Time Team

Time Team's Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams explore the world of archaeology. Featuring exclusive access to digs and interviews with experts to unearth the stories of the past.

We bring you a podcast here every Tuesday, with one available to watch per month on our YouTube channel.

Join our community of archaeology and history enthusiasts over on Patreon. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.

Play

Open in

26 episodes
weekly
Avg 36 min
English

Episodes 26

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Tuesday · 35 min
Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London
The Bayeux Tapestry has arrived at The British Museum on loan from France. Helen Geake and Martyn Williams speak to medieval embroidery expert Alex Makin who got an exclusive preview of the new display before the rest of the public got to see it. Derek Pitman joins the podcast from Northumberland where a Time Team X-Crew dig has been underway. Historian and writer Alistair Moffat gives some context to the lawless border region where the shieling sites are situated. Dr Hugh Willmott takes you on a tour of the second season of excavations at Cerne Abbas, a forgotten abbey at the foot of the famous Cerne Abbas chalk giant in Dorset. Time Team members have access to a bonus episode of the podcast this week. It's an in-depth conversation about the Cerne Abbey dig with Dr Hugh Willmott. Join us on Patreon now for that, ad-free episodes, dig updates from Northumberland and so much more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.
September 8 · 31 min
The real legend of King Arthur
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams explore Tintagel Castle with Professor Ken Dark, Director of the Tintagel Hinterland Project and author of Tyrants and Traders: Tintagel, Arthur and The Lost Kings. You'll learn more about this remarkable location, its place in history and its links to the legend of King Arthur, who's rumoured to have been conceived within its walls. The book's available right now in the Time Team shop. Head to https://shop.timeteamdigital.com/ for details. Don't forget you can support Time Team's work by becoming a Time Team member. At patreon.com/timeteamofficial you'll get ad-free and bonus editions of the podcast, masterclasses, behind-the-scenes footage and so much more.
September 1 · 37 min
Bronze Age DNA discovery
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams meet the team behind a new DNA discovery that changes our understanding of Bronze Age society. David Dawson from Wiltshire Museum and Tom Booth of the Crick Institute explain how it turns out the famous "stout man" is actually "stout woman"! Time Team's Carenza Lewis has details of how Time Team members can join us on our next dig in October. It's taking place in Lincoln, with more information available soon at patreon.com/timeteamofficial. Lawrence Shaw gets you excited for Time Team's expedition crew dig in Northumberland and you'll meet the mathematician trying to solve a neolithic mystery using his geometry knowledge. To support the archaeology work we do up and down the UK and around the world, consider becoming a Time Team member. You'll receive tonnes of benefits such as ad-free and bonus podcasts, 3D models, behind-the-scenes photos, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
August 25 · 37 min
How heatwaves are revealing lost archaeology
Time Team archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions sent in by Time Team members. You'll find out how recent heatwaves are exposing lost archaeology in the ground below, how children can ask the most illuminating archaeological questions and whether double yellow lines would be interpreted as decorative by archaeologists of the future. We also pay tribute to Sir Tony Robinson on his 80th birthday. Helen's Find shines a spotlight on an object discovered through archaeology. Today's find can be seen via the following link: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1991-0411-2858 Don't forget that you can ask a question in a future episode, plus get ad-free and bonus podcast content by supporting us as a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to see how we use your money to make more programmes and carry out more archaeology in the UK and around the world.
August 18 · 35 min
Digging a neolithic mystery on Orkney
Martyn Williams is at Time Team's dig on Orkney where the mysterious geophysics 'blobs' are being investigated. You'll hear from Sir Tony Robinson who's visiting the site and has fallen in love with the landscape and its remarkable neolithic history. There are also conversations with Time Team's John Gater and Jackie McKinley who are battling the wet and windy conditions in the Northern Isles. Martyn also learns more about the local neolithic landscape by speaking to historian and writer Sigurd Towrie. This is just a taste of what's been going on. To follow the dig as it happened, become a Time Team member on Patreon to see what we've been getting up to. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details of how you can support what we do.
August 11 · 32 min
Is the Brodgar Butterfly really a butterfly?
We had so many of your questions about The Ness of Brodgar that we decided to make another podcast answering them! Martyn Williams is at the neolithic site on Orkney with Anne Mitchell, one of the site's directors. Martyn and Helen put your questions to Anne including a discussion about the iconic Brodgar Butterfly. To get more from Time Team, including exclusive day-by-day dig updates from The Ness, head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial. Your support allows us to do more archaeology and produce more brilliant Time Team programmes. You'll also get access to masterclasses, behind-the-scenes updates, ad-free episodes and bonus podcasts.
August 4 · 39 min
Orkney neolithic site starts to reveal its secrets
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams take you to the heart of Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. You'll hear from inside the trench as the site finally starts to give up its secrets. Jackie McKinley sheds light on what the mysterious circular structure could really be and Dani Wootton makes an amazing discovery. You'll also hear from Rob Watts from the YouTube channel RobWords. He's in Orkney to visit the dig and learn more about the languages once spoken there. Plus, Sean Romo, the Director of Archaeology at Jamestown in the US gives us an update on the ongoing work to understand more about one of the first sites in North America to be settled by Europeans. Time Team members can get more from our dig at The Ness of Brodgar, including being able to watch the many Dig Watch updates from the site. Your support allows us to do more archaeology here in the UK and around the world. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.
July 28 · 34 min
Your Ness of Brodgar questions answered
Martyn Williams speaks to Helen Geake from The Ness of Brodgar on Orkney where Time Team's been carrying out a month-long excavation. The Ness is a neolithic site where 20 years of digging identified dozens of buildings just a stone's throw away from majestic stone circles and burial mounds. Following a geophysics survey our very own John Gater noticed a strange circular anomaly. The team were dispatched to work alongside Ness of Brodgar archaeologists to find out what it might be. Nick Card, one of the site's directors, answers some of the many questions sent in by Time Team members who are eager to learn more about this incredible site. There's another podcast from Orkney next week. In the meantime, why not check out more Time Team content from The Ness of Brodgar. We've been keeping you updated on the dig moment by moment. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to become a member and catch up on what you might've missed.
July 21 · 32 min
Hidden Tudor tunnels at Henry VIII's palace?
In this week's Time Team podcast you'll learn about an exciting discovery at New Hall School in Essex, home to the Palace of Beaulieu which was once owned by King Henry VIII. Workers repairing a ha-ha (sunken wall) came across what are thought to be Tudor tunnels, once part of the original palace building. The site was once the subject of a Time Team dig back in 2009. Martyn Williams revisits to see the latest discovery for himself. Also today, John Gater speaks to Helen and Martyn from Orkney where Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar continues. Time Team members can follow it as it happens on Patreon. You'll also hear about Orkney's unique rock art from expert Tertia Barnett and Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw check out a historic festival at Butser. To follow updates from The Ness of Brodgar, as well as getting access to ad-free and bonus episodes of the Time Team podcast, become a Time Team member. Visit patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.
July 14 · 38 min
How did Romans grout their mosaics?
Helen Geake answers questions on archaeology and history submitted by Time Team members on Patreon. You'll hear about the items archaeologists take home from a site, the features that are crucial for an archaeological drawing and you'll learn how you can still be an archaeologist without digging in a trench. There's also Helen's Find, where Helen brings a historical object to your attention. You can see the one mentioned in today's episode at the following link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/500107 Time Team's currently at the Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. You can follow our dig as it happens by joining us as a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to support the work we do.
July 7 · 39 min
Orkney's hidden stone circle?
What could the mysterious circular anomaly be? Time Team geophysicist John Gater has scanned an area near the iconic neolithic site of The Ness of Brodgar. An intriguing circular pattern has revealed itself in the data, but what is it? Helen Geake shares her theory with co-host Martyn Williams. Time Team's Jackie McKinley also has her own idea of what might be hidden beneath Orkney. She shares her thoughts as she prepares to travel to the site herself. Also on today's podcast; you'll learn how AI is helping to unravel ancient scrolls, find out more about the skeletons discovered on an ancient Wars of The Roses battlefield and you'll hear what happened when Martyn visited Time Team's Meg Russell on a site in Dorset where archaeologists of the future are being trained. You can follow Time Team's dig at The Ness of Brodgar, with updates from site, by becoming a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more. Becoming a Time Team member supports the archaeology we do up and down the country and around the world. We couldn't do it without you!
June 30 · 36 min
When recovering finds goes wrong
Helen Geake answers more questions from Time Team members about archaeology, history and Time Team. You'll learn about the delicate process of recovering buried finds, ponder the merits of archaeological experience and hear about the Time Team moments Mick Aston would've enjoyed. In Helen's Find you'll learn about an object discovered through archaeology. This time it's a small sundial. You can see it here: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/502553 Become a Time Team member to ask your question on a future edition of the podcast. You also get access to ad-free and bonus content, 3D models, behind-the-scenes insights and the chance to join us on site. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
June 23 · 37 min
Amazing Stonehenge discovery
Phil Harding tells the Time Team podcast about a remarkable discovery at a site just five kilometres from Stonehenge. Holes thought to have once contained huge wooden posts were discovered which date back 500 years before the stones at Stonehenge were erected. The posts at Bulford line up with the summer and winter solstices, in the same way they do at Stonehenge. It means this new discovery could have been an early prototype for the solar alignment seen at Stonehenge. You'll hear Phil talking to Helen Geake and Martyn Williams, alongside Fabio Silva, an astroarchaeologist, who helped to confirm the findings. There are also details of how you can contribute to Time Team's future research by suggesting sites for new digs. You can help Time Team unearth more of our past by becoming a Time Team member. In return you'll get access to ad-free and bonus episodes, 3D models, behind-the-scenes exclusives and the chance to dig with us on site. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
June 16 · 37 min
Could an Egyptian mummy be hiding in a field?
Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members. You'll learn the archaeological significance of ditches, ponder whether climate change might destroy our buried ancient past and consider the possibility ground up ancient Egyptian mummies might be scattered across British fields! There's also Helen's Find. This time Helen's looking at two objects from the Portable Antiquities Scheme: 1) https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/512140 2) https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/912922 Time Team members can ask Helen a question for a future episode. Sign up on Patreon for ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast as well as so much more from Time Team.
June 9 · 37 min
Who were the Picts, really?
Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams take you deeper into the world of history and archaeology. On today's episode you'll discover the remarkable result of 10 years of research into the Picts in Scotland. Prof. Gordon Noble summarises a decade's worth of work! There's also an update from the Guildhall in King's Lynn where it's believed William Shakespeare performed, Time Team's Naomi Sewpaul explains why snails could hold the key to understanding our past and you'll meet some Time Team members! You can find more information on a decade of research into the Picts here: https://www.socantscot.org/news/new-society-book-transforms-our-understanding-of-the-picts/ Want to become a Time Team member and support the work we do? Get access to loads more from Time Team, including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast. Go to www.patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
June 2 · 38 min
What nobody knows about hill forts
Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake is answering questions from Time Team members. Where did people who lived on Iron Age hill forts get their water? Did Anglo-Saxons live in buildings vacated by the Romans and which member of Time Team is most keen to get to the pub? Helen brings you her thoughts on the things you want to know. There's also a surprise guest in the form of Dr Michael Olsson from Uppsala University in Sweden. He's got in touch after hearing Helen and Martyn discuss a topic he knows a fair bit about! Everything we do on Time Team is made possible by the generosity of Time Team members. To join us, and get access to so much more from Time Team including ad-free and bonus episodes of this podcast, masterclasses, 3D models and a chance to join us on site, head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial.
May 26 · 34 min
Did we discover a medieval village?
Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are back with another edition of the Time Team podcast on YouTube. In this episode Lawrence Shaw and Stewart Ainsworth make the tricky journey to a remote part of Northumberland. Might they have come across the site of a lost medieval village, or perhaps an ancient 'shieling' site? The pair debate how suitable the site might be for a larger Time Team investigation. Also, Time Team's Carenza Lewis gives an update on work following our dig in the village of Norton Disney and Time Team's graphics whizz, Matt 'Bear' Clark, shows us behind the scenes on some of the works of art he's creating for the programme. In Time Team News this month you'll learn about the discovery of a site for producing illicit whiskey, the medieval notebook lost in a toilet and the doomed 19th Century expedition to discover new trade routes. Links below. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx219pg5lpxo https://www.heritagedaily.com/2026/05/medieval-notebook-found-preserved-in-latrine/158064 https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/more-doomed-franklin-expedition-sailors-identified-revealing-clues-about-how-they-tried-to-find-safety All of the work we do unearthing the past and making programmes, including this podcast, is funded by the public. Becoming a Time Team member and supporting us on Patreon directly funds excavations and the programmes we make. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to discover the benefits you'll receive when you join us.
May 19 · 35 min
What were ancient roofs built from?
It's a question and answer edition of the Time Team podcast. Dr Helen Geake puts on her thinking cap as Time Team members grill her on subjects such as the prevalence of ants on a dig, the relationship between archaeology and other fields, and the way to determine what an ancient roof might have been constructed from. Helen's Find also makes a comeback. This time Helen's looking at a stylus. You can see the item for yourself here: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/900647 Time Team members get to ask Helen a question. Just head to the 'chat' section on Patreon at patreon.com/timeteamofficial Becoming a member is a great way of supporting the archaeology we do and the programmes we make. All our digs are funded by you! In return we bring you ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast as well as behind the scenes films, 3D models, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Consider becoming a Time Team member today and thank you for supporting what we do.
May 12 · 39 min
Secrets of neolithic artificial island revealed
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams find out more about a crannog in a Scottish loch which has been hiding a secret about its construction. Dr Stephanie Blankshein from the University of Southampton explains the findings from exciting new research. You'll go behind the scenes of a conservation lab at Birmingham Museum where ancient objects are restored to their former glory. Jacq Barnard from the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company gives an update as work continues to reconstruct an Anglo-Saxon ship. Ahead of the release of a classic episode of Time Team, you'll learn more about a stone age tsunami which could have been partly responsible for making Britain an island. Get ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. You'll also get loads more exclusive content from Time Team, including 3D models, masterclasses and the chance to join us on site. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more about how you can support the archaeology we do.
May 5 · 32 min
Plaque to the future
Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members in this episode of the Time Team podcast. Co-host Martyn Williams shares some of the ideas the production team have been coming up with on how to mark the moment the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company launch their reconstructed Anglo-Saxon ship. There are questions on identifying dental work on skeletal remains, the future of large scale archaeological excavations, telling a person's profession from their bones and the Time Team project Helen's most proud of. You can submit your question for a future episode, plus get ad-free and bonus episodes of the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. Your support on Patreon allows us to make more programmes and carry out more archaeology. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 26 episodes