The Great British Dig
Channel 4 | Strawberry Blond TV | 2020–2024
The Great British Dig is a warm, engaging archaeological series that brings hidden histories to life — right beneath the nation’s lawns, patios, and flower beds. Led by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, the show brings together a team of expert presenters — Natasha 'Tash' Billson, Dr Chloe Duckworth, Richard Taylor, and John Henry Phillips — to conduct large-scale community excavations across the UK.
Each episode explores a different town or village, where the team works alongside local residents to uncover remarkable stories buried beneath their gardens. From lost Roman roads to WWI training camps, the show reveals just how much of Britain's history lies beneath our feet — and how archaeology can unite communities in uncovering it.
Filmed during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme stood out for its uplifting spirit, accessible storytelling, and commitment to community engagement. It was praised for making archaeology inclusive and entertaining, drawing families and first-time volunteers into the process of real discovery.
The show ran for four series on More4/Channel 4, and its success has only grown, with Series 1 outperforming viewership expectations by 200%. In 2021, the series was shortlisted for ‘Best Popular Factual Programme’ at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and in 2024, it won the category outright.
How to watch:
You can now stream episodes of The Great British Dig in several places:
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Channel 4 YouTube channel — full episodes available free online
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My4 (Channel 4’s free catch-up service) — watch on demand via web or app
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Sky History / Sky Go — Series 1 and 2 are now available to stream for Sky subscribers
Did you know Dr Chloe Duckworth, wrote a companion book to the series? With a foreword by Hugh Dennis, it brings the show’s themes of discovery, heritage, and community archaeology to the page. Take a sneek peek below:
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Beyond the Screen: Exclusive Content & Behind-the-Scenes Insights
While The Great British Dig aired on television, I wanted to give audiences an even deeper look into the archaeological process and the brilliant team that made it all happen.
To complement the show, I created additional content across YouTube and social media, including:
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Livestream Q&As with fellow archaeologists and specialists. (Click here or below for the playlist)
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Behind-the-scenes videos showcasing trenches, finds, and fieldwork that didn't make it into the final cut
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Interviews with local volunteers and community members who helped uncover Britain's hidden histories
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On-the-ground updates from dig sites, offering real-time insights and educational commentary
These digital extras brought the public closer to the action, demystifying archaeology, highlighting diverse voices on the team, and celebrating the unsung heroes of community digs.
Follow my YouTube channel or Instagram for more.
Episode list
Series 1 Episode 1: Benwell, Newcastle
The team uncovers a Roman fort linked to Hadrian’s Wall beneath the suburban gardens of Benwell, Newcastle.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 1 Episode 2: Masham, North Yorkshire
Excavating a suspected Viking burial ground in Masham to explore the lives of Anglo-Saxons laid to rest.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 1 Episode 3: Lenton, Nottingham
Uncovering William the Conqueror’s lost priory in Lenton to better understand the Domesday Book era.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 1 Episode 4: South Shields
Searching for a secret World War II military base on the cliffs of South Shields.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 1 Trailer
Series 2 Episode 1: Falkirk
Unearthing a Roman fort along the Antonine Wall buried beneath Falkirk’s back gardens.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 2 Episode 2: Stretton, Staffordshire
Hunting for prehistoric roundhouses to reveal the earliest settlers of Stretton.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 2 Episode 3: Devizes
Investigating a 19th-century prison in Devizes with a revolutionary design.
Series 2 Episode 4: Beningbrough
Searching for a lost building in the gardens of Beningbrough Hall, a Georgian stately home.
Series 2 Episode 5: West Derby, Liverpool
Unearthing a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in suburban West Derby.
Series 2 Trailer
Series 3 Episode 1: Odiham, Hampshire
Exploring the residence of Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster.
Series 3 Episode 2: Oldham, Greater Manchester
Uncovering a Victorian mill repurposed as a WWII prisoner of war camp.
Series 3 Episode 3: King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Hunting for English Civil War defences buried in King’s Lynn.
Series 3 Episode 4: Oswestry, Shropshire
Searching for the Morda Workhouse to understand life inside its walls.
Series 3 Episode 5: Coventry
Investigating the monastic grange Biggin Hall, linked to St Mary’s Priory.
Series 3 Trailer
Series 4 Episode 1: Cornwall
Revealing a newly found Roman fort near Calstock with surprising insights.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 4 Episode 2: North Yorkshire
Searching Studley Royal Park for a lost Georgian mansion that once stood at the heart of the gardens.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 4 Episode 3: Newcastle
Excavating the birthplace of 18th-century naturalist and engraver Thomas Bewick.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 4 Episode 4: Nottinghamshire
Tracking down Sampson de Strelley’s long-lost medieval castle in Strelley.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Series 4 Episode 5: Bognor Regis
Investigating a lost seaside villa with a royal connection.
Watch the Behind the Trowel Q&A: YouTube
Best of The Great British Dig
A retrospective celebrating the team’s most exciting digs — from Anglo-Scandinavian burials in North Yorkshire to Roman forts in Newcastle.
Series 4 Trailer
It takes a massive TEAM to make GBD happen
From on-screen experts to the behind-the-scenes crew, The Great British Dig is the result of incredible teamwork, dedication, and a shared passion for uncovering Britain's hidden histories. The list below highlights some of the core contributors across production, research, archaeology, and filming.
On-Screen Team
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Hugh Dennis – Comedian and actor; serves as the show's presenter, engaging with local communities and guiding viewers through each excavation.
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Natasha ‘Tash’ Billson – Commercial archaeologist and co-presenter; leads on-site excavations and community engagement.
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Dr. Chloë Duckworth – Archaeological scientist and lecturer at Newcastle University; co-presenter providing expert analysis and insights.
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Richard Taylor – Community archaeologist and geophysicist; co-presenter from the pilot through Series 3.
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John-Henry Phillips – Romani archaeologist, author, and filmmaker; joined as co-presenter in Series 4.
Specialist Contributors
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Marcus Abbott – Digital visualisation expert; creates 3D reconstructions and visual aids to illustrate archaeological findings.
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Dr. Hannah Russ, a zooarchaeologist specialising in fish remains, contributes expertise in analysing animal bones and dietary practices.
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Don O'Meara – Environmental archaeologist; provides insights into past environments and ecological contexts of excavation sites.
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Dr. David Griffiths – Finds specialist; examines and interprets artefacts uncovered during digs.
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Michala Hulme, historian and genealogist, offers historical context and traces family histories related to excavation sites.
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Caroline Wilkinson – Facial reconstruction expert; assists in recreating faces from skeletal remains when applicable.
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Rachel Swallow – Castles expert; provides knowledge on medieval fortifications and their historical significance.
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Jonathan Foyle – Architectural historian; analyses historical buildings and structures uncovered during excavations.
Off-Screen Contributors
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Steve Wynne, Executive Producer & CEO of Strawberry Blond TV, oversees the show's production and creative direction.
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Strawberry Blond TV – Production company responsible for creating and producing the series.
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Solstice Heritage – Heritage consultancy; managed archaeological research, health and safety, and reporting for Series 1–3.
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Archaeobiz – Post-excavation management company; handled finds processing and reporting for Series 1–3.
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York Archaeology (formerly York Archaeological Trust) – Provided field archaeologists and managed finds processing and reporting for Series 4.
Thank you to the crew and field team who are not named here – your work made this series possible.
List adapted from publicly available credits and Wikipedia.
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