Roman Carlisle is giving up its secrets – and a small army of volunteers are marching into action to help it happen.

Just four days into the second archaeological dig at the Carlisle cricket ground where a Roman bath house was discovered, dozens of history enthusiasts are doing their bit to unearth fresh treasures.

Every day has brought new discoveries, including buildings, Roman pottery, coins, and brilliantly preserved jewellery.

Kevin Mounsey, from the archaeological contractor Wardell-Armstrong, said he and his colleagues are delighted with the public support for the project at Carlisle Cricket Club's Edenside ground beside Eden Bridge.

“It's been very productive, and the volunteers are really enthusiastic," he said.

"We've found lots of things: more than 40 coins, a Roman brooch which still has some enamel in it; a bone needle, and a bone hairpin; and a ring which is also a key.

“It was probably the key to a jewellery box. We've also found more evidence of a hypocaust – the Roman equivalent of under-floor heating.”

In one of the trenches as volunteer archaeologists uncover what is believed to be a Roman Bath House on the site of Carlisle Cricket Club in Stanwix, Carlisle close to the line of Hadrian's Wall. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

In glorious afternoon sunshine, around 20 volunteers worked on various parts of the site this week, most of them clearly thrilled to be a part of uncovering such fascinating and until now hidden history.

Experts say the site is particularly important because it would have been used by the Ala Petriana, the elite Ala Petriana cavalry unit based at Stanwix - seen as a vital part of defending the Roman Empire's northernmost frontier.

Longtown-born former fireman Arthur Graham, 70, travelled to Carlisle from his home in Lincolnshire to take part in the dig.

“It's been fantastic,” he said, as he helped excavate a well preserved room, complete with its in-built heating system.

“On the first day, we found loads of artefacts: coins, pottery, hair pins. When I was at school my best subjects were history and gardening. This combines them both. I only ever read historical novels.”

As he held a Roman floor tile, he said: “The last person to touch this was probably the Roman craftsman who made it. It's a direct link to that time.”

Charlotte Dilley, 30, from Brampton, studied classics at London's Roehampton University. Her interest in archaeology is such that she is now thinking of pursuing it as a career, so the dig was a brilliant opportunity to get involved.

“You get to find stuff that people have only ever theorised about before,” she said, adding that it was well worth the effort.

Wardell-Armstrong archaeologist Ellen Barnicle, 24, working alongside Charlotte, said: “A dig like this gives you a story; tells you what people were doing here. History is the story of the people who lived before us.

“I've been in archaeology for five years and I love it. I've had classical studies in my life since I was 12 because I was lucky enough to go to a school that offered it back home in Ireland.”

Asked what was most exciting about archaeology, she replied: “The dig.”

Watch a 360 video of the dig here:

Volunteers unearth the remains of a Roman Bath House in Carlisle - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Volunteer John Mather, 62, a civil engineer from Thursby, said there was lots of enthusiasm about the project, which has been jointly funded by construction tycoon Fred Story, as well as Carlisle City Council.

“There are lots of nice people here and the history is fascinating,” said John.

“Everybody is working as a team, and the professional archaeologists are teaching us a lot and some of the volunteers are also very experienced.

“We're celebrating Carlisle's heritage.”

Commentators say that the site – found by chance during a routine dig in preparation for the building of a new pavilion at the Cricket Club – could be a huge boost for Carlisle's tourism industry.

The Cricket Club has given the project its full backing.

Archaeologists and volunteers unearth what is believed to be a Roman Bath House on the site of Carlisle Cricket Club in Stanwix Carlisle - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Free guided tours are being offered to the public at 11am and 3pm every day during the month-long dig at the cricket ground.