company. They're building a reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon ship using traditional techniques. You can read more about them at https://saxonship.org/ where you can also submit your suggestion for the ship's name.We're really excited to bring you more podcasts in 2026 but we can't do it without your support. Becoming a Time Team member funds the programmes we make and the archaeology we carry out here in the UK and around the world. As a member you'll also get access to behind-the-scenes footage, masterclasses, extended interview, the chance to join us on site and so much more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

The best bits from 2025

38 min

It's part one of our look back at some of the best bits from the Time Team podcast in 2025.Helen Geake and Martyn Williams remember time spent at Sutton Hoo, investigating the landscape with Stewart Ainsworth, exploring the ancient city of Pompeii with Dr Sophie Hay, test pitting in Norton Disney and using a floatation tank with Naomi Sewpaul.What were your favourite bits from the podcast this year? Time Team members can tell us using our podcast chat on Patreon. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to join in the conversation.

The Time Team Christmas Quiz 2025

39 min

Merry Christmas from the Time Team podcast. The rematch is here! Time Team archaeologists Helen Geake and Derek Pitman go head to head in this year's Time Team Christmas quiz.With questions from archaeologists, crew and our Time Team members, will Helen take the title again or will Derek manage to secure his first victory?How did you get on? Play along at home to test your archaeological and Time Team knowledge.

Can new tech unroll ancient scrolls?

40 min

Most of this episode was recorded before we learned about the death of Kerry Ely, Time Team's 'Mr Logistics'.Helen's answering questions from Time Team members. We'll discuss when a buried body becomes archaeology, if it's possible to go on an archaeology digging holiday, the archaeologists that run in the family and whether it's possible for new technology to unroll ancient scrolls.There's also Helen's Find, which this week is moustache-themed! You can see it at the following link:https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1238768If you'd like to get involved with future podcast episodes then become a Time Team member and join our community chat. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial.Next week it's the Time Team Christmas Quiz 2025. Listen as Helen Geake and Derek Pitman battle it out with questions set by the Time Team family.

Sir Tony Robinson

35 min

In this special edition of the Time Team podcast, archaeologist Helen Geake speaks to the man who's been at the heart of Time Team since the very beginning, Sir Tony Robinson!Tony reveals how he came to present the show, discusses his love of archaeology and talks about his new book, The House of Wolf.You can buy Tony's book in the Time Team shop. Go to https://shop.timeteamdigital.comTo get more from Time Team and support the work we do, consider becoming a Time Team member. Not only will you help fund the archaeology we do you'll be part of a growing community of archaeology fans. You'll get access to behind the scenes videos, extended interviews, masterclasses and the chance to join us on a future dig. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information. If you go there in December 2025 you'll find a 7 day free trial.

Orkney's shipwreck mystery: Sanday Wreck

36 min

In February 2024 a wooden shipwreck was revealed on a beach in Orkney. People on the island of Sanday originally believed it might’ve been dislodged from the seabed in violent storms. What was it and how did it get there? Archaeologists have been piecing together the mystery of the Sanday Wreck.In this special edition of the Time Team podcast, Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, who's made some remarkable discoveries about the ship's true identity and its amazing story.There's loads more about the Sanday Wreck here:https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/news/sanday-wreck

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