A Scout’s woggle, musket ball and Medieval pottery sherds are among some of the fascinating items that have been discovered in a massive archeological dig in Millom.

Weeks two and three of the dig near Millom Castle and Holy Trinity Church saw around 40 volunteers unearth several interesting artefacts, as well research results from the start of the dig which was at the beginning of June. 

During week two of the 'Digging for Millom: Millom and District Local History Society’s archaeology project', a third trench was dug across a mound in a nearby field.

This has now turned out to be a medieval field boundary which has been covered with soil and grass over many years.

The first two trenches dug also continue to give evidence of past lives.

(Image: Millom & District Local History Society) Firstly, Dan Ellsworth, of Greenlane Archaeology Ulverston who is leading the dig, is delighted with the finds uncovered next to the Old School, built in 1858.

Part of a slate with incised lines was found which was believed to be for pupils to practise writing.

Two pieces of slate pencils were also found in week three which would have been used to practise writing on the slate.

Part of a cup with 'Millom School' written on it has also been discovered which is believed to be some sort of commemorative cup.

Mr Ellsworth has also revealed that the largest ever collection of Medieval pottery sherds has been uncovered for this part of Cumbria.

(Image: Millom & District Local History Society) One of these, the rim of a large bowl, has the imprint of the potter’s thumbs made some 600 years ago.

Week one is still proving fruitful as a former boy scout has now come forward to reclaim his metal woggle that volunteers unearthed.

Owner Neal Hartley said: "I lost this woggle when I was in the Millom Scout group sometime around 1965-67. It was given to me by my aunt who was an Akela for a cub troop in Bristol.

"When I lost it the whole troop searched for it but it was not to be found. It’s amazing to see it again."

(Image: Millom & District Local History Society) The dig has also seen plenty of school visits.

On Friday, June 27, 37 Millom High School students spent the day at the dig and on Tuesday, June 25, twelve pupils from Captain Shaw’s School in Bootle enjoyed both a presentation and a tour of the church by Margaret Edmondson, church warden.

The children also had a go at sifting the spoils and enjoyed a walk around the outside of the church to see the ruined castle.

They also got to dress up in costumes and were shown a musket by Steve Turner, member of the Sealed Knot reenactment group, who attended in Parliamentary uniform.

This was made even more realistic as a musket ball that was found in trench two.

(Image: Millom and District Historical Society) Trench one is now believed to be in the middle of the moat that went around the castle whilst trench two is possibly where the old vicarage stood.

Three further trenches have been dug in a field where Bronze Age funerary urns were found with bones in from 1842 and charcoal has since been discovered.

A seventh trench has been dug near the Old School where it is thought a road may have existed.

The dig ends on Friday, July 5 with two public open days on Saturday, June 29 and Monday, July 1, 10-4.

Presentations will be given (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) and the finds revealed

There will also be a free event with refreshments, on August 24 between 1pm-3 p.m at Holy Trinity Church with Mr Ellsworth.