FULL LENGTH | TIME TEAM Roman Sarcophagus (Broughton, Oxfordshire) EXPEDITION CREW

By popular demand... we've compiled Days 1 and 2 of this recent dig into one, single edit for your viewing pleasure!
Whether you've seen it already or are watching for the first time, make yourself comfortable and hunker down to relive this fascinating dig and first outing for Time Team's Expedition Crew.
Join us for another watchalong in one sitting!
*****
Time Team returns to Broughton Roman Villa in Oxfordshire to investigate the mysterious stone sarcophagus that originally led to the site's discovery.
In September 2021, the full team had the traditional three days to shed light on a huge villa on the Broughton Estate, originally discovered by Time Team's Keith Westcott. But with questions surrounding the sarcophagus remaining unanswered, a year later, we've sent in our new Expedition Crew for a closer look.
Can the team relocate the burial? And what will we find? There's a lot to do and - on this occasion - only two days to do it!
NOTE: This is a collated replay of our earlier Expedition Crew episodes, which was filmed in Summer 2022, and originally aired in December 2022.
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CREDITS
Filmed and edited by Sound View Media
Theme performed by Charles Harrison
With thanks to the Broughton Estate
Thanks to all contributors to this episode
Thanks to Robert and Pat Hemingway Hall
Thanks to Alex Schultz

[@SirWhig-esq.]

R.I.P - Victor, Mick, Robin, Beric and Ian [the digger driver]

[@medievalladybird394]

❤😢

[@backtoearth1983]

Looking at his Bio Robin loved a glass of Islay.. I have a rather rare Islay release in my collection. Feels like a single is in order.

[@bethbartlett5692]

💛

[@josephhall5136]

Is that the thin guy with the glasses on or the older gentleman??

[@sidcymraeg]

We miss them all and appreciate their indivual contributions.

[@LostInSpace175]

The way my jaw dropped when he said they broke the lid of the sarcophagus and tossed it in the river... Helens face was pretty stunned lol

[@TheTiffanyAching]

I could feel Helen's pain when she asked the farmer why the people who broke the sarcophagus lid up and threw the pieces in a stream had done so. She handled it gracefully, nonetheless.

[@georgegard.aka.currymonste1498]

The pause before she spoke said it all

[@marinoceccotti9155]

You must understand that for a farmer, his farming equipment is way more important than some stone coffin. And I agree, they had to get rid of it, otherwise it could have damaged a plow or a tiller. There are no place for big stones in a field. Period. At the end of the day, you don't eat archaeology, you eat bread.

[@joshschneider9766]

​@@marinoceccotti9155no sir that farmer needs to think about his community his heritage and his responsibilities to both. Simply excusing it because he's a farmer is garbage talk.

[@doonhamer252]

not nessarly true , I've seen areas of fields etc. expropriated to ensure preservation.. @@marinoceccotti9155

[@donyates4855]

@@joshschneider9766 I’m not sure that is what happened, but it would be good to enlarge your horizons to see the beauty of this rare window into the past🙃🙃❤

[@murraywagnon1841]

That farmer would have been very young in 1963, maybe 10-13 years old. He may remember the lid being broken and moved, but the archaeologists may have retrieved them and buried them in the backfill without the young lad knowing about it.

[@kellibuck]

4 ft 9 and 3/4!!!!! Yes! I love this answer for a million reasons but mostly because I always say I’m 4 foot 10.5 inches and people always say I shouldn’t say the half out loud but it matters! Sorry made my short heart happy! Back to history!

[@TimeTeamOfficial]

We've compiled Days 1 & 2 of this recent dig into one single edit for your viewing pleasure. Whether viewing for the first time or reliving it again, join us for this watch-along!

[@RHCole]

Awwww man, now I have to update my playlist 😆

[@kathilisi3019]

Thank you! Watching the premiere with some of the team was a lot of fun!

[@user-ov7tz5ov5h]

Thank you team!😊

[@horsetuna]

It repeats the first episode after about 10 minutes.

[@mysticjen379]

❤

[@newwavepop]

when the farmer talked about smashing up the lid it wounded me in my soul.

[@James-ju4gj]

Can't get enough Time Team in my life

[@steveakersdrums]

What I find fascinating about any burial is that it locks a moment in time. When the funeral or other ceremony was performed it was right there, one day, long ago. The only separation from Naomi and the team from this buried lady is time and time alone. It is truly an experience to be so close to the ancient ones. Thanks for another great program.

[@josephgallien9093]

I really miss the original Time Team. I hope this new team can do them proud. Time will tell 🙂

[@OneOfTheFirstToWatchStarTrek]

I heartily endorse being a patron on Patreon! 💯 Because I love the work the team does, but also because we get lots of special info! ❤

[@RedHeadedTsunami]

I found myself wishing that the entire sarcophagus could be lifted out and taken back to a lab for study later and then the Time Team could have the rest of the 2 days left to explore the site. It would insure that no farm equipment would ever get anywhere near it again, and, and... But, I know. Time, $, Space to store things, leaving things in situ to be explored by later and possibly greater techniques. Still... Well, I can dream.

[@MegaSuperpotter]

Yes I agree and thats the undying legacy of time team, we as lookers on are constantly frustrated as nothing is finalises, but that the nature o the game. .

[@pollyb.4648]

Exactly how archeologists feel, it's a fun and frustrating profession.

[@sasaforestecho]

can i just say not only thank you for the video, but also for its setup, and the lack of distracting loud music.

[@sunshine2528]

I was so grateful they didn’t have the horrible and intrusive music.

[@gubjorggisladottir3525]

The lack of "music" is the reason I was able to watch the video. For me, noice like that is both too horrible to endure and too intrusive to be able to watch the video at all. Too many video´s that have been uploaded to youtube, have all too noisy background noise for me to be able to listen to the video at all... and most of those video´s are not enjoyable to watch without sound.

[@lynnedwards7462]

Thank you for bringing the two halves together. Please update us as and when more details are found.

[@irmuggle]

I was laughing my head off. I thought when the farmer told Helen that they smashed the lid. I thought she was gonna Snap and throttle him. 😅

[@phranerphamily]

So good. Hoping we can do a follow up with Naomi. I have to be very careful with $$ but this is money well spent through patron I urge anyone not funding TT to do so.

[@lollibolli2601]

I’m very happy to have found time team! Old and new

[@Idellphany]

I just watched Naomi dig out a wall in a much earlier time team ! 😊😊❤

[@SM-gv9nf]

🎉🥳 how i feel everytime theres a new Time Team episode

[@robertbearne2815]

awesome, my Sunday tea time sorted out. just like the old times

[@lisawilson2912]

Thanks Time Team. I've waited so long to see this final edit. I was surprised you didn't want to look under the lead liner. 😊

[@soniahamilton9914]

This was so exciting! I look forward to seeing more about our Lady from the villa❣️

[@shaunwalley]

I watched the Band of Brothers only yesterday, delighted to watch these new one's, thank you so much

[@jeffr2643]

Great to see you guys back!

[@KAZSANable]

And we thank you dearly for that ❤

[@johnbriggs3916]

With a double thickness to the sarcophagus, did they explore the possibility that it really was a double -- i.e. a second compartment below the floor? As the sarcophagus was lead-lined, presumably the lid was also lead-lined. The lead covering of the iron cramps was to try and protect them from corrosion. That could really only have been done after the sarcophagus had been closed and sealed. It is more likely that that was done back at the villa.

[@hellagood67]

A fabulous episode. For all the hustle and bustle of the original format, I must admit I do enjoy the calmness of the archeologists this time round. Also, I can’t believe I am taller than Naomi….only by a couple of inches 🤭🤭🤭🤭

[@SweetOne.]

Thank you! Shame there aren't any pictures of the bones from 1963.. they may have left a clue as to the whereabouts of the skull.

[@SmithCaro]

The owner should build a memorial or something for her. I think that would be a lovely honour for her ... 😊

[@juliajs1752]

How do you put up a memorial for someone you don't remember?

[@SmithCaro]

@@juliajs1752 I suppose the same way people have put ones up for "Unknown" Soldiers and similar situations

[@cncshrops]

It is now almost impossible to understand how even laymen could be party to the destruction of a Roman artefact. I guess Time team has played a part in our education and the change in public attitudes.

[@rodmacleod3709]

I am old enough to have visited excavation sites (and taken part in one excavation) in the early 1960s. County Councils tended not to have archaeological sections then and there were fewer permanent archaeological units, but there was widespread recognition of the importance of archaeology and the destruction of the lid and (presumably) continued exposure of the site to ploughing was discreditable even in that era.

[@PaulF72]

I am also stunned at the farmer's admission of destroying the lid and the reaction from Helen and Naomi too! The farmer's claim it would damage a plough is seriously questionable given the large stones found on the lid during excavation. A possible marker? Maybe the original lid, all recovered and re-laid directly over the burial just below the surface? But those stones would have impacted ploughing since the 1960s and been scattered, which they were not during TT excavations. Clearly, it's not being avoided with crop over it and was lost until the metal detectorist rediscovered it. It seems more likely to me the lid was broken to see the contents, and perhaps there were more valuables in the grave he didn't admit were taken? It's also sad to think farmers used/use these coffins as horse troughs. PS: Why didn't TT GPS the grave on the first excavation?! Or was that re-discovery in the cropped field just for TV?

[@debbralehrman5957]

Always such an enjoyable experience watching Time Team. Never disappoints, not even when events don't turn out as hoped. It's the process I really look forward to. Thanks for another awesome video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🌹

[@lizshoemaker]

This is so fun. Love this format and episode.

[@targetedplantsguy9481]

I find it kind of sad to leave her there. I think her and the sarcophagus should be moved to a museum, cuz one thing I've learned is that no matter how important you were when you were alive your grave one day will be someone's farm, shopping mall, liquor store, church, or new neighborhood.

[@1972tommyc]

You have a good point however TT alumnus Guy de la Bedoyere makes a good counterpoint in a recent uTube video that all to often artifacts sent to museums end up languishing in storage rooms (soonest or later) never again to be enjoyed by the public and no longer associated with their historical context.

[@bascomnextion5639]

I would lift it out dig deeper and cover it with a pre cast concrete slab.

[@stephanieyee9784]

She needs to be re intered right where she was originally laid to rest. There on the farm she loved.

[@targetedplantsguy9481]

@@stephanieyee9784 first off you don't know that. There's zero evidence that she enjoyed being there. Secondly that won't stay a farm forever.

[@1972tommyc]

I was mistaken attributing the museum storage (out of sight, out of mind) issue to Guy DLB. This issue was brought out by Ian McCollom on his Forgotten Weapons uTube channel. The argument remains valid for leaving the remains in place.

[@Darkhorse1975]

The scene at 25:14 was really amazing!

[@jeffr2643]

Joined in on Patreon. I feel supporting you is a good use of my money

[@Zine2me]

What a Joy these new episodes are!

[@jeannienash5249]

I really miss Phil Harding!

[@rickshepard6103]

That was really great put together into one episode.

[@user-yn1vd2fc3f]

Thank you for doing this!

[@gaius_enceladus]

Lovely Helen! Always a pleasure to see her!

[@bluestatedem]

Worth watching again!

[@davidgeister]

Wonderful! Keep'em coming!

[@douglasruss2889]

Always enjoy !

[@jom3268]

Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@jlangridge930]

yay! thank you!

[@tony-leebrizzell2654]

Thanks for a lifetime of learning ...

[@Davlavi]

Another great video.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@joshschneider9766]

Thanks!

[@RHCole]

Nice!

[@robsin2810]

Just awesome 🙏🇦🇺👍

[@markroth9827]

Time Team is awesome!

[@fraeris1]

Ready 👍👍

[@alayneperrott9693]

All very intriguing. Look forward to an update from Naomi.

[@markcunnington1976]

Thanks

[@TheTiffanyAching]

Love me a new TT episode!

[@jefo2405]

Maybe the lid the farmer remembers is from another grave in the field?!

[@RichardSeatonFingertips]

I'll be there :)

[@MinkieMinx]

Ty🙏💜🙌

[@mikelheron20]

I've never quite understood why they set themselves such tight schedules. I realise cost must come into it but some of the deadlines are ridiculous.

[@KenZchameleon]

It's the gimmick. Friday morning to Sunday night at each site.

[@Cmdtheartist]

Blast from the past x2.

[@marcniall7225]

Time Team forever.

[@SM-gv9nf]

Whoever realized Helen should be host heard my prayers

[@maryannpritchard5485]

She’s a wonderful storyteller and knows more than most!

[@aariley2]

Dr. John has the craziest rope job on his hat.

[@ShortwickCreations]

I just finished watching the Roman Villa video the other day, so having this now is an amazing continuation. Was there GPR done on the rest of the field so see if there are any more burials? I'm wondering, would there be any concern regarding the lead? More particularly when digging and breathing in the dust.

[@RachaelSA]

Ah, the big digus

[@sotony7483]

I see that Dr Pearce accepted the wager to wear his special hat on TV. Good man.

[@jbug13158]

I will never understand why any farmer would continue to plant over a grave...especially one that is in a LEAD lined sarcophagus! I would have fenced it in and never let anyone but people like the Time Team archeologists touch it! Seriously, it takes up such a small amount of space, it wouldn't be a great loss to not grow such a small patch of land.

[@stewartmarshall4112]

Long time fan here. Helen is still so adorable!

[@dagmarbrugger1245]

Yes, she is!

[@jenwatson2623]

Would be nice if the sarcophagus could have been lifted out an put down further , so it is not plowed over more....or moved to somewhere safe! Don't think moving is good, but being plowed over is not either. Thank you for filling in more of the gap ..I have wandered😊❣🍻

[@noonehere1793]

I am really curious as to why you did not dig it out so it could be studied and put on display for others to see rather than letting it get further destroyed by future farming and decay…

[@doonhamer252]

That Barley is nearly ready , so why is it nessesary to flatten the crop .. and not wait until it is a stubble field prior to re-ploughing or reseeding ..

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

I sure do miss the old Time Team. Tony where are you????

[@pm8465]

Makes me wonder what else is in that field. Seems strange to have just one burial, bearing in mind the size of the adjacent property.

[@SaugotChowdhury]

Why do i use the new time episodes as ASMR to fell asleep 😂 i dont know

[@bigsarge2085]

✌

[@yooper6161]

Id love to see a time team episode in South America or Turkey. I bet the could explain Gobleki Tepe in 3 days.

[@Idellphany]

There is a North American one on PBS.

[@JLCra87]

Would they have originally filled in the interior of the sarcophagus with soil, or is that simply dirt from rain/time? I get that the 60's team either broke the lid or just laid the pieces back on top. Likely filled it in then too.

[@chazzyb8660]

Well yes, a big question is where did the skull end up?

[@rodmacleod3709]

The charcoal residues seem to be close to the top surface and, without investigation of neighbouring land or dating, it might be premature to assume they have any ritual or internment significance. They might just be the result of stubble burning.

[@chaosordeal294]

Sounds dumb, but gotta ask, did you ask the farmer if he had a decent guess at where he buried the lid?

[@RotGoblin]

So the poor lass was attacked with a blade.

[@leopard36cat]

They should dig out the Stone sarcophagus its too valuable to leave there, some idiot will try to dig it out and sell it now they know where it is.

[@NicUsher]

Waa the sarcophagus buried at the time? Or did earth eventually cover it up?

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

, I think the bone expert with the glasses is in love with the guy she is working with. She has never talked so much. A very smart, introverted young lady who has a crush on this guy which is very cute. I think she has a PHD, about 26 years old, she has a scary ability to know any piece of bone and were it is from in the bone structure of the body BY FEEL ALONE. With blinder on to cover her eyes.

[@KOOLBadger]

It is so difficult getting used to a new team😢

[@ldg1030]

Wait, what? Where did her skull go?

[@jonnawyatt]

Would it be possible to do the work when there isn't a crop? From a concerned farmer.

[@laurentivoli1183]

Nice story, paints a predictable and pretty picture. But why a stone coffin and why lead lined when the people could have buried the female in a wooden one? Lead is the best barrier for prevention of harmful leakage exposure, no?

[@ChristaFree]

Why couldn't it have been above ground originally?

[@eddie50]

Where can l buy Team Team merchandise ? ie T-Shirts etc etc

[@georgedorn1022]

The shop on the Time Team website.

[@a.azazagoth5413]

I can’t believe that the farmer just destroyed the lid. He couldn’t sacrifice 10 square feet of his farm?

[@jamesconner8275]

What ignorance, they broke up the lid with an iron bar!!!

[@conniekiers9554]

Couldn't they have waited for the barley crop to be harvested before walking through the field or digging up the area

[@patriciacunningham5383]

I don't see why the farmer culdn't have left the lid on and plough round it, It was not massive;

[@j.nilsson5362]

Why are there only one grave like this?

[@marilynnkobza5933]

I wonder if oxford has her skull

[@JennLondon]

Where is Tony Robinson?

[@ambrecervantes6475]

Dont dig me up and play with my bones