The Monk, The Midden and the Missing Monastery

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be an archaeologist? Then this is the film for you!
An 'elegy to the seductive pleasures of archaeological fieldwork', this film puts you right inside the trenches with DV's team, and shows archaeology as it really is: the funny bits, stressy bits, magical discoveries and mundane moments.
It's the first ever full-length documentary from DigVentures, and charts the team's wildly successful 2016 crowdfunded excavation on Lindisfarne in search of the island's iconic first monastery.
View the discoveries online: digventures.co...
Read more about why we made the film: digventures.co...
Get involved in one of our archaeological digs: digventures.co...
Creative Commons music and sound:
‘The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance’ by Doctor Turtle / CC BY 4.0 / Shortened
‘Night Owl’ by Broke For Free / CC BY 3.0 / Shortened
‘Going to’ by Jahzzar / CC BY 3.0 / Shortened
‘Camera shutter fast’ by Inspector J /CC BY 3.0
‘Censor’ by Zombie Expert/CC0 BY 1.0
‘Hiiiighland’ by Digifishmusic/CC BY 3.0
‘Battle Horn’ by Porphyr /CC BY 3.0
Taken from Freesound

[@randomvintagefilm273]

37:40 that little girl is a small adult already. Her answers sounded like something a 30yo might say. To talk about liking the finds of others and working as a team is not in the thought process of most children. Wow!

[@Go-Dawgs]

I wish there were more skilled workers. Time Team spoiled me. This is a slow go, more teaching of the students. If radar showed something; why not pull in Francis Pryor & Phil Harding.

[@joshschneider9766]

They are busy bees elsewhere for one, their time is book like a year in advance and for two time team was unable to do a tenth of a percent of this dig in its three day format. What you see in this vid is true to life way more than time teams compressed schedule ever was, great as they were at being true archaeology digs.

[@wendyharper2154]

Fantastic and very enjoyable. I hope you guys make similar videos for each dig. Love the history and the stories you developed. You guys rock. Wendy Brisbane Australia

[@elenabaker1914]

Hang in there, DigVentures, we’ll get through this Corona Virus pandemic and come back digging better and stronger than ever before

[@Digventures]

Thanks Elena!

[@micheleploeser7720]

Way too much face time, lacking in detail on the finds, no history on the area or the people who owned/used the finds. No story. Poor video.

[@julzmgrforll7278]

Love your work do please continue! I learn so much from these videos. History sinks in more when you can see the bits left behind. Thank you so much

[@fetus2280]

Boring ... Time Team this sure isnt .

[@Blessings.429]

Please turn music down, it’s beautiful but not really needed when trying to listen what’s been said....

[@Cheeseatingjunglista]

I only stumbled accross your vids, the project, etc, etc at 1.30 this morning. It is now 5.30 am, have subsribed and am pretty much totally addicted, brilliant work. I so much hope your funding strategies have continued to work, funding what is essentially cultural self awareness therapy for the nation, developing a self knowledge that is sadly lacking, vital work that struggles for sustenance while shallow self indulgent political buffoonery garners gifts of millions and rewards wilful ignorance. Sorry about the mini rant, but human folly never ceases to amaze me, then groups like you guys restore my faith again, thank you so much

[@dianejohnston3733]

Absolutely - bloody - brilliant. On par with Time Team - I was gripped. Loved the community inclusion, responsible metal detecting and the overall inspirational feel. Thank you (Subscribed)

[@Digventures]

Thanks Diane! We're going to be making some big announcements soon about some more upcoming videos we've got in the pipeline... if you loved this, you'll love what we've got coming up.

[@martincarroll8637]

An interesting approach and proof still of the wider public’s fascination in this wonderful Islands historical past. Lindisfarene unlike Londinium’s epic history has much still to reveal, good luck to everyone on furthering our understanding on an already rich history.

[@robmeek7842]

A wonderful documentary record of the culture of field archaeology in Britain; meriting of a wider audience.. Much praise to all who conceived and made it, and to DigVentures more generally.

[@christinebrand5147]

It is 2020 now. Are there follow up videos of the digs in 2017 and 2018? Some of the voices were very soft and hard to hear. The music on the other hand was quite loud. Overall enjoyed the video.

[@badabing9234]

I enjoyed the program. Just a couple quick impressions. I know this is it's own thing but a lot of us are finding this.. not all but a good chunk.. because we had been hooked by Time Team and I'd only wish for a bit more polish. Not the kind that ruins a show.. not too much of the wrong kind just slightly more flow maybe. Hard to describe how I love it but wish for a little less homemade feel to it. I know it was crowd funded and the whole story but it being in UK and associated with Raksha just would want slightly more of the edges rounded lol. Anyway.. those that'll growl go ahead because of an opinion. Judt constructive criticism I hope the feedback helps. Keep it up..

[@maggiebrinkley4760]

What a great documentary, so interesting and informative. And how wonderful to see the Morris Dancing to 'The Keel Row!' My family is from the beautiful North-East, which makes this programme even more special for me.

[@leebrockbank9627]

I loved on lindisfarne for 3 years. Such an amazing place. Loved the pre historic settlement next to north shore

[@Digventures]

it's a stunning place! we're really looking forward to coming back in September... there'll be plenty more videos and discoveries for you to look forward to!

[@leebrockbank9627]

Brilliant. I can’t wait.

[@hallets1956]

Excellent! Can't wait to see more.

[@kikufutaba524]

Those Police while appearing very nice were scary big. Love the new program as I did the Time team. Thank you from Japan. Also, It is great that you did not try to recreate Time Team and allowed this to progress as a new program. Wonderful work.

[@Digventures]

Thank you Kiku! We're really glad you like it. And it means a lot to hear your kind words, it will motivate our team to keep creating more! You should take a look at the trailer for our new series - Why We Dig digventures.com/watch/why-we-dig/s1/trailer/

[@MrTorleon]

It would be nice if the dig members showed as much respect for the present, as the past. I watched, with disbelief as they all walked on a beautiful carpet still wearing their outside boots and shoes. Interesting video though :)

[@raunothomas]

Truly enoyable to see much more close the truer work. It is slow, it is with hesitations, and with this special kind of mind, and energy. Thank you!

[@7cColin]

Superb. Well judged editing, and the wildlife context at the end was wonderfully done.

[@Digventures]

Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed it.

[@ChristophersMum]

9:44 you can see hiding under the grass that's hanging over the edge of the trench what looks like a coin.....or it's a shiny stone.....I love archaeology....it connects you withe the people of the past

[@spud4242]

very interesting. hope we get another movie this season 2017.. cheers from an ex pat living in brisbane QLD Australia.

[@spud4242]

thats a "Q" , QLD is short for the state of QUEENSLAND.

[@djmorgan3355]

Can't believe that I have not seen this before,thank you really enjoyed it keep up the good work❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@geraldinesera8915]

I miss The Time Team presentation style, but editing much more material might have made it more enjoyable. I'm into the real archeology, not the socialization.

[@helenamcginty4920]

What do you mean by ' real archaeology' and "....socialisation..."?

[@helenamcginty4920]

My extremely limited experience of practical archaeology is exactly what is explained at the beginning. Slowly trowelling back in a trench. Working in spits recording finds. Nothing spectacular..thinking about the people who had lived and died in an area.

[@davidfish591]

That was so amazing! I felt like I was part of the team. Thank you so much. All the best to you from Washington State.

[@thomasevans5467]

Would have loved to see more maps and graphics ie where the location of trenches on the site in relation to the geo-phys. And also maybe location of some of the exciting finds in those trenches.

[@michael10662]

Why do people Microwave Cornish pasties and sausage rolls disgusting

[@notpublic7149]

Fantastic! Oh. How I love a good raw documentary, and one on a subject I love so very much. Thank you. Cheers

[@Digventures]

Thanks! That is so nice to hear. If you loved this, then you're going to love what we've got planned coming up! We recommend joining our email list at digventures.com/get-involved... we'll be making some big announcements soon!

[@neilfleming2787]

Do you have a camp site near the dig for the volunteers? I've camped at a few sites I've worked on...I'd love to try and get there to help out, but as I don't drive I'd need to work out how to get close enough to the site to stay

[@Digventures]

There is no camping on Holy Island itself, but there is a lovely campground on the mainland just on the other side of the causeway. Many of our participants either cycle to site, or catch a lift with other Venturers. As far as commutes are concerned, it's not a bad way to start the day!

[@prankishsquire2663]

Music is unnecessary and too loud. Just sayin

[@megelizabeth9492]

I love how you got the kids involved! It's a great way for kids to really connect with history.

[@PeterLJohnson55]

Well done, everyone, including the venture partners. From Peter in Newcastle, east-coast Australia.

[@richardlinks8575]

A very enjoyable documentary. I hope that in preparing subsequent videos, you would start to utilize proper wind screens on your cameras so you can avoid all of those blasting noises. It was often somewhat challenging to hear the commentary whilst in the field. Thanks for such an interesting upload!

[@grahamoutterside7163]

the coin looks like king EADBERGHT, REVERSE IS A STYLIZED STAG, KING OF NORTHUMBTIA IN AROUND 870AD

[@riebell1680]

Great doco. So jealous!

[@stevendeitrich6933]

I would have thought that if they were covering it back up , they would have at least put down a layer of plastic / nylon weed barrier / something .So it would be easier to dig same area further latter .

[@petefl1818]

Pity they didn't have wind filters on the microphones as the wind drowned out a lot of what was said other than that very enjoyable.

[@eboracum2012]

This looks very interesting but I've got the KZbin sound up as well as my laptop speakers, all on full, and I can just barely hear bits and pieces.

[@51WCDodge]

Who doesen';t like a Treasure Hunt? Knowledge is just as valuable as gold or silver, and you just never know.

[@joegodbout8338]

Prefer Time Team.

[@bevanpope7924]

So many cool characters in this clip. Time team 2???

[@annpartoon5300]

have you posted your return in 2018

[@mrenid7184]

I enjoyed this very much indeed. It afforded a deeper perspective on what is actually involved in a dig.

[@Digventures]

Thanks Mr Enid! That's exactly what we wanted people to see... not just the edited highlights, but all the teamwork that goes into it.

[@jorgwestermann434]

Well done,Amazing👍👍👍Greetings from Germany 😎✌

[@Digventures]

Cheers! Glad you like it. Greeting from the bottom of a hole!

[@michael10662]

Health and safety for a hole lol

[@homerth1555]

Glad to see a screen being used.

[@ChasOnErie]

Good report !!!

[@Digventures]

Thanks!

[@thegreaterbilby2171]

👍 🖖

[@MelissaThompson432]

This is engaging in a similar way to Time Team, without being a remix. The fact that it's ongoing means we don't get a conclusion just because it's the end of the show. But the work is interesting; I got involved with the people. And Lisa's speech about living her passion and connecting with other people over time and space echoes what the Time Team archaeologists gave as their reason for bringing a "popular archaeology" series out. DigVentures proves to me that people still want to be engaged, there's still a need, and there's still a market for what you do. I'm quite pleased.

[@Digventures]

What a lovely comment! I feel like you've seen straight into our soul... archaeology inspires so many people. Why should it happen behind closed doors? No, it's up to us as archaeologists to make sure it's a subject that people can enjoy, participate in, learn from, and contribute to, in as many different ways as possible... Just like you can for music, art, and astronomy!

[@MelissaThompson432]

@@Digventures I agree completely. It's a vast resource for discovering unforeseeable things about people as a whole and ourselves, individually, in the process. Keep doing this forever. 😉😊

[@Digventures]

@@MelissaThompson432 as long as we have people like you egging us on, we will!

[@MelissaThompson432]

@@Digventures ❤

[@biggstavros5876]

Okay, but too many managers and directors with useless input has ruined what could have been a good alternative to TT.

[@zaka503]

Cannot hear this. Female voice is too light and soft.

[@stevendeitrich6933]

I would think that such a well known archalogical site would be exposed completely so it could be seen well & documented .I was stunned you worked just enough to make some finds , then covered it up !

[@Digventures]

Leaving it exposed would leave the (very delicate) archaeology exposed to erosion. The best way to protect it between each season of excavation is to cover it up. This is what happens on most major research sites, until such a time as we are able to conserve and consolidate what will remain visible permanently - this in itself is an expensive and time consuming process, which requires it's own planning and execution and must be done carefully if the archaeology is to be properly protected.

[@chrish.8241]

Too much 'behind the scenes' stuff for me, afraid it spoiled it. It should have been titled more accurately.

[@Digventures]

Sorry you didn't like it Chris 😢

[@chrish.8241]

@@Digventures Without wishing to prolong this, I actually "liked" the video. It was just not what I expected when I sat down to watch it. Plenty of your others have been.

[@grendel_nz]

U have to do yr own editing :)

[@thecapedgremlin0001]

no commentators, no narration...not a TV program...no organization for us to watch it!!

[@Wayland444]

I miss Time Team (which itself was by no means highbrow, aiming as was its remit, for the casual viewer) and tuned into this expecting similar. But I literally got a minute in and had to turn off because of the 14 year old girl narrating. This is obviously a schools programme aimed at 8 year olds.

[@Digventures]

If you'd watched for more than a minute, you'd realise that a) it's narrated by a fully grown human and b) it's aimed at people with an attention span of more than one minute

[@RKHageman]

Eh, your loss

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

TimeTeam for anoraks. It may be ok for teaching,but it is hardly engaging. It's like stumbling in on a dreadful Company Team Building exercise. I gave up after 1.30minutes. after decades of Time Team making archeology exciting, you undid it all in that time.Well done.

[@salrial744]

You sound like a cranky child with ADD. This is the reality. Time Team was funded and organized specifically for entertainment. Blaming DigVentures is kind of idiotic. They don't owe you anything.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@salrial744 Way Hay! I love it when a you Tube Twit bites! You do realise that not all of us that use You tube are pimply adolescents in bedrooms don't you? Some of us have actually spent decades in Real Life, doing presentations and sales.My point was this is a rubbish presentation. These people had worked so hard,then they sold it so short. Now go and learn some manners

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

​@@salrial744 And I don't owe them anything. Actually if they are Public funded they owe All of us. But 'Cranky child with ADD is anew one! Not very clever, but new!

[@lmtt123]

"The monks wealth was their downfall"? Really? Maybe the vikings greed perhaps? Already I know the bigotted slant of this.

[@Digventures]

😂 ha are you accusing us of wealth-shaming?? we simply mean that the incredible wealth, art, and culture that flourished on Lindisfarne is what attracted Viking raids... not trying to make a statement in favour of the monks, or the Vikings. That's just what happened. No bigotry here thank you very much. Watch the film, and you'll probably find your assumptions are turned upside down.

[@ledacedar6253]

Most interesting to learn from these eager folks. My heart was touched to hear the life changing shift from western worlds concept of success to find & claim her hearts desire! ❤️🦞💜🤩