Ep 5. Keeping up with the Georgians - Hunstrete, Somerset

Time Team was a British television series that explored historical sites in the UK. In the episode "Keeping up with the Georgians - Hunstrete, Somerset," the team returns to one of their favorite digs from previous seasons.

The site in question is a Georgian manor house in Hunstrete, Somerset. The team had previously excavated the site and uncovered evidence of a grand staircase, a garden pavilion, and a possible bathhouse. In this episode, they return to further explore the site and uncover more information about the history of the manor.

The team begins their investigation by using ground-penetrating radar to map the site and identify any potential areas of interest. They then start digging, focusing on a specific area where they believe the bathhouse may have been located. As they dig deeper, they uncover a large rectangular structure that they believe could be the remains of the bathhouse.

The team then turns their attention to the garden pavilion, which they had previously identified but never fully excavated. Using a sophisticated laser scanning technique, they map out the pavilion's foundations and uncover evidence of a central column and a circular structure around it.

As they work, the team discovers several artifacts that shed light on the history of the manor house. These include a blue-and-white transferware pottery fragment, a clay tobacco pipe stem, and a coin from the reign of George II. Through careful analysis, they are able to determine that the manor was likely built in the mid-18th century and was occupied by several prominent families over the years.

Throughout the episode, the team also discusses the challenges of preserving historical sites like this one. They note that many of these sites are threatened by erosion, development, and other factors, and stress the importance of continued excavation and conservation efforts.

Overall, "Keeping up with the Georgians - Hunstrete, Somerset" is a fascinating exploration of a historical site and a tribute to the important work that Time Team has done over the years. Through their careful excavations and analysis, the team is able to shed light on the past and help us better understand the history of our country.