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.

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87 episodes
Updated July 28

Episodes87

Newest first

Oct 21, 2025 · 38 min
A local lad done bad
Helen Geake answers more questions from Time Team members. She also has a remarkable story to tell as part of Helen's Find. You can see the object being discussed here: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1129918 You'll learn all about Sir Clement Higham, a fairly unlikeable character, through the silver vervel. If you've got a question for Helen to answer on a future episode then why not consider becoming a Time Team member? Not only will you be able to ask your question but you can get so much more from Time Team. We've got behind the scenes videos, extended interviews, masterclasses and the chance to join us on a dig. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for everything you need to know.
Oct 14, 2025 · 35 min
Saving Henry VIII's flagship The Mary Rose
43 years since it rose from the seabed the Time Team podcast has made a special visit to the Mary Rose. Find out how a team of archaeologists and other experts are preserving Henry VIII's flagship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Martyn Williams gets up close to the ship, going behind the scenes at the Mary Rose Museum, whilst Helen Geake interviews some of the people who know it best. Dr Alex Hildred is an archaeologist who was part of the original dive team responsible for excavating the ship in 1982. She'll share stories of what it's like doing archaeology underwater. Dominic Jones is the trust's CEO and David Pearson is responsible for the conservation of the ship. There's loads more about the Mary Rose available to you if you're a Time Team member. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.
Oct 7, 2025 · 36 min
Mick Aston's Time Team legacy
In this question and answers edition of the podcast Helen Geake and Martyn Williams reflect on Mick Aston's legacy on Time Team. There are also questions on the rules around metal detecting and the benefits of LiDAR technology. Helen's Find returns. This time Helen's talking about a very simple item, the humble pencil. Here's a link to the Portable Antiquities Scheme website so you can take a long at the object for yourself: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/731341 Get your question answered on a future edition of the podcast by becoming a Time Team member. Not only will you be supporting the archaeology we do in the UK and around the world but you'll get access to all sorts of extras including behind the scenes videos, extended interviews, masterclasses, the chance to come to one of our digs and so much more. All the information you need is at patreon.com/timeteamofficial.
Sep 30, 2025 · 35 min
Back to Brancaster's Roman fort
Time Team have returned to the Roman fort at Brancaster in Norfolk. The geophysics team, lead by John Gater, have unfinished business at the site. In this episode Helen Geake and Martyn Williams take you behind the scenes of the filming of a brand new Time Team programme. John and his team fire up their magnetrometry and GPR equipment to discover so much more about this amazing site. You'll hear conversations with John Gater, Jimmy Adcock, Stewart Ainsworth and Francis Pryor. Plus, Martyn gets a ride in the geophysics buggy to see how it all happens. John's answering questions about geophysics from Time Team members on the podcast too. If you want to ask something about archaeology or Time Team itself on a future edition then why not become a Time Team member yourself? Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for everything you need to know.
Sep 23, 2025 · 36 min
How do Roman villas get forgotten about?
Time Team members are an inquisitive bunch. We've devoted the whole of this episode to answering more of your questions. Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake will be pondering whether special vaccinations are needed to dig up ancient human remains, how necessary it is to cut down vegetation to conduct a geophysical survey and how the outlines of long forgotten buildings show up in hot weather. Helen's Find also returns. This time it's a look at an object close to Helen's heart. So close she's got an image of it mounted on the wall behind her! You can investigate the Wilton Cross yourself by following this link to the British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1859-0512-1 Thanks to all our members for suggesting questions. If you want to become one you'll get the chance to ask Helen something. You also get so much more from Time Team including masterclasses, behind the scenes videos, extended interviews and the chance to dig with us. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out how you can get involved.
Sep 16, 2025 · 38 min
The lost abbey beside the Cerne Abbas chalk giant
On this week's Time Team podcast with archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams; Helen gives us the low down from Sir Tony Robinson's book launch in London. Lawrence Shaw takes you to Cerne Abbas where a dig to rediscover a lost abbey just metres from the famous chalk giant has been taking place. That's part of a new film coming to Time Team's YouTube channel very soon. Time Team's Matt Williams has thoughts on that as he takes you to a National Trust dig at Attingham where secrets of a huge abandonded Roman city are being uncovered. Plus, Time Team News and Helen answers questions from Time Team members. Get more from Time Team by becoming a Time Team member. Not only will you be supporting the incredible archaeology we do around the world and in the UK but you'll get access to behind the scenes information, exclusive videos, extended interviews, masterclasses and the chance to dig on a Time Team excavation. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out how you can support the work we're doing.
Sep 9, 2025 · 37 min
How ethnically diverse was Anglo-Saxon society?
Time Team archaeologist Dr Helen Geake answers questions from Time Team members. In this episode you'll hear Helen's thoughts on mysterious stones in Cornwall, diversity in Anglo-Saxon society and how much British influence might there have been on the European continent? There's also a great question about the digs on Helen's bucket list. Helen also introduces you to another item from the Portable Antiquities Scheme. This time it's an ancient brooch. You can see it at the following link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1229427 Become a Time Team member to ask Helen your question in a future episode. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more about how you can support us, and the perks you get for doing so.
Sep 2, 2025 · 39 min
How one village helped tell Walt Disney's remarkable family story
Archaeologist Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams get you ready for Time Team's next three day dig, which took place in the village of Norton Disney. You'll hear from Time Team's own Carenza Lewis who got the whole community involved in digging their own past at test pits in gardens and fields across the local area. Time Team members have been able to see an exclusive preview, so Helen and Martyn get the thoughts of Julie who was one of the first to watch the episode. There's also a trip to Oswestry where volunteers with English Heritage are helping to preserve the archaeology at an ancient hill fort. They've got help too, in the form of a herd of sheep! Plus, archaeologist Giles Emery is in Caistor St Edmund near Norwich where a huge team of enthusiasts are excavating the largest Roman town in the area. Helen also takes the time to answer questions from Time Team members. Ask yours now by joining us at patreon.com/timeteamofficial
Aug 26, 2025 · 30 min
Busting a Hadrian's Wall myth
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are back at Flag Fen to answer questions from Time Team members. This time they tackle how much an occupying Roman force might've mingled with the locals, the newest find Helen's come across, myth-busting a tall tale about Hadrian's Wall and doing archaeology in your later years. Helen's Find returns. You can see the object Helen's discussing here: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/37255 Don't forget, becoming a Time Team member is the best way to support our future archaeology projects. You get loads of great benefits too including extended interviews, behind-the-scenes videos and the opportunity to contribute to this podcast by asking Helen a question. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
Aug 19, 2025 · 36 min
Sutton Hoo ship reconstruction update
Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are at Flag Fen where a fire has destroyed a volunteer-built roundhouse on the ancient archaeological site. Helen sees the damage for herself. Jacq Barnard from The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company has an update on the work that's underway to reconstruct the Anglo-Saxon ship buried in the mounds at Sutton Hoo. With the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK, Helen and Martyn speak to Dr Alexandra Makin, a medieval embroidery expert. Dani Wootton has Time Team News and Helen's answering more questions from Time Team members. It's never been easier to contribute to the archaeology we do here in the UK and around the world. As a Time Team member you also get access to behind the scenes videos, exclusive content, masterclasses, extended interviews, the chance to dig on site and so much more. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.
Aug 12, 2025 · 38 min
How much does a Time Team dig cost?
Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are back with some of the questions Time Team members have been asking. From discussing advances in archaeological technology to the cost of running a dig, Helen does her best to bring you answers. Martyn also has a go at asking a question, putting forward the silurian hypothesis for Helen to consider. There's also another edition of Helen's Find. The object Helen's referencing can be found at the following link: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1062879 As always, none of this would be possible without the help of our members and supporters. Join us on YouTube and support us on Patreon to get more from Time Team. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
Aug 5, 2025 · 38 min
Meeting the Little Boy Blue dig heroes
Time Team's Francis Pryor appears on this episode of the podcast to discuss the damage to one of Flag Fen's reconstructed roundhouses. You'll hear from Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw who've been at the Festival of Archaeology's launch event near Belfast in Northern Ireland. The Operation Nightingale military veterans and serving members of the armed forces talk about their experience digging for a B17 bomber, Little Boy Blue, which crashed in a field around 80 years ago. Join Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams as they take you further into the world of history and archaeology. Ask Helen a question on Patreon by heading to patreon.com/timeteamofficial. We've a special offer on annual membership running at the moment, but you don't have much time to take advantage of it. Full details available by listening to the podcast or via Time Team's social media.
Jul 29, 2025 · 38 min
How did the Romans stay warm?
It's another question and answer session this week. Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake is taking the questions you've been asking on Patreon. She'll discuss how rich Romans heated their villas in chilly northern Europe, whether archaeologists behave different around human remains depending on the religion the deceased person might've been from; and just how do you date pottery? There's also Helen's Find, this week it's this object found in Hampshire: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/185032 Don't forget, you can submit your question to Helen for a future edition of the podcast. Go to patreon.com/timeteamofficial and join us in funding archaeology across the UK and around the world.
Jul 22, 2025 · 39 min
The 5,000 year old man found frozen in the snow
Archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams are back for another edition of the podcast. This episode is also available to watch on YouTube. Time Team's Giselle Király is in the Italian Dolomites discovering human remains left frozen in the ice for 5,000 years. She comes face to face with Ötzi the Iceman, whose body is on display at South Tyrol Archaeology Museum. The Festival of Archaeology is in full swing at venues across the UK. Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw have been at the festival's launch. You'll meet Louise Bedford, the archaeology student who's created her own video game which gives you the opportunity to explore a real dig. Helen answers more questions from Patreon supporters and Dani Wootton has this month's edition of Time Team News. Here's the link to the Wilton Cross, the British Museum artefact Helen describes: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1859-0512-1
Jul 15, 2025 · 33 min
Why don't archaeologists deal with dinosaurs?
In this question and answers episode Dr Helen Geake brings you her thoughts on archaeology-related queries posed by Patreon supporters. She'll tackle topics about the difference between paleontology and arcaeology, what's done with partially excavated human remains on a dig and whether or not the Anglo-Saxon invasion happened in the way the history books suggest. There's also another edition of Helen's Find, where Helen talks about another exciting object. This time it's a metal arrowhead. You can see it here: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/887651 You can pose your question to Helen by supporting us on Patreon. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for all the details.
Jul 8, 2025 · 39 min
Potential Viking boat burial on Shetland
Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams are joined by Time Team archaeologist Jackie McKinley. She's been part of the team investigating a potential Viking boat burial in the most northern part of the UK. She gives us a sense of what it was like working in driving rain and high winds, as well as the clues which could point to a Viking boat being hidden beneath the soil. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of a Roman temporary camp in The Netherlands. It's been found north of the known frontier of the empire. What does it mean for our understanding of the Romans? Dr Saskia Stevens from Utrecht University will shed some light on her research. Martyn investigates the complexities of magnetometry and how they can help the archaeological process and Patreon supporters pose their questions to Helen. Join us on Patreon to get more from Time Team; including behind-the-scenes videos, extended interviews and a chance to volunteer at future digs. Plus, you can pose your question to Helen for a future episode. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial to find out more.
Jul 1, 2025 · 37 min
Could you be related to an ancient King?
It's another episode devoted to answering the questions you've been asking on Patreon. Time Team archaeologist Dr Helen Geake considers whether DNA could discover the ancestors of ancient Kings who are alive today, how long achaeology has been studied and the measures in place to stop artefacts being stolen from a dig site. There's also Helen's Find. This time Helen's discussing seal matrices, the metal objects used to stamp wax seals on letters. Here's a link to the Portable Antiquities Scheme item SUR-C5F736 being talked about: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/123425 Join us on Patreon to ask Helen your question. There's so much more from Time Team there too; including behind the scenes videos, extended interviews and the chance to volunteer at a dig. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more information.
Jun 24, 2025 · 35 min
Mudlarking for London's lost history
Searching for treasure in the mud on the banks of the river Thames, or mudlarking as it's known, dates back generations. Now specially licenced mudlarks comb the foreshore looking for clues to the city's past. You'll meet Tom Coghlan who discovered something truly remarkable, now on display at a new exhibition at London Museum focusing on mudlarking. Also on the podcast, archaeologist Dr Helen Geake and co-host Martyn Williams speak to Time Team's creator Tim Taylor who's been awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours. Community archaeology project 1722 Waggonway gears up for another dig to understand the country's first wooden railway. Plus, Dani Wootton is back with Time Team News. Join the Time Team fan community on Patreon for behind-the-scenes extras, extended interviews and the chance to ask a question on the podcast. Head to patreon.com/timeteamofficial for more.
Jun 17, 2025 · 34 min
The Sutton Hoo debrief
Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams sit down after four weeks of Time Team's Sutton Hoo dig to reflect on what's happened over the past month. Naomi Sewpaul discusses her work on site and sheds some light on what she may have discovered using her special floatation tank. You'll meet one of Edith Pretty's relatives who reflects on the legacy of the woman who owned the site and sparked the archaeological digs of the 1930s which discovered one of the buried Anglo-Saxon ships. One of our Patreon volunteers tells you what she got up to when she got the chance to spend a day as an archaeologist at Sutton Hoo thanks to Time Team.
Jun 10, 2025 · 38 min
Could another ship be buried at Sutton Hoo?
It's Time Team's final week digging at Sutton Hoo and it still has secrets to reveal. Dr Helen Geake and Martyn Williams brave the wind and rain to take you to a new trench that's been opened on the bank of the river. Could work there uncover another Anglo-Saxon ship? Helen's been squelching in the mud on the side of river at low tide where Carenza Lewis and her team are looking for evidence of human activity from thousands of years ago. You'll also meet the volunteers who've been given the chance to excavate test pits thanks to their support for Time Team on Patreon. As usual Helen will be answering more of your questions at the end of the episode. Submit yours now by joining us at patreon.com/timeteamofficial.