Dig In: Land Archaeology
at NMB

Royal Navy Dockyard “Hulk”

Site description: Slave accommodation hulk, Dockyard
Archaeologist(s): F.G. Aldsworth and Richard Gould
Institution(s): Brown University, Earthwatch & Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB)

The excavation sought to locate and examine the remains of a hulk noted on an 1829 Dockyard plan. Work was carried out in an area on the southwest side of the present Camber. Excavations were undertaken by Earthwatch volunteers under the supervision of staff from Brown University and the Bermuda Maritime Museum. A summary and the results of the excavations can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Aldsworth, F.G. (1989). “Excavations at the Former Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda: A Nineteenth Century Slave Hulk”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 1, pp 109–130.

Scaur Hill Fort, Sandys

Site description: 19th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): John Triggs
Institution(s): University of Toronto, Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks, Bermuda

In August 1988, volunteers and staff of the Department of Parks conducted an archaeological excavation at Scaur Hill Fort under the supervision of archaeologist Dr. John Triggs. This was the first excavation of the site and revealed undocumented elements of the fort’s construction and design. The report of the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Triggs, J. (1989). “Excavations at Scaur Hill Fort, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 1 pp 131–142.

Tucker House, St. Georges

Site description: Late 18th century–early 19th century domestic site
Archaeologist(s): David Fleming, Edward C. Harris, and Marley Brown III
Institution(s): Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB), Colonial Williamsburg, College of William and Mary & University of California at Berkeley

Tucker House is a Bermuda National Trust property and was the first domestic site to be excavated in Bermuda. Originally built by merchant and mariner Thomas Smith in the early 1750s, it was later purchased by Henry Tucker, son of Colonel Henry Tucker, in 1775, and remained the Tucker family home until 1809. The Tucker family was connected to Williamsburg, Virginia through Henry’s brother, St. George Tucker who was a lawyer and professor at the College of William and Mary.

In 1973 the Bermuda National Trust sponsored a small excavation by David Fleming, which revealed a large quantity of late 18th-century domestic artifacts from beneath the entryway into the basement of the building and part of Chamber 1. In addition, one or two modifications to the front portion of the basement were detected.

In 1988 the Bermuda Maritime Museum in partnership with Bermuda National Trust and College of William and Mary carried out a further excavation to shed light on the English colonisation of North America. This project undertook extensive excavation of ground-floor chambers 1 and 2 of Tucker House and recovered artifacts and food remains in their original stratigraphic setting.

In 1997 Colonial Williamsburg archaeologists returned to Tucker House and conducted excavations of the kitchen in advance of floor replacement. This excavation revealed evidence of an early 19th century outbuilding, features associated with the construction of Tucker House, and layers relating to subsequent use and renovation of the site. Further information on the results of these excavations and analyses can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Bowen, J and M. Jarvis. (1994). “Provisioning Systems in the New World: The British Colony of Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp. 81–94.

Jarvis, M. (1994). “The Henry Tucker House: 280 Years of Bermudian History”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp 151–167.

Brown, M. (1994). “Some Lessons Learned at the Henry Tucker House”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp. 168–193.

Pickett, D and M. Brown. (1998). “Archaeology of the Tucker House Kitchen Revisited: Recent Excavations of the Kitchen.” In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 10 pp 107–123.

West Elbow Bay Fort, Paget

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Fred Aldsworth
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & St. Francis’ College, Letchworth, England

Excavations were conducted in 1989 by local volunteers and students from St. Francis’ College. Under the supervision of Fred Aldsworth the team uncovered the original walls and flooring of the fort. Trial excavations were also conducted on a nearby 19th-century gun battery. Although no archaeological material was found during the excavation to suggest a construction date for the fort, the form of the fort and related documentary evidence suggests that it may date as early as the 1620s, potentially making West Elbow Bay Fort one of Bermuda’s earliest fortifications. A report of the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Aldsworth, F. (1990). “Excavations at West Elbow Bay Fort, Paget, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 2 pp 61–70.

Bailey’s Bay Fort, Hamilton Parish

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Patricia Samford and Amy Kowalski
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB), Bermuda National Trust & Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The excavation was directed by Dr. Edward Harris and sponsored by the Bermuda Maritime Museum with the support of the site owners. A team of volunteers from the Museum and the Bermuda National Trust, led by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation archaeologists, Patricia Samford and Amy Kowalski, excavated and recorded the fort.

The excavation revealed evidence of a 17th century parish fort, matching the fort recorded in 1783 and mapped in 1811. Archaeological evidence also pointed to the revamping of the fort as a mobile gun battery in the 19th century. All of the records and artifacts from the excavation are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report on the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Kowalski, A. and P. Samford (1992). “The Excavation at Bailey’s Bay Fort, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 4 pp 1–19.

Fort Cunningham, Paget Island

Site description: 19th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Richard Gould and Edward C. Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Earthwatch

Preliminary visits to the site were made in 1987 and 1988. During the 1991 field season, the original ditch was excavated, exposing 1870s guns and camouflage paintwork. Several of the flanking galleries were also cleared. In addition, a limited underwater survey was carried out along the seaward side of Paget Island immediately below the fort. During this survey debris from the fort, including one cannon, was discovered.

In 1992, Earthwatch volunteers assisted in the recording of the features discovered in 1991, excavating a feature of the 1820s escarp, and surveying an artifact dump to the east of Paget Island.

All of the records and artifacts from the excavations are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. Reports on the 1991 and 1992 excavations can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Gould, R.A. and E.C. Harris (1991). “The 1991 Archaeological Field Season at Fort Cunningham, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 3 pp 65–88.

Gould, R.A. and E.C. Harris (1992). “The 1992 Archaeological Field Season at Fort Cunningham, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 4 pp 21–57.

Daniel’s Island Fort, Sandys

Site description: 18th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward C. Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

The remains of the 18th century fort on Daniel’s Island were excavated during the summer of 1992. Only one major artifact dating to the period of occupancy was found, but careful measurement and some excavation established the basic structure of the fort. All excavation records are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report of the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Barka, N.F. and E.C. Harris (1998). “The Archaeology of Daniel’s Island Fort, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 10 pp 90–106.

Hill House, Hog Bay Park, Sandys

Site description: Late 17th or early 18th century rural domestic site
Archaeologist(s): Anna Agbe-Davies
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB), College of William and Mary & Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks, Bermuda

Hill House was excavated by archaeologists and students from the College of William and Mary in 1992. The project was a joint effort by the Bermuda Maritime Museum, the College of William and Mary, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks, Bermuda. The site was one of the first rural domestic sites to be investigated archaeologically and the material uncovered offers a glimpse into the rural life in Bermuda, including diet, farming practices, and land use. The archaeological records and finds from this excavation are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report on the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Agbe-Davis, A. (1994). “The Ceramic Assembly at the ‘Hill House’ Site, Hog Bay Park, Sandys, Bermuda”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp 129–144.

King’s Castle, Castle Island, St. George’s

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

The 1993 excavations focused on the King’s Castle revealed a complicated arrangement of buildings and other features, together with a considerable array of artifacts dating from two main periods. All interior and exterior features of the Captain’s House were recorded. Other work included the mapping of buildings and features and the excavation of 29 units.

The 1994 and 1995 seasons continued the previous work, especially focusing on a passage between the Captain’s House and the Lower Battery, the Upper Battery, and the portions of a defensive ditch located to the south and west of the Captain’s House. All archaeological records and material are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. Report on the excavations can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Barka, N.F. and E.C. Harris. (1994). “The 1993 Archaeological Investigations at Castle Island, Bermuda.” In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp 1–80.

Barka, N. F. and E.C. Harris. (1996). “Archaeology of the King’s Castle, Castle Island, Bermuda: The 1994 and 1995 Seasons”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 8 pp 1–29.

Paget Fort, Paget Island, St. George’s

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

William and Mary students and local volunteers, under the direction of Drs. Norman Barka and Edward Harris carried out major archaeological excavations at Paget Fort in 1997 and 1998 as part of the ‘First Bermuda Forts’ project. The main feature to be excavated in 1997 was the fortification ditch. The work additionally uncovered a small passage, steps and walls. A rich artifact assemblage was recovered including some 500 military buttons. All records and material from the excavations are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report on the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Barka, N.F. and E.C. Harris. (1999). “The Archaeology of Paget Fort”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 11 pp 1–24.

Smith’s Fort, Governor’s Island, St. George’s

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

Excavations were carried out to search for evidence of the 1613 redoubt which was suspected to have been buried beneath later fortifications built in the 1790s.

Archaeologists discovered the foundations of the towers of the redoubt, but very few artefacts were found suggesting that the fort was not occupied except in emergencies.

Two bodies were found buried in the rubble and soil filling the merlons, one with an American coin minted in Connecticut in 1787 in the pocket of the night-shirt in which the body had been laid to rest. Both were found to be males. Growths on the collarbones indicated that they had worked in occupations involving heavy manual labour, possibly as stonecutters, masons, or boatmen. All archaeological records from the excavation are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A detailed report on the analysis of the two human skeletons found during the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Blakey, M.L. and A. Barrett. (2004). “Analysis of Two Human Skeletons from Smiths Fort”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 15 pp 48–69.

St. James’ Church Vault, St. James’ Church, Somerset

Site description: 18th century church
Archaeologist(s): Darby O’Donnell and Matthew Thurlow
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB)

The vault was discovered below the main entrance to St. James’ Church during renovations in 2001. Archaeologists excavated and recorded the steps leading to the chamber, and then the chamber itself. A significant number of artifacts dated between 1750 and 1810 were discovered, as well as human remains and the remnants of coffins. One coffin lid was marked with lettering outlined in brass tacks: Eliza Cord–. All archaeological records from the excavation are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report of the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

O’Donnell, D. and M. Thurlow. (2002). “The Archaeology of the Vault at St. James’ Church”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 13 pp 19–27.

Old Elliot School, Jubilee Road, Devonshire

Site description: 19th century school
Archaeologist(s): Anna Agbe-Davies
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB), Bermuda National Trust & College of William and Mary

The building was examined archaeologically with the assistance of graduate students from the College of William and Mary and Bermuda volunteers. The standing structure was recorded, and two exploratory trenches were made outside the school. Artifacts were recovered from both test units. All excavation records are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report on the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Agbe-Davis, A. (2002). “Archaeology of the Old Elliot School”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 13 pp 129–154.

Long House, St. George’s

Site description: 18th century urban domestic site
Archaeologist(s): Dr. Clifford Smith and Richard Lowry
Institution(s): Bermuda National Trust & Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB)

In 2002 Museum archaeologist Dr. Clifford Smith and the Bermuda National Trust’s Archaeological Research Committee conducted an archaeological excavation of the ground floor and garden before renovations were carried out to the northern half of the building.

Work began with the excavation of the original kitchen of the northern half of the building, digging two small trenches, and investigating the original bread oven.

Artifacts recovered included 19th and early 20th century pottery and glassware as well as animal bones. They also included a child’s milk tooth, an incisor, which had fallen between the floorboards.

The project also involved an archaeological assessment of the back garden, where the outhouse and possibly the stables were located.

Peniston’s Redoubt, Paget Island, St. George’s

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

Peniston’s Redoubt was one of Bermuda’s first forts, built around 1615, and located on the eastern coast of Paget Island. During Summer 2002 archaeologists and students from the College of William and Mary spent four weeks excavating the site. The project located and uncovered the Redoubt as well as a late 18th century musket trench and quarrying sites nearby. A summary report on the excavation can be found in MARITimes.

Fonzo, S and A. Barrett (2003). “Peniston’s Redoubt Found”. In MARITimes Vol 16 No 1 pp 12–13.

Devonshire Redoubt, Castle Island, Castle Harbour

Site description: 17th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): Norman F. Barka and Edward Harris
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & College of William and Mary

Built in 1621 to protect shipping anchored in Castle Harbour and St. George’s, Devonshire Redoubt is one of Bermuda’s earliest fortifications and is part of Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. In June of 2003 personnel from the Bermuda Maritime Museum and the College of William and Mary conducted an archaeological investigation. The site was recorded by mapping, digital photography, and scale drawings. All archaeological files and material are held at the National Museum of Bermuda.

State House, St. George’s

Site description: 17th century public building; 19th century Freemason lodge
Archaeologist(s): Paul Belford
Institution(s): Bermuda National Trust, University of Bristol & Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB)

In 2004 the Bermuda National Trust and the University of Bristol began an archaeological survey at the site of the old State House. With the Bermuda Maritime Museum, a preliminary investigation took place under the floor of the building, but due to disturbed layers littered with artifacts associated with the 1970s reconstruction, it was decided to concentrate on the grounds outside the State House and on the privy.

Excavations in the lawn revealed that the area had been quarried and backfilled, probably during the reconstruction. The privy was far more interesting, and archaeologists found a wide variety of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts ranging from Masonic pottery to the remains of a sea turtle.

The Grove, Southampton

Site description: 17th and 18th century rural domestic site
Archaeologist(s): John Triggs
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Wilfrid Laurier University

In 2004, students from Wilfrid Laurier University, led by archaeologist John Triggs began an archaeological investigation at Port Royal Golf Course. The investigation was designed to locate and assess the integrity of archaeological remains associated with the 17th-century residence constructed by Governor Daniel Tucker in 1617, known as the ‘Mansion’. The team recovered thousands of artifacts during the excavation. Analysis of these artifacts and the stratigraphy suggest that the area may be the site of the ‘Mansion’, as well as that of an early 18th century residence known as ‘The Grove’. All of the archaeological material and records are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. Reports on the project can be found in the Bermuda Journal Archaeology and Maritime History and in the MARITimes.

Triggs, J.R. (2004). “Searching for Governor Daniel Tucker’s ‘Mansion’: The First Season of Excavation”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 15 pp 7–47.

Morgan, C. (2004). “A new kind of course work”. In MARITimes, Vol 17 No 1 12–15.

Fort Bruere, Tuckers Town

Site description: 18th century military fortification
Archaeologist(s): John Triggs
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Wilfrid Laurier University

Fort Bruere was a small battery in Tuckers Town built in the late 18th century. It is one of only two examples of a rare type of fascine fort construction in Bermuda. A fascine fort is constructed from bundles of tightly-bound sticks, over which wicker baskets are stacked. The baskets are then filled with earth or rubble. A team of archaeologists and students from Wilfrid Laurier University, in partnership with the Bermuda Maritime Museum, conducted an archaeological investigation of structures believed to be associated with the fort.

The team exposed and cleared the entrance to the powder magazine and excavated the kitchen/barracks. Artifacts, specifically two regimental buttons, found during the excavation helped to date the structures to 1776-83. These artifacts along with the stratigraphy indicate that the structures were contemporary with the fort. All archaeological material and records are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. A report on the excavation can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Triggs, J. (2007). “Fort Bruere ‘Ill laid out and wers Executed.’ Archaeological Investigation at Bermuda’s Last Homegrown Fort”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 18 pp 33–65.

The Cocoon, Warwick

Site description: 18th century rural domestic site
Archaeologist(s): Clifford Smith, Jr. and John Triggs
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Wilfrid Laurier University

Prior to the archaeological investigation, little was known of the Cocoon, a single-storey residence constructed c.1700. This project presented an opportunity to learn more about the structure as archaeological investigation of the site provided information not available in the documentary records. Ceramics uncovered supported an 18th century construction date, and artifact assemblages uncovered in certain areas of the structure helped to identify the use of different rooms. For example, the recovery of food remains, ceramics, and container glass in a small room with a fireplace on the east side of the house suggests that this area served as a pantry.

The excavation was carried out by students from Wilfred Laurier University under the direction of Drs. John R. Triggs and Clifford Smith, Jr. The site was mapped precisely using total station surveying, six excavation units were completed, over 8,000 artifacts were recovered and the extant standing architecture was recorded. All of the archaeological material and records are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. Reports on the excavation can be found in the MARITimes and the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Triggs, J. (2005). “Examining ‘The Cocoon’: Fascinating window into Bermuda’s domestic past”. In MARITimes, Vol 18 No 1 pp 19–20.

Triggs, J. (2006). “Peering into The Cocoon: Archaeology as a Strategy for Conserving Bermuda’s Vernacular Architecture”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 17 pp 117–163.

Casemates Barracks, Ireland Island

Site description: 19th century military barracks and 20th century prison
Archaeologist(s): Wolfgang Neubauer
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB), Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science (VIAS) & Wilfrid Laurier University  

The 1993 excavations focused on the King’s Castle revealed a complicated arrangement of buildings and other features, together with a considerable array of artifacts dating from two main periods. All interior and exterior features of the Captain’s House were recorded. Other work included the mapping of buildings and features and the excavation of 29 units.

The 1994 and 1995 seasons continued the previous work, especially focusing on a passage between the Captain’s House and the Lower Battery, the Upper Battery, and the portions of a defensive ditch located to the south and west of the Captain’s House. All archaeological records and material are held at the National Museum of Bermuda. Report on the excavations can be found in the Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History.

Barka, N.F. and E.C. Harris. (1994). “The 1993 Archaeological Investigations at Castle Island, Bermuda.” In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 6 pp 1–80.

Barka, N. F. and E.C. Harris. (1996). “Archaeology of the King’s Castle, Castle Island, Bermuda: The 1994 and 1995 Seasons”. In Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, Vol 8 pp 1–29.

Dickinson Storehouse, Southampton

Site description: 18th century storehouse
Archaeologist(s): Timothy Trussell
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Millersville University

In 2007 students from Millersville University, led by Dr. Timothy Trussell, conducted an archaeological investigation into the Dickinson Family Storehouse. Built in the early 18th century this site is significant for several reasons including its architectural elements and its historical associations. For example, the structure appears to contain some of the earliest examples of the famous Bermuda “eyebrows”.

The property also has links with famed Bermudian Sarah ‘Sally’ Bassett who was a slave of Samuel Dickinson and later of Thomas Foster. Charged with the poisoning and attempted murder of Thomas Foster, his wife Sarah, and a household slave named Nancey, she was found guilty of the crimes and burned alive.

The archaeological investigation recovered thousands of artifacts including, pipe stems and bowls, buttons, glassware, buckles, fish bones, and 18th century ceramics which offer a valuable insight into the lives and activities of the people who lived on and used the site. An article on the excavation can be found in the MARITimes.

Trussell, T. (2007). “Uncovering Bermuda’s links to Atlantic World”. In MARITimes, Vol 20 No 3 pp 15–17.

Perot House, Southampton

Site description: 18th century rural domestic site
Archaeologist(s): Timothy Trussell
Institution(s): Bermuda Maritime Museum (now NMB) & Millersville University

In 2007 students from Millersville University, led by Dr. Timothy Trussell, conducted an archaeological investigation into the James Perot House. Built by James Perot the house was the centre of Perot mercantile activities for two generations. Excavations at the site revealed several 17th-century artifacts, which pre-date the Perot House and may be associated with a house shown on the 1662 Norwood survey. The majority of the finds, however, dated from 1740–1830 and provide insight into the activities of those who lived there. Artifacts include German Westervald stoneware, a Spanish coin, French faience ceramics, American slipwares, pipe stems, and English slipwares. An article on the excavation can be found in the MARITimes.

Trussell, T. (2007). “Uncovering Bermuda’s links to Atlantic World”. In MARITimes, Vol 20 No 3 pp 15–17.

“Gardener’s Cottage” or Southampton Cottage

Site description: 17th century rural domestic site
Archaeologist(s): Brent Fortenberry
Institution(s): Bermuda National Trust, National Museum of Bermuda & Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

In 2014, the National Museum of Bermuda, working with the Bermuda National Trust, conducted an archaeological and architectural study of a cottage built in the late 17th century. It may be one of the earliest examples of timber-framed housing in Bermuda and its cellar contains the earliest found archaeological deposits associated with enslaved Bermudians.