Bowling alley dig makes 'significant discoveries'

A six-week dig being carried out by experts and volunteers to unearth a seaside town's medieval origins has already made "significant discoveries", according to a senior archaeologist on the project.

The former bowling alley site in Weymouth, Dorset, is known to contain the remains of three 13th Century houses and plots.

Steve Wallis said the excavation has uncovered medieval walls, historic wells, early refrigeration cold stores as well as coins, tiles, pottery and personal items that "help bring past lives into focus".

On Saturday, the site is being opened up to the public for free so that people can meet the archaeologists and explore the "hidden history" up close.

Dorset councillor Richard Biggs said: "This dig is about much more than archaeology, it's about people feeling connected to the place they live."

The site of the former MFA Bowl in Melcombe Regis was demolished in 2025, with the dig, led by Context One Archaeology for Dorset Council, beginning last month. It will end in late May.

Wallis said the excavation was being carried out with "strong community involvement, with local volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists".

He said: "Lots of local people are working together to discover over 700 years of Weymouth's history.

"Already, there have been significant discoveries and we can expect more to come."

Wallis told the BBC his favourite find so far was an "historic well because it is one of the earliest wells dating back to medieval times".

He said: "At the moment, archaeologists have only dug a relatively small amount of soil out of the middle.

"When they remove the remainder, the well will undoubtedly will be a fair bit deeper.

"I'm excited for the dig to continue as there is still more to come."

He said archaeologists from the University of Southampton would be joining them on site later in May to take soil samples.

"These samples will find out what diseases locals of that time had, and include, hopefully, more details about the Black Death."

All artifacts found during the dig will be taken away for further analysis before going on display at Dorset Museum.

Biggs said Saturday's community open day was a "brilliant chance for residents to see what's being uncovered, ask questions and share in the excitement".

"You don't need any background knowledge, just curiosity," he added.

It will open to the public from 10.30 to 15.30 GMT.