Return to the Rose & Crown Dig
Last summer’s archaeological dig at the Rose & Crown Public House was a real highlight, giving thousands of visitors the chance to see excavation work up close and learn more about the history hidden beneath St Michael’s Street.
Join us this year as we return to the Rose & Crown Public House in (St Michael’s Street, St Albans) on Saturday 28 February and Saturday 7 March 2026, 11am–2pm, for a chance to revisit the archaeological dig.
These are informal, free drop‑in sessions and open to all. Whether you visited the dig last year or are discovering it for the first time.
Please note: these sessions are weather permitting, and the site team may need to pause activity in poor conditions. Check our social media channels on the day for updates.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the dig and sharing the next chapter in the Rose & Crown story.
About the archaeological site:
The pub is located within the historic area of Verulamium - one of the largest Roman cities in Britain. Built over a major Iron Age settlement, Verulamium later evolved into St Michael’s village during the Anglo-Saxon period and continued to develop through the medieval and post-medieval eras into the town we know today. This redevelopment archaeological dig presents an exciting opportunity to uncover layers of history spanning thousands of years.
The excavation is a planning-led development, in collaboration with drp archaeology and Verulamium Museum, with guidance from Place Services and Historic England.
Thanks to the property owners for their support.
All finds will be carefully studied by archaeological specialist. Significant discoveries will be displayed either at Verulamium Museum or within the refurbished Rose and Crown pub itself—offering a lasting connection between the past and the present.
Location
The finds will be on display at a finds table outside the Rose & Crown pub (currently closed) on St Michael's Street. Map link
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer to dig?
A few of our current archaeology volunteers will be working the finds tables during this phase of investigation, but excavation will be conducted by DRP and archaeology professionals.
We rarely have dig and archaeology volunteer opportunities, but you can sign up to volunteer with us and take part in lots of other ways with St Albans Museums.
Will I be able to see the excavation areas?
Access to the site will be limited for Health & Safety reasons and to protect the site, archaeologists and archaeology, when you visit you will be able to see recent finds and speak to the archaeologists and see but to not enter the excavation trenches.
When is the best time to visit?
The open times will be Saturday 28 February and Saturday 7 March 2026, 11am–2pm.
Please note that there is a narrow pavement area for visitors who want to see the latest finds on the finds table so if it is busy please come back at a later time.
St Michael's Street is an open road and traffic and pedestrians will be using the road and pavement too.
