Resurrecting the Past: Streethouse Lives On
Written by PhD Candidate, Étienne Chevalier.
From July 7 to July 23, 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to contribute to an archaeological excavation at Streethouse in Loftus, on a field adjacent to the renowned burial site of the Saxon Princess, a discovery made nearly fifty years ago that has since reshaped the historical understanding of Loftus and England. There, I gained hands-on experience as I helped unearth the past of a Neolithic stone circle, estimated to be around 4000 years old. Moreover, I took part in facilitating educational activities organized for visiting school groups. More specifically, I assisted students in testing Northeye, a video game developed as part of the Environments of Change project.
My immersion in archeology was profoundly stimulating. I became attuned to the nuances of the exerting yet delicate task of troweling the soil. Dr. Stephen Sherlock and his colleagues were incredibly patient and generous, offering guidance not only on the physical aspects of excavation but also on the reflections one must undertake before and during the dig. They taught me to pay attention to the distinctions between different minerals, the characteristics and conditions of the soil, and the influence of weather on archaeological methodology. I was most fortunate to discover several flints in and around the stone circle, and the invigorating joy of uncovering a tangible fragment of history is something I will not forget easily. Flint holds a special significance for me, as I vividly recall being taught as a child that the crafting of flint tools was a cornerstone of the Neolithic period, when humans started to gather in permanent settlements. I also had the chance of finding a microlith, a small flint blade used as a tool or weapon during the Mesolithic period, which spanned from around 10,000 BC to 4,500 BC in England. This find was especially fascinating, and I feel deeply privileged to have been a part of its discovery.
My learning at Streethouse extended beyond excavation techniques. I also received training in resistivity scanning, a geophysical method that maps the subsurface by measuring the electrical resistance of the ground. This technique enables researchers to detect the possible presence of ancient structures or settlements. While the finer points of the science elude me, I was struck by the precision and care required in the process. I was also thrilled by the possibility of identifying future excavation sites, contributing in this way to the advancement of archaeological knowledge. This experience, along with the discoveries, have shown me another angle of the study and writing of history, one rooted in the earth rather than in texts. It has greatly enriched my perspective as both a scholar and a person.
My role as an instructor was equally rewarding. It required both organizational skills and adaptability, but I was lucky to benefit from the vast experience of Alison Bullock, a seasoned teacher who made everything run smoothly. It was gratifying to watch young students engage with a video game I am currently helping to develop. They had the opportunity to experience augmented reality (AR), a technology not yet widely used in gaming. Observing them as they learned through play was a special moment. It affirmed my belief that combining study with enjoyment is not only possible but also highly desirable, a philosophy at the heart of Northeye.
In summary, my time at Streethouse was nothing short of remarkable. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steven Bednarski, Dr. Stephen Sherlock, project manager Shannon Blackmore, and the many others who made this field trip such a memorable and formative experience.