This collection comprises project data (site reports, finds reports, school workshop resources, images, spreadsheets, 3D models, video and site records) from a community focused archaeological investigation at Pontefract Castle undertaken by DigVentures between October 2019 and August 2020.

The archaeological excavation took place over three phases:

• Phase I. Three weeks of hand and machine excavation by a team of professional archaeologists.
• Phase II. A two-week programme of excavation, recording and finds processing involving members of the local community.
• Phase III. A three-week targeted investigation to excavate the full stratigraphic sequence within the previously identified drawbridge pit. This phase of work comprised hand excavation of sealed deposits exclusively within the drawbridge pit and was completed by a team of professional archaeologists.

The overarching aim of the archaeological excavation was to define and characterise the physical extent of the site through a scheme of non-intrusive and intrusive investigations combined with an integrated public engagement programme at its core. This approach enabled the collection of baseline data to facilitate its future management, research, presentation and enjoyment. The goal of this work was to fully record, analyse and report all archaeological remains within the area of interest (‘preservation by record’); to place the results of this work in the public domain by publishing the results; and to inform how the Gatehouse might be presented to the public. This overarching aim was sub-divided into four aims.

• Aim 1: Identify the physical extent and character of the archaeological remains on the site with a programme of remote sensing. This aim entailed an initial review of the unpublished 2016 field archive and non-invasive survey of the site, including low-level aerial photography and photogrammetry to define and establish the physical extent and condition of the site.
• Aim 2: Characterise the results of non-invasive survey, refining the chronology and phasing of the site with a programme of trenching. In the light of the evidence base collated for Aim 1, this aim was addressed with a targeted trench over the drawbridge pit and gatehouse.
• Aim 3: Understand the site’s archaeological and palaeoenvironmental conditions. This aim was achieved with an assessment of the samples as defined and recovered in Aim 2, using appropriate palaeoenvironmental and archaeological techniques to establish preservation and significance.
• Aim 4: Making recommendations, analysis and publication. This aim required all data from Aims 1-3 to be collated, with an integrated analysis of the archaeological and palaeoenvironmental resource at the site, making recommendations to conserve, enhance and interpret the heritage significance of the site.
• Aim 5: Public engagement. The project offered a range of opportunities for local community members, school children and visitors to the area to get involved and learn more about the archaeology of Pontefract Castle. Working closely with the wider project team and other local stakeholders, participation opportunities included excavation, finds processing, photogrammetry and guided visits.

Further information about this project can be found in the accompanying Internet Archaeology papers:

Jago, I. and Forster, M. 2023. Archaeological Excavations and Social Impact at Pontefract Castle (data paper), Internet Archaeology 61. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.61.9

Jackson, N., Casswell, C. and Forster, M. 2023. A Medieval Drawbridge Pit and the Stories it Tells Us, Excavations at Pontefract Castle, 2019–2020, Internet Archaeology 61. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.61.4