HS2 archaeologists begin work in Birmingham

An HS2 train Credit: HS2 Ltd

Archaeologists have begun work in Birmingham on the HS2 project.

The high speed rail company is exploring more than 10,000 years of British history along the 150 mile route from London to the West Midlands.

Several sites of significant archaeological interest are located in Birmingham:

  • the archaeological exploration of the 18th and 19th century Park Street burial ground

  • uncovering the remains of Curzon Street Station yard

  • exploring the Freeman Street Baptist Meeting House and burial ground

  • surveying Midland Railway Carriage and Wagon Company at Saltley and Washwood Heath

The Old Curzon Street station site, Birmingham, where work is underway to build the HS2 terminal Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/PA Images
An anti HS2 sign in Staffordshire Credit: Rui Vieira/PA Archive/PA Images

Over the next two years, more than 1,000 experts will work on the HS2 archaeological programme looking at over 60 sites between London and the West Midlands.

Archaeological work will also take place in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Claire Cogar is working on the project: