From 29th May – 10th June 2024

Where: Blanchland Abbey Churchyard

Access into the Abbey will be affected by exploratory excavations in the churchyard later in May and June. We need to improve the drainage from the church roof to stop the damp inside the building, and also we want to improve the facilities and ease the access into the church. So that our experts can take full account of what is hidden beneath the surface of the churchyard when making their designs, we are excavating in several places along the west wall, outside the east tower door, and also along the main path from the roadside.

Access to the church by one or other of the doors will be maintained at all times, but while the archaeologists are working on the path, we will have to walk along the road to the east churchyard gate and come in through the churchyard to the east door. This path is grassy and so you may want to consider your footwear.

The archaeologists plan to start their excavations along the path, so that it can be quickly reinstated with concrete slabs. These will be a temporary measure while we use the information we uncover to make plans and get permissions for reprofiling the slope of the path down to the church. You can read the approved plans for the excavations below.

If you would like to volunteer and help with the excavation, please sign up here.