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Archaeology

Cathedral Archaeologist

In the 1980s Worcester was the first Cathedral to employ a full-time Cathedral Archaeologist.

The current Cathedral Archaeologist, Fiona Keith-Lucas, is responsible for carrying out excavations, building recording, photography, documentary research and report writing. The entire Cathedral Precinct is a scheduled monument and almost all the buildings within it are listed, including several at Grade I or II*; this requires the preparation of applications for Scheduled Monument Consent and the drawing-up of archaeological research designs for proposals which will affect below-ground deposits and/or historic fabric.

The Archaeology Department works closely with the other departments, especially the Works Department and the Cathedral architect to ensure that the fabric of the building is recorded before the start of restoration work, with details of the main types of stone used and evidence of any previous repairs. Photographs are taken while work is in progress and on completion of each phase of restoration.

Archaeology Symposium 2026

Image ©️ The Trustees of the British Museum

Thank you to the attendees of this year’s annual Archaeology Symposium. It was a well-attended and fascinating day. 

A recording was made and can be ordered via the form below at a cost of £10.

The recording includes talks from:
Darren Steele: A career as Master Mason at Worcester Cathedral
Richard Newsholme: The 14th Century Nave Lady Chapel, and the Cathedral in the Interregnum
Fiona Keith-Lucas: Archaeological summary, and the Red Door
Darren Radcliffe:  The impact of the 1651 Battle of Worcester
Julian Davey: Have we found St Wulfstan’s Crozier?

Funds raised through this event will support the Cathedral’s ongoing running and renovation costs, wherever those funds can be most effective.

If you would like to purchase a recording of the Archaeology Symposium 2026, please complete the form below: