In the short time he's been in the job David Lammy has popped up all over the cultural world - now he's going right down into the past with archaeology © Museum of London.

Minister for Culture David Lammy made time in his busy schedule on Monday July 18 2005 to support National Archaeology Week by visiting an archaeological dig in Shoreditch, London.

The Dig, organised by the Museum of London, is taking place on a former WWII bombsite at Shoreditch Park. Members of the local community have been working alongside professional archaeologists to learn more about their local history.

During his visit Mr Lammy spoke to volunteers and professionals, as well as members of the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) who together with their Young Archaeologists’ Club and English Heritage have organised National Archaeology Week.

Local residents, including children from a Hackney School, have been integral to the community archaeology project. © 24 Hour Museum.

“I commend the enthusiasm and dedication of CBA, professionals and volunteers who work together to make this a tremendously successful week,” said Mr Lammy. “The skills of archaeologists are vital in ensuring our historic environment is both cared for and understood.”

After speaking to all parties involved in the dig - from children to senior professionals - Mr Lammy professed himself thrilled with the community archaeology dig. “I’m particularly excited to ‘get digging’ in Shoreditch Park, joining CBA, archaeological professionals and local Hackney residents in tracing the lives of their neighbours from the past,” said the Minister.

For the CBA the visit was an important contribution by the government to National Archaeology Week. "We're very grateful that a Minister has taken time to visit an archaeological site for National Archaeology Week," commented CBA Director, Dr Mike Heyworth. "We're also very pleased to have the opportunity to show him some of the archaeology of London."

Mr Lammy gets the lowdown on Shoreditch archaeology. © Museum of London.

As reported on the 24 Hour Museum already, the Shoreditch excavations so far have revealed mainly modern artefacts such as bones, bottles and nails – all of which are dutifully processed by staff and volunteers at the London Archaeological Archive and Resource Centre (LAARC) just across the road from the park.

National Archaeology Week runs until Sunday July 24 2005 with over 280 events taking place across England and Wales. For more information visit the National Archaeology Week Listings Page on the CBA website.