Archaeologists and history lovers made a recent discovery at Vindolanda, an ancient Roman fort near Hexham, Northumberland, that has sent tongues wagging like never before. The discovery of a stone relief depicting Victory, the personification of triumph in Roman mythology, has generated excitement among volunteers and scholars alike. Dilys and Jim Quinlan pioneered this incredible find. This selfless pair has used more than two decades of their annual leave pursuing archaeology-related projects at this historic site.
Vindolanda, famous for its well-preserved remains and significance in Roman Britain, has been a hub for amateur archaeologists under the auspices of the Vindolanda Charitable Trust since its establishment in 1970. The site is famous for the Vindolanda writing tablets, found in 1973 by the team of Robin Birley. These fragile pegs offer priceless glimpses into the daily lives of those who lived at Vindolanda almost 2,000 years ago.
The Quinlans, 69 and 68, respectively, have turned volunteering at Vindolanda into a second vocation. While Dilys found a role in the health sector, Jim took on an engineering role with Liverpool City Council. They have a profound sense of fiduciary duty for the site. Consequently, they devote all of their annual leave to Vindolanda, where they find satisfaction and happiness.
“We’ve spent the vast majority of our annual leave at Vindolanda over the years. As veteran diggers, it is without doubt the most wonderful thing we’ve ever done and, importantly, it’s something we do as a couple.” – Dilys Quinlan
That recent excavation discovered a stone relief of Victory, goddess of victory. The discovery was made by Rob Collins, professor of Frontier Archaeology at Newcastle University. This magnificent discovery will go on public display in early 2026 at the Vindolanda Museum. It will deepen the site’s legacy as a cultural beacon.
Dr. Andrew Birley spoke of his excitement around the contributions made by these volunteers. He added, “It’s just incredible for our volunteers to discover things like this because they do such hard work and commitment to the website.” He reflected on the enthusiasm that always seems to surround these discoveries.
“There is that sense of palpable excitement when you turn over the 2,000th piece of Roman rubble and you see on the other side the face of a goddess staring right back at you. What you get there is a direct connection. It’s almost like you’re touching the past and all those years melt away, which is just wonderful.” – Dr. Andrew Birley
So that the volunteer opportunities at Vindolanda are greatly coveted, with application for excavation positions filling nearly as fast as the process can accept them. Dr Birley likened the recruitment of volunteers to a music festival. On Instagram he explained, “When we open the applications for [volunteers] to come join the excavations, we fill up in about a minute. It’s nuts. It’s a smaller scale Glasto.
The barracks at Vindolanda were built around AD 213, a stormy time for Romans in Britain. Their grandeur and symbolic importance played a vital role in the culture of soldiers who lived there nearly two millennia ago.
Dilys Quinlan, pictured above, shared her time at Vindolanda. She spoke about the joy and relaxation that she and her husband get from the act of digging there. She stated, “It’s the best form of relaxation that we know of. We eat well, sleep well, we’re in good company and there’s always more to learn. What more could you ask for?”