Preserving Folkestone'sArchaeological Heritage
Racing against coastal erosion to excavate, record, and preserve the East Wear Bay Roman Villa through community archaeology and cutting-edge digital technology.
years of history
Artefacts Preserved
volunteers
Racing Against Time
The East Wear Bay Archaeological Project is dedicated to excavating, recording, and preserving Folkestone Roman Villa and its surrounding archaeological landscape before it is lost to coastal erosion.
Through professional archaeology, community involvement, and innovative digital technology, we're documenting this important heritage site for future generations.
Professional archaeological excavation and recording
Community engagement and educational programmes
Digital preservation using 3D scanning technology
Featured Artefacts
Explore our collection of digitally preserved artefacts, each telling a unique story from East Wear Bay's rich archaeological heritage.
Hod Hill Type Brooch
Roman
Copper alloy brooch of the Hod Hill type, a distinctive style of Roman military brooch from the 1st century AD.
View detailsDog Skull
Archaeological Specimen
Well-preserved canine skull specimen discovered during excavations at East Wear Bay.
View detailsFlint Arrowhead
Prehistoric
Well-preserved flint arrowhead from the prehistoric occupation of the site.
View detailsCommunity Involvement
Engaging the local community through inclusive archaeological experiences and innovative educational programmes.
Digital Time Capsule
A youth engagement programme that allows local school children to consider the importance of objects and identity and to create digital records of objects they think are important to the modern world for future preservation.
Memory Through Objects
Our dementia-friendly sessions explore archaeology through sensory engagement with artefacts and by undertaking craft activities to help stimulate conversation and the exchange of stories.
Folkestone Stories
An oral history project collecting local memories and stories about East Wear Bay, creating a social history archive alongside the archaeological record.
2025 Field School Success
Our 2025 Field School (July 7-18) was a remarkable success with 22 participants from 5 countries joining us for two weeks of training, excavation and discovery.
Key achievements from this season include better definition of a significant boundary ditch that runs across the site and the discovery of a possible four-post granary structure.
22 International Students
Trained in professional excavation techniques
Copt Point Discoveries
Geophysical survey reveals new archaeological features
Iron Age to Roman Transition
New understanding of historical period changes
Be Part of History
Join us in preserving East Wear Bay's archaeological heritage. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Watch Our Work
Explore our excavations and educational programmes through video
Community Archaeology at East Wear Bay
Learn about our community engagement and educational programmes at the site.
Watch on YouTubeEast Wear Bay Archaeological Project
Explore our ongoing archaeological work at the East Wear Bay Roman villa site.
Watch on YouTubeOnsite Blog
Stay updated with our latest discoveries, excavation progress, and community activities
View all newsLatest News Coming Soon
Check back soon for updates on our excavations, discoveries, and community events.
Field School Updates
Information about our upcoming field school sessions and participant experiences will be shared here.
Community Engagement
Stay informed about our outreach programs and how you can get involved with preserving local heritage.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK's heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.