Ep 9. Death and Dominoes: The First POW Camp - Norman Cross
- October 6, 2014
Time Team: The Team's Favorite Digs is a historical documentary series that explores some of the most significant archaeological discoveries made by the Time Team over the years. In season 5, episode 9, entitled "Death and Dominoes: The First POW Camp - Norman Cross," the team sets out to uncover the secrets of the first ever prisoner-of-war camp in the world, located in Norman Cross, England.
The episode begins with Time Team presenter, Tony Robinson, recounting the history of the Norman Cross camp, which was established during the Napoleonic Wars to house French prisoners-of-war. Robinson explains how the camp was designed to be a model for future POW camps, with tight security measures and a strict regime.
To get a sense of what life was like for the prisoners at Norman Cross, the team begins their investigation by excavating the site of one of the camp's original barracks. They carefully remove layers of soil, uncovering signs of the prisoners' daily lives, such as small items like coins and buttons, which they used as makeshift toys and games to pass the time.
As they dig deeper, the team discovers evidence of the difficult conditions the prisoners faced, including cramped living quarters and poor sanitation. They also uncover signs of the prisoners' ingenuity, such as a hidden tunnel the prisoners used to escape the camp.
The Time Team also delves into the personal stories of the prisoners themselves, revealing the human side of the conflict. One particularly moving discovery is a set of dominoes, which belonged to a French prisoner named Pierre Dejean. The team researches Dejean's life and discovers that he was a talented painter who had been imprisoned for his political views. Through Dejean's story, the audience gains a deeper understanding of the impact of war on ordinary people.
Throughout the episode, the Time Team works tirelessly to piece together the story of Norman Cross, using a combination of historical research and hands-on archaeology. Their discoveries shed new light on life in the camp, as well as the wider context of the Napoleonic Wars.
In the end, the team's hard work and dedication pay off, as they uncover a wealth of information about life in the first-ever POW camp. Through their discoveries, they give a voice to the prisoners who were once held captive at Norman Cross, and provide a fascinating glimpse into a little-known chapter of history.
Overall, "Death and Dominoes: The First POW Camp - Norman Cross" is a gripping and informative episode of Time Team, showcasing the team's talent for uncovering hidden histories. It provides a fascinating insight into life in the first-ever POW camp, and highlights the important role of archaeology in understanding the past.