The Great British Dig: History in Your Back Garden

Hugh Dennis and his archaeological team conduct a systematic search for the remains of a Norman motte‑and‑bailey castle situated in West Derby, a suburb of Liverpool. The investigation focuses on uncovering any surviving earthworks or structural traces of the medieval fortification.

A Norman Castle in West Derby is a television programme presented as a single episode. The show falls within the genre of factual programming, offering viewers a look at a specific historical investigation. Its title signals the focus on a medieval fortification situated in the Liverpool suburb of West Derby. The episode follows presenter Hugh Dennis together with his investigative team as they set out to locate the surviving traces of a Norman motte‑and‑bailey castle. Their mission centres on uncovering any physical remnants that might still be hidden beneath the modern landscape of West Derby. Throughout the search, the crew examines the site with the aim of confirming whether any part of the original fortification can still be identified. The investigation is confined to the area of West Derby, a residential district on the edge of Liverpool, where the Norman castle is thought to have once stood. By concentrating on the distinctive motte‑and‑bailey design—a raised earthwork topped by a wooden or stone keep—the team hopes to piece together evidence of the structure’s original layout. Their efforts illustrate how a contemporary team can engage with the layers of history that lie beneath a bustling suburb, seeking to bring the story of a medieval stronghold back into view.