Forensics students unearth lost homes at Liverpool's Albert Dock

Forensics students at LJMU have been taking a unique look into Liverpool’s maritime past in a dig at the world famous Albert Dock.

Students on BSc Forensic Anthropology and MSc Forensic Anthropology were invited by National Museums Liverpool to take part in the excavation at Pier Masters House Green behind Liverpool Tate.

They have manned the dig site for the past six weeks alongside city archaeologists who are inviting the public and schools to “find out about the history of one of the world’s most iconic docks”.

Kayleigh Hughes, 24, a Masters student from Liverpool, said: “I think it’s a really good opportunity to get to know more about our local history. It will benefit my career to get some hands-on experience in archaeology – it’s absolutely fantastic.”

Geophysical survey and dig

To kick off the project, students conducted a supervised geophysical survey to help the Museums decide exactly where to dig and have since been part of the exploration team, which has unearthed secrets of how dock families lived in the mid-19^th century.

Vanessa Oakden, curator of community archaeology at National Museums Liverpool, said: “The Pier Master’s House, dating from 1852, is part of the restored dock but the Dock Master’s House just behind it disappeared, so that is what we have dug around.

“The Dock Master was the more important of the two figures and probably lived there with his family, so we are interested in shedding light on the conditions of family life 175 years ago.”

The dig has unearthed the cellars and foundations of the two homes – numbers 7 and 8 Pier Master’s Green - as well as some ceramic and metal household items.

Exciting

Dr David Jordan, senior lecturer in forensic archaeology, said: “It’s fantastic to be here working at one of the most iconic sites in Liverpool doing work to reveal the history of a historically-important place. It is such a privilege for us and such an exciting thing to offer our students.