You’re invited to see the finds from an archaeological dig at the Rose and Crown Public House (St Michael’s Street, St Albans) from 10-14 July 2025 (10am-4pm).
The pub is currently being re-developed and as part of the planning process there’s a rare opportunity to carry out a community archaeological dig beginning with a small test pit survey to assess the preservation, extent, and significance of the remains. Volunteers working on the dig will be led by the St Albans Museums Archaeology Team.
You’re invited to see a live “daily finds table” and meet the archaeologists.
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, Minerva Archaeology Ltd 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 our team of experts. 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 on the dig under the leadership of St Albans Museums' archaeologist Tom Lucas.
We rarely have dig or 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 test pits?
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 but you won't be able to access the area where the dig is happening.
When is the best time to visit?
You can visit at any point 10-14 July between 10am and 4pm. However as the dig is starting on 10 July it may take a few hours before any finds are made. We can't guarantee any finds will be made on this site.
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.
