Phil Harding Q&A - Salisbury 2020: Digital Big Weekend

Join much-loved local archaeologist, Phil Harding, as he answers questions from Salisbury residents about his life’s work, involvement in Time Team and exciting projects he’s currently working on in the area.
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[@deansmallwood4652]

these days it is rare to find somebody who genuinely loves every minute of what they do. Phil Harding is such a person. His enthusiasm and humour is infectious and was probably the main reason I was hooked on Time Team from the start. Thank you Phil for everything you've done to make archaeology accessible to people like myself. Time Team really was my favourite TV show.

[@LANPartyAnimal]

He is such a character and, like you say, his enthusiasm just drew you in.

[@pontiuspilot5887]

I was born in the U.K. in 1948 and when i was 5 my parents moved to Canada. I got no education of the geography or history of the land of my birth. It wasn't until I stumbled over the Time Team that I began to get a clear understanding of my roots. Loved the bantering between Tony and Phil and Mick. Peace

[@Seabeagle10]

@@pontiuspilot5887 I like time team . Because both grandparents. On both sides of family is from U.K.. I like learning about the history of England. To see what my gr. Grandparents went through. Worcestershire England area.

[@Wings_of_foam]

these days it is rare to find somebody who genuinely loves every minute of what they do. What a loaf of bs. Plenty of people "who genuinely loves every minute of what they do". You either need to see more or different people in your life.

[@Rover200Power]

@Tim Webb Dr Alice Roberts was not in Time Team until 2001, so that wouldn't make sense.

[@davidfish591]

A man said his two young children called Time Team, “The Phil Show”. Thank you so much for another wonderful, “Phil Show”.

[@AspiringToFailure]

I think I can speak for a few of us that we'd love to have another Q&A with Phil if he's willing! He's led a fascinating life, so much knowledge, wisdom and experience!

[@arnesvendsen3741]

one day he must be SIR HARDING if Tony is a Sir this man is it so much more

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

I don't think it would sit every comfortably. But it would be nice for it to offered and then it would be up to him. He is Our Phil, and we will support him, whatever!

[@malinlindqvist3455]

He would actuallly be Sir Philip.

[@MelissaThompson432]

@alison webster *Dr. Phil Harding....

[@MelissaThompson432]

*honorary degree, _University of Southampton,_ 2008.

[@MsDig65]

So true I don't know how they resisted pushing Robinson in a trench as back filling it quick .

[@trumpetfoote]

I read a comment about Time Team that said, "It makes you homesick for places you have never been and people you have never met. "

[@julzmgrforll7278]

That's the best comment ever!

[@Mantreaus]

Yes, I felt it the first time I watched Time Team. I am the last of my surname that I personally know. It is a very unusual surname and not very many in the World. Time Team got me interested in where it may have come from and what it means. Well I found where it was first recorded but no one truly knows where it originated. 1381 in North Meols England Poll Tax record. Strange His first name was Adam and I am the Last. I feel more connected to the UK spiritually (only way I can describe the feeling) Then I feel in my own country though I do Love it. I have never set a foot upon her lands, but I would spread my ashes upon the soil of my ancestors if I could.

[@meganw.4457]

So true!

[@lisaglynn3121]

Mantreaus Same Here!

[@ChristophersMum]

@@Mantreaus Please don't die without issue...keep the name alive...all your ancestors from 1381 and before put a lot of effort into keeping their families supported...don't let their efforts go to waste

[@gururajendiran5575]

Phil Harding is the most genuine person. Archaeology was born just for him, truly amazing.

[@SteveMikre44]

I never get tired of hearing Phil's laugh...❤

[@rfbyrnes]

My 10yo boy and I love Phil and the whole time team. Part of our enjoyment is the teams banter and love for their job and each other.

[@hin_hale]

I wish Phil was my granddad!

[@jo1650]

@Tim Webb Funny. Phil is shy.

[@Dodgersmi]

So true 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lameesahmad9166]

Stone the Crows

[@MossyAcorns]

I'm a Wisconsin, USA 29 year old who discovered Time Team for the first time a few months ago. I've steamed through the entire series and found Phil Harding so genuine and the shining star of the series. I've been soaking up everything I can since!

[@dons123111]

Same here...I said where have you been hiding? but alas American TV is so pc that wholesome programs like Time Team are not even considered by the corporate elite in media.

[@claymonsterpottery]

Sadie Lesneski me too. Love the show. Love Phill

[@terilee4058]

Wisconsinite also, love time team wonderful show beautiful people

[@nancylindsay4255]

I'm another from Wisconsin. Wish we had a Time Team here in the States. But then, could we? We certainly can't go around willy-nilly digging up Native American sites.

[@jukes888]

I'm from NZ, time team, especially pill has got me through covid. Now I'm addicted happily.

[@jenniferlaurensmom]

Phil was always a joy to observe doing what he loved doing. His heart and soul went into everything and he was patient enough to share his vision. Matt Williams said Phil could read a site before touching a shovel to it. He is a blessing to his trade and the world.

[@nathalierichcreek5460]

I have loved Phil Harding since I first discovered him on Time Team here in America online. Almost every night I watch another episode of Time Team England. His personality is so wonderfully full of life and loving what he does. He's totally consumed by archeology and if it's about flint well he's the best. His laugh is the best and never do I get tired of hearing it. I am forever thankful for him and Time Team as I adore archeology and Britain has so much! Thank you Phil Harding for you are the star of this series for me. I love everyone on the team in this show. Both Phil and Frances are my favorites.

[@ici_coop]

Indeed! 😊

[@7cColin]

Phil wins the lockdown bookshelf award for me! Very pretty, but his knapping is even more so. The man's an absolute legend. Very inspiring and satisfying video, thanks to all involved for this.

[@Meems56]

Oh Phil!! You’re a gem with a rollicking laugh!! Time Team was/ is so lucky to have had you! Sure hope you know how much we’ve all loved watching you and all the team! What wonderers beneath the soil! 🔎

[@moebanshee]

I only just found this show about six months ago. I'm in America. I never once heard of the show Or saw it. I love it. I think Harding was the soul of the show. Excellent interview. It's so nice to actually hear him talk about being on the show. It's wonderful to see he hasn't stopped doing what he loves best.

[@znsink]

Oooo throghout the decades of TimeTeam I’ve had the biggest crush on Phil Harding! The passion, the dialekt, the expertisen, the knowledge, the energy, the sence of humour, the laughter and the style! 😍

[@joshschneider9766]

Expertisen is such a lovely sounding word. I love it :)

[@znsink]

Josh Schneider Haha Thank you - but thank autocorrect! I wrote ”experise”, but it means the same of cource, so whatever... ☺️

[@aprilcarter1105]

I have too :)

[@jukes888]

Me too.

[@emilyflotilla931]

Me too Ami!

[@babayagalight]

Such a generous person, a great old soul. I am mesmerized by Time Team. His passion for and devotion to "meeting those who came before" as he excavates a site radiates from each episode.

[@bevschrage9325]

Thanks, I am a Yank who has recently found Time Team and the charming Phil Harding. COVID allowed Phil to finish his stone ax and I found these treasures. What a lovely, thoughtful, fun man!

[@Mrs.IndiYoung]

Phil Harding and his delightful personality, singlehandedly transformed Timeteam from simply an archaeological documentary into a unique comedy. Stoneage flint!!!!

[@Mrs.IndiYoung]

I found it fascinating when during one episode, Mic Aston expressed his lifelong obsession with the medieval architecture and lifestyle of the Christian's of that era and then shared that he, himself, was not a believer. It was intriguing...

[@yomama5785]

Love ya Phil, thank you so much for your contributions to Time Team and archeology!

[@ezerlab1]

Phil Harding the perfect example of knowledge+passion.

[@velvetindigonight]

So lovely to spend time with Phil again. Thank you and more please! Enjoy!

[@joshschneider9766]

I can just imagine an eight year old Phil having his epiphany moment at stonehenge. Sends a shiver up my spine thinking about those old stones I can just imagine what a fire it lit in him.

I am only going to say one thing about this man Legend!!!!

[@janicewhitford2193]

you've added immeasurably to my happiness' phil.

[@terri200]

It is so good to see you, Phil!! So happy to have heard about your marriage. You deserve happiness in your life!!👍👍👏👏🙏🙏🤩

[@phoule76]

a national treasure, this man. nay, an international treasure!

[@ArjenOnRoute66]

International for sure

[@ici_coop]

🍻 absolutely!

[@eldermanager]

What a man! The skill & intelligence. Love him!

[@tgmickey513]

Of all the public type figures I've seen, Phil is at the top as someone I wish I could spend an afternoon with. I have a tremendous amount of respect for his genuine love and integrity for what he does. I'm in the states and so wish we had as much to draw from here. BUT... Where's your hat?! Be well, be well.

[@ChristophersMum]

Hi...his hat...!!....walked off on him it did...🤣🤣🤣

[@bozo5632]

USA and the Americas are really full of archaeology.

[@jaynehorn151]

No doubt over a beer or three

[@foxshoe]

I remember my early days of watching TT and I'd hear this salt pirate's voice and he'd be speaking of such scientific wonders and I just had to look up where people talk that way. I was thrilled to discover it is an authentic West Country dialect (right?). It seemed like a surprise that such a character (in all the best ways) would also be such a scholar. I would listen to episodes I'd already seen with my eyes closed just to have his - and Tony's and Mick's and Carenza's and all of 'em - in my parlor while drifting off to sleep. He spoke of the wonder of standing in the very space where things happened 800 years ago - I remember the Sea Stump whose roots were last seen 4000 years before. I wept with the empathy. Love you Phil, and the whole TT family.

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

*Phil's* accent is *Wiltshire.*

[@susanwestern6434]

The *Sea stump* is Sea Henge which was discovered in North Norfolk UK.

[@minimaker5600]

At 41.52 there's Phil in a procession of officials/academics, in a suit with a medal around his neck . . . and . . . his disreputable mangy hat! A sight to see!!!

[@laurahill9643]

Phil wouldn't be Phil without that hat!

[@stephanieruggles7783]

I can see and feel Phils passion for Flint made tools as well as for archaeology. Great to see his Corona virus project. And I never bet enough of Phils laugh and humor. His banter with the rest of the Time Team and especially Tony always makes my day.

[@margaretannk3054]

Who doesn’t love Phil?? Iconic, amazing, kind, genuine, humble, charismatic man!! Thank you Phil for providing the public with a wealth of learning.

[@victoriahey4226]

Always loved Phil and his passion. His accent is just the cherry on the cake.

[@sherryball960]

Phil is an absolute archaeological treasure. He inspires, educates and entertains like no other. I enjoy every moment watching him. Future generations will see him as the true hero he is.

[@jo1650]

He's great. I agree about his laughter, it's inimitable. It was wonderful to see him. He looks good. He's like the Energizer Bunny, he keeps going and going and going and I certainly hope he does another one of these!

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

An Energizer Bunny fueled by beer 🍺 👍

[@dougmcartin3881]

Phil is a UK National Treasure. We have all been blessed to watch his work all these years.

[@dianespears6057]

Thank you, Phil, for so many years of dedication, as well as entertainment on Time Team. Best wishes for everything you do.

[@VAR_life]

His enthusiasm and love of history and archaeology are infectious. Like Mick Aston before him, Phil is able to bring the subjects to the people. I wish they would get the Time Team back together for one more dig.

[@bkohatl]

Glad to have you back, pal. You've been silent far too long.

[@LM-pm2ir]

Fell in love with Time Team years ago. The show was simply the best. Phil you are a blessing .... thank you for all you gave us ... your joy, expertise, and knowledge.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Remember an old TIME TEAM episode called NO STONE UNTURNED where the diggers basically found Absolutely Nothing. But they still filmed it and broadcast it-Waste not want not.... It is said that MICHELANGELO also believed that the figure he wanted was already inside the marble he was carving and all he had to do was cut it out. Two fine stone cutters on the same page, hundreds of years apart....

[@delphinbringsby6768]

That sounds like most episodes of Time Team.

[@GrahamCLester]

In fact, they ended up with even less than they started with because they found that many of the previous artifacts from the site had been misidentified. Classic!

[@EdenMabee]

That sort of episode was why Time Team was so great. They gave some fair air time to the fact that archaeology wasn't just about finds and great discoveries. Things aren't always great

[@flippetskater]

This is lovely, I was grinning like a fool the entire way through. I could listen to Phil tell stories all day, and I suspect he probably would if allowed! There's nothing like listening to someone who not only knows what he's talking about, but who loves it with all his heart.

[@meganw.4457]

Absolutely. His excitement is infectious.

[@claymonsterpottery]

flippetskater what is the quarantine project?

[@yvonnesquadrilli8997]

Me too everyone I love Phil Harding....He is wonderful ....

[@colinc5269]

Spoken from the heart , with a head full of knowledge - a great man .

[@stephenwise734]

I have Watched every Episode of " Time Team " Including Specials the Entire 20 Yrs 5 Times Over!. And Did So Today! Phil A Gentleman And A Scholar.

[@ChristophersMum]

I too have the series on a rotation...missing these archaeologists

[@stephenwise734]

@@ChristophersMum Indeed!

[@kvarietyfan]

Oh Phil...... What a joy to hear him talk archaeology.What a joy just to hear him tell stories. I'd move there just on the chance to catch him at a pub.

[@elliotlemimanila3050]

I never get tired of how he tells stories. Stay safe Phil!

[@loritalbot3063]

I sure miss Phil. Glad to see he's still going strong. What I wouldn't give to spend the day listening to his stories !

[@SandraNelson063]

The words "plowed flat" just makes my heart shrivel up! I've been watching Time Team epis on YT for years, it's a joy!

[@fordprefect.betelguese]

This man is a legend.. just a shame he's not involved in the new timeteam comeback... when I think time team, I think big Phil harding. .

[@robertflindall4692]

Phil - a huge fan from across the pond in Canada! Glad to see you’re doing well. Would love to get your autograph one day and buy you a beer!

[@crisslastname9417]

So happy to see Phil! I miss Time Team but I'm so glad to see Phil!

[@janeprouse9472]

I love people who speak with such passion on things they are interested in and this man is right up there with the best 😍

[@mikerinn6187]

This was wonderful! Thank you Wessex Archaeology. Mr. Harding I’d like to buy you a beer!

[@nataliabanuta6547]

Thank you Time Team to bring us Phil Harding, a person who loves every minute of his job.

[@gretchenvandewalle1068]

Love it."How long"...." About as long as a piece of string, really." While I've been "locked up at home," I've been watching TimeTeam and am hooked.- from northern Sierra Nevada woodland.

[@claymonsterpottery]

gretchen vandewalle me too! Sadly I finished all 20 seasons in 2-3 weeks. Changed my life.

[@jukes888]

Me too. I watched every episode 2 or 3 times at least. I scan for time team every day.

[@jerrytolley4473]

A truly inspiring gentleman, who’s knowledge knows no bounds. Have watched Phil throughout the years, and he always made me laugh when telling Tony Robinson “keep out of my Trench” He and Mike Aston, Carenza Lewis were for me the backbone of TimeTeam, a program sorely missed by many.

[@runejakobsen7046]

What an fascinating and fun guy. One of a kind.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

This was a joy to watch. I've had a crush on Phil for more than 30 years. Salisbury Uncovered is a fascinating project, I do hope to see it.

[@ici_coop]

He’s such a joy! And such pretty legs too haha.

[@baldrickt.adder-slayer287]

I love Phil!! His "druid" connection with the past, the visceral mastery that he feels and imparts to others is the very reason why AI will never, NEVER be superior to human experience and magic.

[@TheRaptorXX]

The term 'National Treasure' is much-maligned and often over-used but if ever there were someone deserving of it...

[@VintageHippie78]

Great video.....Wish He would do one on his flint collection like the 2 pieces he showed today. They were hard to see due to the way Wessex put up the black half of the screen, but a full-screen view with him teaching the rest of us about flint, chert (did I spell that right?), and all those differences/uses would be wonderful in these times. We could all learn the wonders of stone tools from the MASTER himself.

[@Blessings.429]

Phil I am from Australia and have been watching you for years... I really miss Time Team.

[@Pohleece222]

Time Team is probably one of the finest shows I've ever had occasion to view on TV. The ensemble of specialists that staffed that production were second to none, and Mr. Harding was a key member that readily passed on his enthusiasm to the viewer.

[@matthewanderson7521]

It has been a true pleasure watching you work over the years. Wish I could buy you a pint

[@leeneale8776]

The man is a national treasure!! :)

[@evefishalots3842]

I could listen to Phil talk all day! I love this man!!!

[@karenjarrett8904]

Wonderful to see and hear Phil. It warms my heart to see what he has been doing. I’m from Ohio in the States. Thank you again Dr Phil. The best to you.

[@presbyterosBassI]

Phil speaks of Art, and that reaches across the centuries.

[@JKJonesMusic1]

Love listening to Phil. I'm across the pond but mom was from the West Midlands, and she has ancestors mainly from Yorkshire and ancient ancestors from Scandinavia. Time Team helped me understand the settlement and invasions of Britain that would lead to that ancestry. I never get tired of watching Phil and Time Team. Thank you. Keep posting!

[@mermeridian2041]

Oh, Phil - I could listen to him talk for days on end. And his laugh!! Contagious! First "met" him on Time Team and fell in absolute love with his enthusiasm and his accent, then with his knowledge and philosophy and what a natural, effortless teacher he is. It's always thrilling to find new vids where I can bask in all that once again. Would love to share a pint with him someday!

[@tricial4330]

Finding Time Team (and Escape to the Chateau) has gotten me thru this COVID isolation! I absolutely adore this man and never tire of hearing his voice and seeing how excited he gets on digs! I’m a US woman with and English heart! Visiting Stonehenge was the absolute highlight of my visit to see family in England so I can totally imagine him as a 7 yr old on his first experience with his eventual love! Thank you, Phil Harding, you have no idea how much joy you’ve brought to my life.

[@evelynzak5084]

Love me some Phil! What a passionate man with such a love and vigor for archaeology! So happy to see he is still at it! Wishing him many more happy digs to come!

[@KevinBReynolds]

It's great to hear Phil talk about his life and times. What a wonderful man.

[@serenagrisdale6969]

Love ❤️ Phil Harding! You passion for archeology history and the outdoors!

[@guyrichard2030]

Thank you so much Wessex. Thank you M. Harding for I have thoroughly enjoyed the Time Team series Especially your passion for history/archeology 🤗🇨🇦✌

[@elainerichards6406]

Missed Time Team so much, watched every episode over those twenty years! Such an in formative programme, opened up archaeology for everyone, and Phil made the show!

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

This man is a gem and a legend. A true disciplined archeologist. I'd love to shake his hand. His view on flints is spot on.

[@Lorwildrose]

Really interesting, great interview Mr Harding! I could watch him make stone tools for hours seeing the joy in his eyes when he was doing it. I remember him cutting down a tree with one of his axes smiling like a stone age digger. Hi from Canada which time team didn't visit even though we have the Royal Tyrrell dinosaur museum, ;-)

[@karmakshantivyapini4734]

As an American, this makes me feel so rootless. The roots here are those of Native Americans. We were conquerors and drove them, unwilling, into Oklahoma and leveled the spirit of this land, cut the tree of it into a stump and then burned the stump. When this man digs, he digs the roots of his own living tree of England, and is one of the happiest men I’ve ever seen.

[@thekurlygurl1]

I was absolutely thrilled to find this interview with Phil and immediately pressed play! Time Team was one of a kind program with a group of characters to match and there has been no other archeological series to come close to its caliber. My dad taught me how to nap flint when I was a wee lass and when Phil is immersed in ‘flint talk’ I’m reminded of wonderful childhood experiences/memories. Phil, you are truly inspiring and I could listen to your digging tales all day.

[@anonthehousemouse]

I'm an American who has always wanted to visit the British Isles. So when I discovered Time Team it was positively engrossing. Every episode has been like a little window into the people, past and present, who have made those lands their home. I took an immediate liking to the cheerful, talkative Phil and his enthusiasm for his subject of study, whether it was a prehistoric boundary ditch or a 17th century palace. I have learned so much from Time Team and was quite sad when I found the 20 Years of Time Team Special and realized that it was the Final Episode. I will always wonder how much more could have been learned if the show had continued, although it would not have felt the same without the inimitable Mick Aston. Mick and Phil both have my thanks for the knowledge they imparted so freely. That said ... would it be possible for Wessex Archeology to pass on to Phil a question? I just finished watching the Basing House episode again and was wondering how likely it was that the house front was actually flush with the brick wall with the two bricked over gateways? I happened to pause when the old map was on screen and that was how it looked to me in the illustration of the house.

[@Germanicus-]

They don't seem to answer back, maybe you could reach out through their website.

[@Purplefishish]

I just love you Phil Harding - your passion is wonderful and inspiring and your laugh is so infectious

[@angelakim639]

Hi Phil! My favorite archaeologist! I too was very young when I was bitten by the 'bug' growing up in a small town in Wisconsin that had 2 prehistoric Indian tribes that lived in the same area a thousand years apart. My neighbor was a non-practicing Dr of archaeology who would explain my finds and not treat me like a child. Life got in the way of pursuing my dream, but then along came Time Team. Your passion has brought back mine and I thank you!

[@kurtbogle2973]

The question that Archeology attempts to answer is how did we get from our origin to where we are now. What was our path? I think you do a excellent job of explaining that as you uncover it. I truly enjoyed listening to you on Time Team.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Dr. Phil Harding, bringing Archaeology to the world, and doing a damn fine job of it.

[@piercecollins7812]

Love, love, love you Phil Harding! So wonderful to catch you on here! Looking forward to this on the regular!

[@meganw.4457]

Phil is the great uncle I always wished I'd had. He actually reminds me very much of our neighbor...also a big lug of a man, funny and earthy, who loves creating with his hands. They're about the same age. Bill, my neighbor, makes primitive knives as a hobby now that he's retired. I love that Phil still has his childlike wonder, supported by so many years of experience. Controversial episodes...remember the big stump buried upside down on the beach? The protesters screaming and crying as they dug it? Wow.

[@malinlindqvist3455]

Do you know which season and episode that would be?

[@MaryAnnDaniell]

@@malinlindqvist3455 search for Sea Henge - I think that's the name of the episode. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZiuXqJpqqpmisk

[@meganw.4457]

@@MaryAnnDaniell Thank you. I just saw this question!

[@lynnepierce3676]

Just discovered Phil Harding on the Time Team Series. I think his work in archaeology is fascinating. It must be so much fun and gratifying to uncover pieces of the history of humanity.

[@Martha8h]

We love time team and have learned so much from watching the recreations . you get a real understanding. Makes it come to life! Love this show just discovered it. We have been bingge watching and now are up to season 11. Cheers!

[@jrmckim]

I completely LOVE this MAN!! I pray he is doing good and having a great life ❤

[@carolcooke2624]

So wonderful to see Phil and hear his infectious laugh. Good to know a fellow baby boomer of 1950 is still so young at heart. Love you Phil

[@chrisfuell2774]

Phil is definitely a person to aspire to. I have big respect for him. Top man.

[@SirJohnEmilList]

This legend needs to be on tv alot more. So much positivity from this man. Stay safe Phil.

[@sassandsavvy007]

I could listen to Phil Harding for hours on end.

[@MrGaryRoberton]

The sheer weight of the contribution to understanding the chronology of the past makes his career irreplaceable. Thank you Mr. Harding for your efforts.

[@jacquelinevanderkooij4301]

Hi Phil, I'm 64 now. I've seen the original Time Team in '90. seen all of it again during f.. Lock-downs. And let's be honnest, I think most of us think like that, Phil, Tony and Mick where the base and fun in those years. Thank you for that, because that time glued us at Time Team. Now we have a new group, happilly with Helen, Matt, Carenza,John and now annoying Tony again 😂😂. We still miss you !

[@elmore-music]

Could listen to Phil all day long... what a lovely man.

[@Art_Vark_and_Rock]

Phil is a treasure of humanity

[@michellep9999]

I love Phil with all my heart! 💗💗💗