How does one record historic places before they are due to be changed or demolished, and how do we capture not only the structure itself, but its ‘spirit’ - its spookiness, its warmth, its malice - and is that even possible?

In this episode, Dr Michael Shapland, buildings archaeologist, takes us through some historic examples, and to Emily's childhood bedroom, to tell us how!

This episode welcomes Simon Stevens, senior archaeologist and one of ASE’s longest serving team members (since 1992!). We talk about what has changed in development-led archaeology since he started at ASE, and especially what life is like out on site now in the time of COVID-19. We dig deeper into his research and experimental archaeology on iron smelting through the ages in the area known as the Weald, and chat about his outreach project in Stiances where schoolchildren get a taste of archaeology.

Archaeologists from UCL's Archaeology South-East recently found the possible remains of the Red Lion Playhouse, the earliest purpose-built playhouse in London. Emily talks to Stephen White, the archaeologist leading the excavations at Whitechapel Central, about the excavation, what evidence there is for the playhouse, and what work is still to be done as we move into the next phase of the analysis!

See the news story about the Red Lion discovery: https://bit.ly/38KYZol

Don't forget to check out the 3D model of the timber structure (the possible stage of the Red Lion playhouse): https://skfb.ly/6T6Rx

Follow Stephen on twitter @stevejameswhite