Archaeology
More than 1,000 archaeologists, specialists, scientists and conservators will be exploring and recording over 60 archaeological sites for HS2. As part of HS2’s enabling works, they will reveal over 10,000 years of British history.
Their work will range from the Prehistoric period, through Roman Britain, the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval ages, the Industrial Revolution, to World War 2. HS2’s archaeology programme is Europe’s biggest dig and promises to provide a fascinating insight into the everyday lives of the people and communities who made modern Britain.
The archaeological work will enable us to show that HS2 is more than a railway. It’s a project that will have a huge positive impact on the UK, dramatically enriching our cultural heritage and leaving a lasting legacy for the future
A journey to our past
Our key sites
Camden to Hertfordshire
Buckinghamshire to Oxfordshire
Northamptonshire to Birmingham
Dignity, care, respect
The careful excavation of the remains of ordinary people and celebrities of their time will give us an unprecedented opportunity to trace our ancestors and tell their stories.
Educational resources
Check out our archaeology educational resources and be inspired to become the next generation of archaeologists.
Sharing the discoveries
Our expert lectures, community open days and online channels will enable us all to share what we've learned about the people that shaped our landscape.