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Compiled by Sue Brooke
The following events will be taking place next month, why not add one or two to your diary and join in the fun?
CORNWALL
Cornwall Archaeological Society
Regular walks and talks of interest:
The Society was formed in 1961 – it grew out of the West Cornwall Field Club, itself founded in 1935 by a group of enthusiasts who were studying the archaeology of West Cornwall.
WALKS – Every month there is an archaeological walk somewhere in Cornwall led by members or an invited expert.
TALKS – During winter months talks are given at centres in Truro and Liskeard by speakers, national and local (and including members) who are specialists in their field of interest.
ACTIVITIES – The Society gives opportunities for those interested in practical archaeology to participate in fieldwork and learn archaeological techniques. Members often take part in excavations run by the Cornwall County Council’s Historic Environment Service (HES).
http://www.cornisharchaeology.org.uk/
Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network
‘A charitable partnership formed to look after the ancient sites and monuments of Cornwall. Currently working closely with local communities and official organisations to protect and promote our ancient heritage landscape through research, education and outreach activities’
CASPN Pathways to the Past, Cornwall are holding a whole weekend of walks and talks amongst the ancient sites of West Penwith:
Saturday May 25th 2013 10.00-12.30pm – ‘Curiouser and Curiouser! ‘ Cheryl Straffon and Lana Jarvis visit enigmatic sites on a guided walk. Meeting at Gurnards Head [SW436 375] and finishing there for lunch if wished.
Saturday May 25th 2013 2.00 – 4.30pm - ‘A stank around the Gump’ A guided walk with archaeologist David Giddings around Portheras Common & Chûn Downs. Meet at North Road layby (near Pendeen) [SW394 334]
Saturday May 25th 2013 8.00 – 10.00pm – ‘Art of the Ancestors’ An illustrated talk by Paul Bonnington about Palaeolithic cave art. At the Count House at Botallack.
Sunday May 26th 2013 2.00 – 4.30pm – ‘Sanctuaries: a lan and a circle’ A guided walk with archaeologist Adrian Rodda, exploring the church at St Buryan, followed by a walk to the Bronze Age circle at Boscawen-ûn. Meeting at St.Buryan church (parking available nearby).
Sunday May 26th 2013 8.00 – 9.00pm ‘ Place names of West Penwith’ – To round off the weekend, local researcher and historian Craig Weatherhill will be chatting about his new research into the original meanings of some of Penwith’s intriguing place names. At the North Inn, Pendeen
NOTE: Each individual event costs £3 but is free to members of FOCAS (Friends of Cornwall’s Ancient Sites). You can join FOCAS at the beginning of an individual event.
For further information see the CASPN web site.
Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network/ Lizard Ancient Sites Network
Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network has a sister Group covering sites in the Lizard peninsula called LAN [Lizard Ancient Sites Network]. With initial funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage, a group was set up, consisting of representatives from CASPN, Historic Environment Service, Cornwall Archaeological Society, Meneage Archaeological Group, Natural England and the National Trust. Work continues at these sites and some new ones, and volunteers are always very welcome at the monthly clear-ups These events are a really good opportunity to get a bit more hands-on whilst helping to clear an ancient site in the landscape. This not only allows for physical preservation of the site itself but helps it to be kept safe for others to enjoy in the future. Please note that suitable footwear and clothing is needed although tools or any necessary equipment will be provided.
Tuesday May 14th 2013 - 12.00 noon – Poldowrian Hut Circle [SW 7550 1690]
Meeting at Poldowrian [off the minor road near Ponsongath off B3293]
DEVON
Barnstaple – North Devon Archaeological Society was established in 1959, and for many years concentrated on providing lectures and visits for members. The society merged with North Devon Rescue, a campaigning organisation which had been instrumental in ensuring proper recording and excavation in the area,
Little Potheridge Excavation 11th – 26th May 2013
Starting on 11th May and running until the 26th, there will be a unique opportunity to take part in the excavation of an area known to have been used for clay pipe production. As this is an NDAS project, first priority will be given to NDAS members but we do need people to sign up as there is already outside interest. NDAS don’t need a commitment for both weeks – one week, week-ends or odd days will be fine. If current members could let them know roughly their availability by the end of March at the latest, it will give them time to recruit reinforcements, if necessary.
ESSEX
West Essex Archaeology Group, Woodford Green
WEAG’s aim is ‘to promote the advancement of knowledge and education by a study of archaeology, history and kindred subjects ‘.
13th May 2013 at 7:45pm RUDGE LECTURE:’ The Archaeology of the Thames ‘ Jon Cotton, Consultant Archaeologist
Further information: http://www.weag.org.uk/
Essex Historical Congress
‘Essex Historical Congress was founded in 1964 to bring together all the organisations in the country interested in Archaeology, local history and civic life. Today Essex Congress has over 100 member groups and actively promotes awareness and study of the rich heritage of the County’
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 25th May 2013 at Saffron Walden Museum at 10.00 am.
Further details on the work of the group can be found on their web site.
GLASTONBURY
For something just a little bit different – The next Megalithomania will take place in Glastonbury on 18th – 19th May 2013, plus 5 days of tours. Keep your calendar free for seven days of pure Megalithomania this May.
Early-Bird Tickets and further information on the Megalithomania web site.
KENT
Council for Kentish Archaeology
The Society was founded in 1857 and is now a registered charity with the following objects: To promote the study and publication of archaeology and history in all their branches, especially within the ancient county of Kent. Much of the County has been lost to London since 1857 so the “ancient county” is treated as including the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, as well as Medway and the administrative county. The Society’s interests are not confined to fieldwork. Its objects cover archaeology and local history in the widest sense.
For 6 weeks running from 22 April 2013 ‘Kent and the River. ’ The River Thames has played a vital part in the history of Kent, in peace and war, in work and leisure. This class will look at aspects of the history of the river and its shipping, and the riverside communities.
Lectures in the Library – Morning: 10.15am – 12.15. Afternoon: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/kent-archaeology-events/lectures-in-the-library/
LEOMINSTER
Mortimer History Society
‘The Aim of the Mortimer History Society is to provide a forum for all those who are interested in the medieval Mortimer dynasty, both to study, enjoy and to publicise its eventful history’.
An academic and a practical appreciation of the local and national history associated with the Mortimer family. The activities of the Society are aimed at a wide and diverse audience with a special emphasis on Herefordshire, Shropshire, Powys, and in particular young people.
11 May 2013 – Mortimer History Society May Meeting
18 May 2013 – Blanche Mortimer Dress Display
http://www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk/index.htm
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE/DERBYSHIRE
MBArchaeology
MBArchaeology specialises in Community Archaeology, Education & Research. Based in Nottinghamshire / Derbyshire and offering educational talks, walks, workshops and courses on a whole variety of archaeological topics.
Derbyshire – full-day field visits that run throughout the summer to sites of historical and archaeological interest.
Sunday 12th May 2013 – ‘Archaeology in the Landscape: Langwith-Elmton’
Friday 17th May 2013 – ‘Archaeology of the Hardwick Estate’
Saturday 18th May 2013 – ‘ Hidden Heritage in the Peak’
Costs vary. For further details see the MBArchaeology web site.
PETERBOROUGH
Flag Fen Archaeology Park. The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ
Flag Fen is open daily from 10am-5pm (last entry at 4pm) from April to October and is a marvellous opportunity to see the work undertaken.
WILTSHIRE
Wiltshire Heritage Museum runs a large number of events, exhibitions and activities both for the general public and members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.
29th March to 1st. September 2013– ‘The Splendour of Stonehenge’ – an exhibition from the Wiltshire Heritage Museum’s extensive collection of paintings, drawings, engravings, prints and photographs of Stonehenge. These date from the 18th century to the present day.
http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/
WALES
National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Static exhibition in The Archaeology gallery – Origins: In Search of Early Wales. This traces life in Wales from the earliest humans 230,000 years ago. Who were our ancestors, and how different were they from us? What has changed and what has caused these changes?
Visit the Origins – In Search of Early Wales webpages for more details.
FREE ENTRY.
8 May 2013 1.05pm. Archaeology Lunchtime Talk
‘Technology or Design? Decorating metalwork in the 1st century AD’ Mary Davis, Senior Conservator, Department of Archaeology.
Why and how was metalwork decorated within regions of Britain in direct conflict with Rome? Studying such objects can tell us anything about the varied indigenous societies that produced them, as they adapted to massive social, political and economic changes, accelerated by influences from the continent. This talk will concentrate on analysis of the Seven Sisters Hoard to illustrate some points about style, technology and Late Iron Age practices in Wales.
FREE ENTRY.
22 May 2013 1.05pm. Archaeology Lunchtime Talk
‘Archaeological excavation of experimental roundhouses’. With Professor Martin Bell, Head of Department of Archaeology, University of Reading.
FREE ENTRY
25 May–2 Jun 2013 11am – 4pm. Activity. ‘Pots from the Past’. Make a piece of art inspired by the pots and beakers used to prepare food in ancient times.
FREE ENTRY
St. Fagans: National History Museum. St. Fagans, Cardiff.
25 – 26 May 2013 ‘There’s Something Useful in the Woodland’ an opportunity to find out more about how Iron Age people uses plants to make food, clothing, medicines and beer.
St Fagans is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums and Wales’s most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Please check the website for more details in relation to the timings of talks as these sessions are held both in English and Welsh.
Please note: Redevelopment Project – St Fagans: National History Museum has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Welsh Government to completely transform the visitor experience. Indoor galleries are currently closed as new exhibition spaces are built. The Celtic Village is also closed to prepare the site for a new eco-friendly exhibition space.
There is still plenty to see and visit.
St Fagans: National History Museum is located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232. For satellite navigation purposes use the post code CF5 6XB.
FREE ENTRY but there is a small car parking fee.
For more information, see the Museum of Wales web site.
National Roman Legion Museum
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Roman Empire dominated the civilised world. Wales was its furthest outpost and, in AD 75, a fortress was founded at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. The National Roman Legion Museum displays a remarkable collection of finds from Roman Caerleon, the base of the second Augustan Legion.
FREE ENTRY
Location: Town Centre, Caerleon, Gwent. Follow the ‘brown helmet’ signs from the M4 (westbound junction 25, eastbound junction 26). For satellite navigation purposes use the post code NP18 1AE (recorded as ‘High Street’).
More information see the Museum of Wales web site.:
6 May 2013 National Roman Legion Museum. ‘Eat, Drink and Be Merry!’
Celebrate a Roman festival – just like the Roman festival, Floralia, in Roman times, there will be eating, drinking, games to play, fighting to watch and contests to take part in.
18 and 19 May 2013 National Roman Legion Museum. ‘Do something different’. Learning new things isn’t just for kids and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be fun as well! Join in and try a new skill.
Saturday 18th May 2013 – Gladiator training. Unleash your inner warrior! Footwork, guard positions and hitting things included.
Sunday 19th May 2013 – Roman cooking. Use Roman recipes and ingredients to create a simple meal
*Adults only*
Saturday 18 May 2013 Archery – Jonathan Thomas is an experienced traditional archer. His talk will cover methods and manufacture of bows and the history of bows through archaeology and literature. Illustrated throughout with hands on examples of bow parts, and finishing with an outdoor demonstration of different types of bows and shooting.
CALDICOT
Caldicot Castle Country Park
May 5th and 6th 2013 From 10am – 5pm. Fortress Wales 2013 – Multi-period living history re-enactment and military vehicle show. Really good fun with lots happening.
For updates please check the Living History web site.
And so we come to the last part of our review of the Current Archaeology Live conference, held earlier this month in London’s Senate House.
The after-lunch session is usually regarded as a bit of a ‘graveyard shift’ (a wrong choice of words possibly, given the subject matter of many of this year’s talks), but everyone was attentive on return from lunch on the second day for what was possibly the most keenly anticipated talk by many of the whole conference.
Session 7. From Medieval to Early Modern
Richard Buckley, fresh from having been presented the award for Research Project of the Year the previous evening, took a spellbound audience through “Leicester’s Greyfriars and the Search for Richard III“, a subject that by now doubtless needs little introduction or review, having been the subject of several TV and radio programs, and multitudinous magazine and web articles. Richard’s now famous quote at the start of the dig, “I’ll eat my hat if we find Richard III” symbolised the fact that the actual hope of finding him was a very long shot. The initial appeal of the opportunity to dig at Greyfriars was the chance to survey the lost friary. To set context, Richard gave a timeline of Richard III’s movements, leading up to the Battle of Bosworth and discussed the sources of detail about his grisly end. Looking at maps of the Greyfriars area, only 14% of the site was undeveloped and potentially available for excavation, and two overlapping trenches were decided upon. Bones were uncovered within the first 5m of trench 1, but covered over again until the location and orientation of the church could be identified. A third trench identified the choir, and the bones were further investigated. Curvature of the spine was a strong clue, and RC14 dating was close to the required date. Skeletal details showed a slight build, of immediately indeterminate gender, but wounds (fatal and non-fatal) which matched the historical sources. Due process was followed, and DNA matching with two identified descendants took identification to ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ level. Cue hat-eating activities!
You had to feel a little sorry for Heather Knight, up next to tell us about the Curtain Playhouse in London, having to follow such a stunning tale. But she started by comparing today’s Shoreditch, a hotbed of art and creativity, with the same area in Shakespeare’s time. All performance was banned in the City of London in the 16th century, and as ever, space was at a premium within the walls hence the theatres on the outskirts: “the original ‘fringe theatres’”. Heather gave some background to the style of Elizabethan theatres and their construction and usage. It’s possible that the Curtain, sister/overflow venue for the nearby The Theatre, saw the first performance of Shakespeare’s Henry V in 1599 – the “wooden ‘O’” mentioned in the Prologue. Whilst the rough location of the Curtain was known – even today the road is called Curtain Road – all physical traces were thought to have vanished. But when the area was marked for development, the archaeologists moved in. The first discovery was 19C cobbles – a good sign as this meant no 19C basements! They then found asymmetric load bearing walls, indicating a round building some 22m across – typical Playhouse style. Also uncovered within the narrow trench was a floor made of sheep bones. Apparently common and hard-wearing. Much of the archaeology is 2.5m below current ground level, so it is hoped more is preserved in situ below the Horse and Groom pub for future archaeologists to investigate further.
Sheepbone flooring, © MOLA
To close off this session, Pieta Greaves told us a little about her role as a Conservator on the Staffordshire Hoard, with some stunning closeup photographs of the intricate designs. Sadly, as the hoard was discovered by a Metal Detectorist, there were absolutely no clues as to it’s context, just some 205 bags of gold, silver and glass pieces. Many of the pieces were so brittle that thorns were used to clean them, rather than the more usual cocktail sticks or scalpels, to avoid damaging the fragile surfaces of the gold. It is hoped that chemical analysis of the alloys and adhesives may help identify a workshop for some of the pieces, and thus provide some context but there are too many outstanding questions, and of course, pieces are still being illegally removed up from the original site, (as we highlighted recently) which police are aware of and are investigating.
After a short question time for the session, a tea break was more than welcome before the final session of the conference.
Session 8. Operation Nightingale: Injured soldiers on the road to recovery.
Surgeon Commodore Peter Buxton introduced a short film about Operation Nightingale (ON) excavations at Caerwent and explained that the project uses archaeological fieldwork to help the recovery of wounded servicemen returning from Afghanistan. Phil Harding (CA Archaeologist of the Year) is Honorary President but Peter explained with a smile that “rumours I told the soldiers to vote for him are untrue!” He went on to explain that many MOD sites (10 World heritage Sites, 800 listed buildings, 734 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in their care) are so well protected that they contain some amazing archaeology. Many of the soldiers involved in ON have moved on to study archaeology on a full-time basis as a result of the project. The first dig for the project was Chissenbury Midden, a 3m deep Bronze Age deposit threatened by badgers. Examining the throw resulted in up to 25kg of pottery sherds, without any excavation (“the post-ex costs would have bankrupted us!”). The success of the project was summed up in the example of a soldier, mute for 4 months following injury, who started speaking whilst sorting pottery on the project. It was explained that many soldiers’ injuries, mental or physical, may not necessarily be ‘visible’ injuries but all must be rehabilitated in their own ways. Whilst the focus is on the healing process, some good archaeological work is also being done by the unit; Caerwent Roman villa and Barrow Clump Saxon cemetery (featured in a Time Team Special) were honorable mentions here. One questioner asked “are results published, or is it a military secret?” The reply was that work will be published as it’s all part of the archaeology.
But all too soon, it was time for closing comments from both Matthew Symonds, CA editor and Andrew Selkirk, editor in chief and founder of the magazine. And that was it for another year.
There were some trips organised to visit the St Mary Spital Charnel House and also the Billingsgate Bathhouse on the Sunday, but I didn’t attend these, so cannot report on them here.
Was the conference a success? Judging from the increase in attendance figures from last year, and the reactions on Twitter and Facebook I’d have to say positively yes, and I personally am already looking forward to next year’s event, although whether the Senate House will be large enough is open to debate. Book early to avoid disappointment, as they say…
Current Archaeology Live is an event hosted annually by Current Archaeology magazine since 2008, and incorporating the Current Archaeology Awards. Again, as last year, I attended and live-tweeted the event.
After a full first day, attendees arriving at Senate House found the entrance they had been told to use for Day Two was off limits – the Muppets were filming in the building for the day! So a quick leg stretch was required to circumnavigate the building to an alternate entrance. Despite this, the conference timetable was adhered to – kudos to the organisers.
Session 5. The Making of Medieval England
After a recap of last year’s award winners, Duncan Sayer started the day, taking us through Anglo-Saxon Oakington, northernmost of a cluster of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries in Cambridgeshire. Analysis of the graves showed no patterning according to age or gender, but there were lots of children interred. One couple buried together were shown – she was much the taller of the two, so much so that her knees were bent to fit her into the grave cut. However, analysis of finds showed a pattern of clusters of long and round brooches, suggesting two separate plots. Amusingly, two horse burials were uncovered, until one was found to have horns! A woman buried with a cow was a first.
Alexandra Knox then took us through the recent excavations at Lyminge in Kent, site of an Anglo-Saxon Timber Hall. A monastic abbey site, previous excavations have identified two distinct phases of occupation in the area, with no overlap. Evidence from excavated Sunken Floored Buildings (SFBs) shows that the area was important prior to the estalishment of the abbey there. The big find of the 2012 season though was the Great Hall, of double plank in trench construction and preliminarily dated to around AD600. Christianisation of the area is reflected in both the settlement shift and the diet – from mostly pigs to mainly sheep/goat, though over 10000 fish bones have been uncovered, some 10 miles from the (then) coast. Other finds have identified Middle Saxon Lyminge as a centre of production. Textiles, metalworking, bone working etc.
Finally for this session, Neil Faulkner returned to the stage, taking as his subject ‘Monarchy, Church and Great Estate, the making and remaking of an Anglo-Saxon village’ – Sedgeford. Neil made the point that while with Roman sites it’s easy to identify their function: town, fort, villa etc., no such typology exists for Anglo-Saxon sites. What is a monastery, what does a manor look like? He then discussed how far the social structures described in Anglo-Saxon written sources can be seen in archaeology. Sedgeford is a long term investigation of settlement and land use, for instance: Middle A-S Sedgeford is mainly located south of the river, with Medieval Sedgford to the north. Why the move? Many questions still unanswered, though the impact of the creation of petty kingdoms etc. needs to be considered – dynamism of society reflected in the archaeology?
After such a thoughtful talk to close the session, it was time for a coffee break and more browsing round the Fair stalls looking for some bargains.
Session 6. A Tale of Two Cities: Pompeii and Herculaneum
The World Archaeology session returned to Roman matters with three talks covering “two ordinary towns with a spectacular end”. Paul Roberts of the British Museum was up first to introduce the upcoming exhibition on the two cities, “Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum”, which promises to ‘provide vivid insights into ordinary Roman life’. Pompeii had a population of between 12-15000, Herculaneum was smaller. Up to 50% of the population of Herculaneum were of slave origin. The exhibition focuses on the home; for instance, a fresco of a baker and his wife was shown where she holds a stylus and tablet appears to show her doing the accounts for the family business. Many other images were shown in a slide show, including how a large mosaic had to be tilted to fit through the doors of the museum for the exhibition, and a bronze statue of Empress Livia squeezed through with just 2cm to spare. Tricky stuff. The exhibition reminds us that the artefacts aren’t just objects, they were someone’s possessions, like the carbonised baby’s wooden cradle, and the carbonised table that also appears in a wall fresco.
Carbonised crib from Herculaneum, © Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill then guided us through Herculaneum, where just 5 hectares have been excavated to date, about a tenth of the area dug so far at Pompeii. Although both cities were wiped out by the volcanic eruption, there were doomed in different ways. Pompeii was suffocated by the initial ash, but Herculaneum was covered by the pyroclastic flows. Different ends, different effects (the organic material was preserved much better in Herculaneum), and different excavation methods are required for a total of ’450 million truckloads’ of material covering the two cities. In Pompeii, pumice pebbles can be excavated, but Herculaneum is covered in solid rock. Much more difficult to excavate! But Herculaneum is in decline through neglect – hence the Herculaneum Conservation Project, but water management is a big problem, with regular flooding so reconstructing the drains is important as the Romans knew how to keep their city dry.
Sarah Court then took to the stage, all the way from Italy, to tell us more about the outreach aspects of the Conservation Project. The excavations initially created generations of local employment, but the area around Herculaneum is now very poor with high unemployment and very little tourism so far. The Project is involving the local community again, giving them a sense of pride and ownership in an area that could again be engulfed by another eruption at any time! Many locals feel that tourism is the only hope for their town, and local schoolchildren are being used as ‘ambassadors’, in a ‘peer learning’ scheme.
The session was closed with a Q&A section, where debate centred around the possible ‘Disneyfication’ of the area and moves to prevent this happening whilst still providing a sustainable future for the region. After which, the conference broke off for lunch before the final sessions of the two day event…
To Be Continued.
We continue our review of this year’s Current Archaeology Live conference, held on March 1-2 at Senate House, in London.
After a pleasant lunch in the cafe in the park at Russell Square, I returned to the melee at the Archaeology Fair. The second-hand bookstall was proving popular, as were all the other stalls ranged around the room. But all too soon the bell summoned us back to the lecture room for the afternoon sessions.
Session 3. Researching Roman Britain
Now, I’m far from being a Romanist – it’s all far too modern for me! – but I found much of interest in this session. Are those damn Romans assimilating me into their empire? Matt Symonds was certainly in raptures during this session!
First up was Keith Parfitt, from Canterbury Archaeology Trust, to tell us about a Rescue Dig at Folkestone Villa. The villa was first excavated by Winbolt in the 1920′s and last dug in 1957 when it was backfilled. The site is now in danger from coastal erosion – where it was recorded as far as 200 feet from the cliff edge, parts are no more than 8 feet from the edge! As Keith said, “cliffs don’t crumble, they go in chunks”, so the next collapse will likely take some of the villa with it. It’s possible the villa may once have been a trading post, as much as half-a mile inland. There have been some fascinating finds, both at the site and at the bottom of the cliff on the shoreline below, including a beautiful Iron Age gold coin – a photo of which drew gasps from the audience, and a lovely signet ring gem, found trodden into the gravel in the yard of the villa.
Andrew Birley then attempted to summarise 5 years work at Vindolanda in 25 minutes… Vindolanda contains a long sequence of forts on a single site – as many as 11 – with other forts nearby too, so an impossible task to fit it all in, but he made a brave attempt. The last 5 years have concentrated on the 3rd century site, where two pieces of painted glass, excavated in different areas of the site were found to fit together perfectly. Amazing stuff. Many of the finds at Vindolanda are so well preserved because of its isolation – there were no medieval settlements here to rob out the stone, although some Saxon strap ends built into the fabric of the wall indicate the length of the occupation. One sombre find was the grave of a murdered Roman child, born in North Africa and buried under the garrison floor. Among other finds have been some pieces matching parts of the Crosby Garrett helmet – suggesting mass-production of components?
To finish the session, Ian Haynes told us about recent work at Maryport, Cumbria. In particular looking at new ideas about the largest collection of Roman altars in Britain and a reappraisal of the 1870 pit discoveries. It is now felt that the altars were not ritually buried as originally thought, but may have been used to support the timber posts of later buildings.
Session 4. Keynote Speaker
After a tea break, Neil Faulkner introduced the Keynote Speaker, Martin Carver (who has previously featured in our Inside the Mind series). Martin’s talk, entitled ‘Around the World with a Pointed Trowel’ took us on a whirlwind tour of archaeological digs in different countries: Turkey, Senegal, Sweden, Iceland, Cambodia, Japan etc. showing that different terrains can’t be excavated by standard means and techniques. Each site has unique problems to overcome, such as the comparison of excavation techniques used for permafrost versus a jungle terrain or the use of ‘CSI archaeology’ to analyse chemical properties of soil to identify the usage of different parts of a site. Moving on to talk about the social context and problems of looting, local communities need to feel important to value their heritage and stop looting. Closing thoughts from Martin Carver: every site has its own personality. ‘Design, not dogma, is what makes archaeology happen,’ and ‘Local archaeological societies are local experts and must be included in archaeology design’.
After a short break, during which everyone decanted into the Fair hall, it was time for the awards. Firstly the World Archaeology Photo of the Year winner was announced: Sophie Hay was the worthy winner.
Then a special award, The Royal Archaeological Institute presented a special award for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, for the best report on archaeological achievements in the last 60 years. The worthy winners were Cornwall Archaeological Society, for their work at Carn Brea.
The Current Archaeology Awards, voted for by the magazine readership were then presented. The winners were as follows:
- Book of the Year: Roman Camps in Britain, by Rebecca Jones
- Rescue Dig of the Year: Folkstone: Roman Villa or Iron Age oppidum?
- Research Project of the year: Richard III: The search for the last Plantagenet king.
- Archaeologist of the Year: Phil Harding
The awards were in the form of flint arrowheads, which particularly pleased that well known knapper, Phil Harding
Phil Harding, can’t believe his luck!
The worthy winners , from l: Phil Harding, Richard Buckley (King Richard III), Keith Parfitt (Folkstone), Rebecca Jones.
And that was that. Drinks and nibbles were accompanied by some wonderful medieval music by Duo Parva Antiqua as the first day of the conference came to a close. Back tomorrow for more!
To Be Continued.
Current Archaeology Live is an event hosted annually by Current Archaeology magazine since 2008, and incorporating the Current Archaeology Awards. Once again, this year’s event was held in the prestigious Senate House building in London, reputed to be one of the inspirations for Orwell’s ’1984′ from his time working here. I was fortunate to be invited along once again this year to ‘live tweet’ the event across the two days.
Senate House – Wikimedia Commons
As previously, the format across the two days was roughly chronological, kicking off with the Prehistoric, moving through Roman and Medieval sessions up to Early Modern, with sessions on Rescue Archaeology and World Archaeology thrown in for good measure.
Matthew Symonds and Julian Richards
Session 1. In Search of the Prehistoric
Matt Symonds gave the customary Health and Safety speech after welcoming everyone, and introduced Julian Richards of Meet the Ancestors infamy, which as he said “was a very long time ago now”. Julian then passed the stage to Nick Card who told the audience all about the ongoing excavations on the Ness of Brodgar, including spectacular geofizz results, and Aerial-Cam photos of the site. It seems, even where test pits were dug away from any known anomalies archaeology was still present! Radio-carbon dated to around the same age as Stonehenge, some of the structures have been very impressively preserved – walls up to 1m high still complete, and a boundary wall that was over 6m thick in places – wider than Hadrian’s wall some three millennia later!
The second speaker was from an excavation in complete contrast: Mark Knight told us about the ‘deep space archaeology’ at Must Farm, in Cambridgeshire. The excavation of this largely Bronze Age site is taking place several metres below the current sea level, near to Flag Fen. Unlike Orkney, there is no stone here, but several log boats have been found, perfectly preserved in the anaerobic sediments. Whilst previous Fenland archaeology has concentrated on the relatively ‘high’ ground in what is essentially a flat area today, extraction of clay for brick-making has allowed a view of the previous, earlier topology, and this is now being investigated. Tracking the beds of old rivers, wattle and stake fence lines have been found, with thousands of animal hoof prints preserved in the mud alongside. Fish traps and spears with metal blades have been among the finds here, along with a total of nine log boats so far, from just a 250m section of old watercourse. In fact, the scale of varied, well preserved finds, including evidence of repair work on traps, fences and boats suggests that this use is typical along the length of the old watercourse, and not just a fluke.
To finish off the prehistoric session, Niall Sharples of Cardiff University spoke of his experiences at the recent excavations at Ham Hill, ‘the largest hillfort in Britain’. Ham Hill is four times the size of Maiden Castle, at 88ha., but little is known so far of its chronology. Much of the hill has been quarried away (starting with the Romans), or wooded, but part of the northern ramparts have been excavated, and show a possible neolithic origin with flint rubble. Much Bronze Age metalwork was found, suggesting consolidation work on a pre-existing ‘important place’, later with massive 3-phase expansion in the Iron Age. Looking at the possible population, a total of 54 grain storage pits have been found, estimates put the total occupancy at around the 1500 mark. The summer of 2013 will see the last season of excavations for now.
A coffee break allowed the first glimpse of the ‘Archaeology Fair’ – a series of stalls affording an opportunity to purchase a selection of books, archaeology-related jewelry and tools, and to speak to various providers of archaeological services. The Fair proved to be very popular over the two days.
Session 2. Rescuing the Past
This session included three talks about rescue digs, in London, Ipswich and Ireland. First up was Don Walker talking about the finds at St Mary Spital, in London, a cemetery site of mass fatalities in use between 1120 and 1539. Expecting to find around 4000 skeletons, almost 11000 were excavated, and the final total may have been as high as 18000. The cemetery included 143 mass graves, where the bodies had been interred neatly, not just thrown in. Examination of the bones showed two main phases of mass burial. Lack of trauma and radiocarbon dating ruled out battle casualties and the Black Death. One possible cause is a starvation event, which leaves little conclusive evidence in the bones. Historical sources record odd weather patterns and pestilence in the mid 13th century – harvest failure causing starvation? There is evidence for a volcanic eruption around this time bringing climate change.
Next up were Richard Brown and Andy Shelley, to tell us about the excavations at Stoke Quay in Ipswich – a 25 week excavation and post-ex fully supported by the developers. Stoke Quay is south of the Orwell, and medieval Ipswich was mainly to the north, so Stoke Quay could be considered as suburban. Most previous excavations in Ipswich (over a 30 year period) have been to the north of the river, so this waas a good opportunity. What was found was not only a Saxon cemetery with over 1100 bodies, but also a much earlier barrow cemetery too – a possible ‘burial landscape’, “similar to nearby Sutton Hoo, but without the riches”. Low value grave goods were found, including Seax and wooden staffs, over 100 boxes of pottery fragments and more than 500 boxes of animal bones. The excavation has provided an ongoing research potential for the evolution of Ipswich and study of burial rites across a wide period.
Finally, leading into lunch, Ronan Swan from the Irish National Road Scheme (NRA) spoke about the archaeological investigations carried out by the unit. With a vast range of over 15000 sites in the country, the three main approaches are preservation by avoidance, preservation in situ, or by record. Which is useed is determined by a host of varied factors. In the last 20 years, the Irish road system has expanded dramatically, and this has offered many archaeological opportunities. As it’s so difficult to avoid sites in Ireland, archaeologists were included in the road design teams. A quick slide tour of four sites was given, showing the range involved: Mesolithic fish traps found below Neolithic burnt mounds in Neath, Edercloon, Co Longford found wooden trackways in use from the Neolithic through to the Iron Age, Mitchelstown in Cork uncovered Bronze Age pottery, and Johnstown in Meath, a multi-period site with burials from the late Iron Age through the medieval period. In a nice ‘show and tell’, a model of a Mitchelstown pot with an odd face on it was passed around the audience. The model had been produced using a 3D printer, and a cast of the pot was also available to view.
The Show and Tell brought the morning sessions to an end, and we broke for lunch after Matt had thanked the morning’s speakers, and cracked an awful joke about the pot being the original ‘ugly mug’!
To Be Continued…
Compiled by Sue Brooke
The following events will be taking place next month, why not add one or two to your diary and join in the fun?
SOMERSET:
3rd to 7th April 2013 – Network of Ley Hunters Moot. Wells Town Hall, Somerset.
For something just a little bit different to do over Easter week. This is outside of our usual remit, but some readers may find this of interest. This series of events run by the Network of Ley Hunters Moot includes walks on the Glastonbury Zodiac from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th and a coach tour on Sunday 7th. The main event will be held on Saturday 6th at Wells Town Hall. For more details please see the event website.
CORNWALL
Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network CASPN/LAN Site Clearance. These events are a really good opportunity to get a bit more hands-on whilst helping to clear an ancient site in the landscape. This not only allows for physical preservation of the site itself but helps it to be kept safe for others to enjoy in the future. Please note that suitable footwear and clothing is needed although tools or any necessary equipment will be provided.
14th April 2013 – Treen Enclosure/Circle
16th April 2013 – Traboe North Barrow
More information is available from the CASPN web site.
Cornwall Archaeological Society
Regular walks and talks of interest:
The Society was formed in 1961 – it grew out of the West Cornwall Field Club, itself founded in 1935 by a group of enthusiasts who were studying the archaeology of West Cornwall.
WALKS – Every month there is an archaeological walk somewhere in Cornwall led by members or an invited expert.
TALKS – During winter months talks are given at centres in Truro and Liskeard by speakers, national and local (and including members) who are specialists in their field of interest.
ACTIVITIES – The Society gives opportunities for those interested in practical archaeology to participate in fieldwork and learn archaeological techniques. Members often take part in excavations run by the Cornwall County Council’s Historic Environment Service (HES).
See the society website for details of all events.
WILTSHIRE
Wiltshire Heritage Museum runs a large number of events, exhibitions and activities both for the general public and members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (WAHNS).
29th March to 1st. September 2013 – ‘The Splendour of Stonehenge’ – an exhibition from the Wiltshire Heritage Museum’s extensive collection of paintings, drawings, engravings, prints and photographs of Stonehenge. These date from the 18th century to the present day.
13th April 2013 – ‘The Romans who Shaped Britain’ – a lecture by Sam Moorhead of the British Museum. Based on his recent book of the same name (with David Stuttard, Thames & Hudson, 2012), this lecture will look at the lives of the generals, governors and emperors – and those they sought to rule – occupying this western outcrop of Rome’s empire .
Saturday, 13 April 2013 – ‘YOUNG WANHS: Round the Houses‘ – For Young WANHS Members – an opportunity to see volunteers reconstructing ancient roundhouses based on archaeological findings at Durrington Walls. See ancient roundhouses being reconstructed and try your hand at make hazel wattle fences and applying chalk cob (daub). This event is taking place at Old Sarum and booking is essential.
Saturday, 20 April 2013 – COACH OUTING: Archaeological Walk on Salisbury Plain
Roy Canham will be leading a walk to see the landscape surrounding the Romano-British settlement on Chapperton Down. This walk, inside the Salisbury Plain training area, is led by former county archaeologist Roy, who will highlight some elements of the site in detail. It also hoped to see views across the territory farmed from the settlement. Please dress sensibly with stout walking boots or shoes as the terrain is fairly tough. Bring a waterproof coat too as the weather on Salisbury Plain can be quite changeable!
For further details on all these events please see the museum’s website.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE, Peterborough
Flag Fen Archaeology Park. The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ
24th April 2013 – ‘Meet the ancestors’ – At this event the whole family can learn how to excavate like a professional in the newly refurbished dig tent, discovering what archaeology can tell about the people who used to live in the area. Cambridgeshire’s Finds Liaison Officer will be available in the Visitor Centre for anyone who may have uncovered something locally. For more details see the Vivacity website.
NORTH DEVON, BARNSTAPLE
Tuesday 16 April 2013 – ‘Some Designed Landscapes of Exmoor and North Devon’ by Simon Bonviosin. Historic Landscape Consultant.
NDAS was established in 1959, and for many years concentrated on providing lectures and visits for members. The society merged with North Devon Rescue, a campaigning organisation which had been instrumental in ensuring proper recording and excavation in the area, particularly during Barnstaple’s major redevelopment in the 1980s. The society continues to lobby and campaign for proper investigation and preservation of North Devon’s physical heritage. All lectures take place in the Castle Centre, Castle Street, Barnstaple at 7.30pm (parking in the large car park adjacent to the Library) Visitors welcome.
For more information see the society website.
KENT
Saturday 20th April 2013 – Council for Kentish Archaeology Conference
The Society was founded in 1857 and is now a registered charity with the following objects: To promote the study and publication of archaeology and history in all their branches, especially within the ancient county of Kent. Much of the County has been lost to London since 1857 so the “ancient county” is treated as including the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, as well as Medway and the administrative county. The Society’s interests are not confined to fieldwork. Its objects cover archaeology and local history in the widest sense. They include historic buildings, genealogy, industrial archaeology and local history though it is not always active in all these fields. The Society has over 1,200 members, many outside the County or overseas, and welcomes new members who support its objects.
The Conference is entitled ‘Roman Cities and Ports: Londinium and Ostia’. Speakers include:
- Enclosing Londinium: The Landward and Riverside Walls – by Harvey Sheldon
- The London Mithraeum – by John Shepherd
More details are available on the conference website.
LONDON
Wednesday 6th February 2013 to Thursday 21st April 2013 – ‘The General, The Scientist & The Banker: The Birth of Archaeology and the Battle for the Past’
Exhibition at Wellington Arch, Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, London – W1J 7JZ
In 1859 two extraordinary events changed the way people considered human existence: a flint hand axe was found in a gravel quarry level with bones of extinct animals, and Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species. Darwin’s big idea and the discovery of the axe broke the Biblical version of history. Opening with the book and the rarely seen axe, this exhibition tells the story of what happened next – as archaeological pioneers battled to save Britain’s great prehistoric sites from destruction. In partnership with the British Museum, rarely seen art and artefacts bring to life a tale of Victorian prejudice and vision. Further details of the exhibition are available from English Heritage.
WALES
National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
10th. April 2013 at 13.05pm. ‘A Very Fair Castle‘ on the River Usk – Newport Castle and its Marcher Lords. Archaeology lunchtime talk with Will Davies, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Archaeology, CADW. FREE ENTRY See http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/whatson/?view=glance&site=cardiff
St. Fagans: National History Museum. St. Fagans, Cardiff.
6th. April 2013. Drop in activity - Join our resident Celt for a look at everyday life in the Iron Age.
13th. April 2013. Talk: Bryn Eryr – How to Build a Roundhouse. Does Iron Age technology have a place in the modern world? Looking back at what we’ve learned from decades of building roundhouses at St Fagans.
St Fagans is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums and Wales’s most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Please check the website for more details in relation to the timings of talks as these sessions are held both in English and Welsh.
Redevelopment Project – St Fagans: National History Museum has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Welsh Government to completely transform the visitor experience. Indoor galleries are currently closed as new exhibition spaces are built. The Celtic Village is also closed to prepare the site for a new eco-friendly exhibition space. There is still plenty to see and visit.
St Fagans: National History Museum is located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232. For satellite navigation purposes use the post code CF5 6XB. FREE ENTRY but there is a small car parking fee, see the website for more information.
National Roman Legion Museum
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Roman Empire dominated the civilised world. Wales was its furthest outpost and, in AD 75, a fortress was founded at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. The National Roman Legion Museum displays a remarkable collection of finds from Roman Caerleon, the base of the second Augustan Legion. FREE ENTRY
Location: Town Centre, Caerleon, Gwent. Follow the ‘brown helmet’ signs from the M4 (westbound junction 25, eastbound junction 26). For satellite navigation purposes use the post code NP18 1AE (recorded as ‘High Street’). More information is available on their website.
Compiled by Sue Brooke
The following events will be taking place next month, why not add one or two to your diary and join in the fun?
1st and 2nd March 2013 – LONDON – Current Archaeology Live – Two Day Conference.
Over two days this conference will cover a wide range of subjects, from the prehistoric through to early modern. Also includes the Current Archaeology Awards ceremony on the Saturday evening. Bonus activities, on a first come, first served basis will be taking place on Sunday 3rd March. This offer is being run in agreement with English Heritage and offers the opportunity to visit Spitalfields charnel house and Billingsgate bathhouse – absolutely free. For more information or to book tickets please see:
http://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/current-archaeology-live-2013.htm
2nd March 2013 –BERKSHIRE – Berkshire Archaeological Society Lecture.
To be held in The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham. The Society exists to protect and promote the archaeology, history, and architecture of the past and present county of Berkshire. The event will present work such as The Iron Age contexts in town life at Silchester, Neolithic houses at Horton Quarry and Boudica’s last stand. For more information please see:
http://www.berksarch.co.uk/
5th March 2013 – DERBYSHIRE – The Archaeology of Creswell Crags.
Morton History Group – MBA Archaeology Talks. MBA, based in Nottinghamshire are involved in community archaeology, education and research, offering the opportunity to engage in educational talks, walks and workshops on a whole range of archaeological topics. For information on this and other events in the area please see:
http://www.mbarchaeology.co.uk/current-projects/derbyshire
7th February – 3rd March 2013 – OXFORD – Miranda Creswell: The Didcot Dog Mile
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot, Oxon. A collaborative exhibition of Miranda’s sketches, archaeological working drawings and historical photographs. Includes artwork by local artists. This event will celebrate both the familiar and the changing landscape of Didcot. For information:
http://www.cornerstone-arts.org/CornerstoneArtsCentreDidcot/EXHIBITIONS/36901.id
8th March 2013 – WELWYN – “70 Years of Archaeology”
A talk by John Smith of the Welwyn Archaeology Society, meeting at the Free Church Hall, Church Road, Welwyn Garden City. WAS are an active archaeological society working on a variety of sites in Hertfordshire. For further information on the work undertaken please see:
http://welwynarchaeologicalsociety.wordpress.com/schedule-of-events/
16th March 2013 – LONDON – Annual Conference of London Archaeologists, at the Museum of London.
London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (LAMAS) annual conference. LAMAS was founded in 1855 ‘for the purpose of investigating the antiquities and early history of the Cities of London and Westminster and the Metropolitan County of Middlesex’. This conference presents work on a whole range of topics from the pre-history of London through to post medieval, including displays of work and publications. An early bird booking discount applies until 1/3/13. For further information and to download the full event programme please see:
http://www.lamas.org.uk/arch2013.html
16th March 2013- BERKSHIRE – Lecture: The health of the Romano British children of Poundbury Camp.
Conference Hall, R.I.S.C, 35 – 39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS, starting at 14:00.
The Berkshire Archaeological Society exists to protect and promote the archaeology, history, and architecture of the past and present county of Berkshire, for more information on this lecture and in relation to other talks, walks and events please see: Berkshire Archaeology Society website:
http://www.berksarch.co.uk/
16th March 2013 – WILTSHIRE – ‘Archaeology in Wiltshire’.
Wiltshire Heritage Museum has outstanding collections that trace the fascinating history of Wiltshire, its environment and its people over the last 6,000 years. A one-day conference exploring the recent archaeological work in Wiltshire, including developer-funded work is planned. A range of talks and sessions will take place throughout the day with speakers from Wessex Archaeology and English Heritage amongst others of note, organised by the Archaeology Field Group of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. For more information please follow:
http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/
29th March-1st September 2013. WILTSHIRE – ’The Splendour of Stonehenge’.
Wiltshire Heritage Museum runs a large number of events, exhibitions and activities both for the general public and members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. The’ Splendour of Stonehenge’ will be displayed from 29th March to 1st. September 2013, an exhibition from the Wiltshire Heritage Museum’s extensive collection of paintings, drawings, engravings, prints and photographs of Stonehenge. These date from the 18th century to the present day. For further details please see:
http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/
19th. March 2013 – CORNWALL – Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network. Lizard area.
CASPN/LAN Site Clearance. This event is a really good opportunity to get hands-on whilst helping to clear an ancient site in the landscape. This not only allows for preservation of the site itself but helps it to be kept safe so that others may enjoy it. Groups will meet at the Kynance Gate Settlement – suitable clothing is needed although tools or any necessary equipment will be provided. See website for details of the work of this group and for further information on events:
http://www.cornishancientsites.com/lan.html
OXFORD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
A variety of courses are available to adult learners; from more informal weekends to accredited distance learning. There is a cost and a real commitment to completing a full course of study but there are many varied courses available from Archaeology to Local History Studies. Please check Oxford University website which gives detailed information on the courses that are available. This offers a really good opportunity to engage in direct or distance learning in a subject of real relevance to your interest:
http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/results.php?Category=800#rightcontent
SOUTH WALES.
Static display – ‘ Origins – In Search of Early Wales’ National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
An opportunity to view many varied objects that help trace the very early history of Wales. The stories behind the objects on display provide glimpses of these times, and help to gain a deeper understanding of Welsh origin, from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic to medieval times. Cathays Park, Cardiff, open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday (Galleries close at 4:45pm) Free entry throughout.
http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/origins/
15th February – 6th. March 2013 – Discover the secrets of Caerau Hillfort – ‘A Capital Hill’
An exhibition at The Cardiff Story from 7th February to 6th March. The Caerau and Ely Rediscovering Heritage Project (CAER) is run by Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion, working with Cardiff’s Ely and Caerau communities, excavating and exploring an un-researched Iron-Age hillfort, building a detailed picture of the history of this area. In April 2012 the CAER Heritage Project invited Channel 4′s Timeteam to assist local community members and schools in exploring the archaeology of this amazing Iron Age hillfort in West Cardiff.
The Cardiff Story, The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH. Free entry throughout. For more information see:
http://www.cardiffstory.com/content.asp?nav=178,228&id=685
Days out with a difference:
31st March – 1st. April 2013 – Knights of Royal England Jousting Tournament .
This is great fun and even the kids will love it. As it involves horses, fighting and lots of noise! The event is being run over two days at Knebworth House from 31st March.
For more information please follow:
http://www.knebworthhouse.com/
5/6/7th March 2013. The Re-enactors Market
Although essentially a market this is also a sociable event where it’s possible to see and purchase goods for re-enactors, historical interpretation and those in the heritage industry. Running from Friday 5th March for three days over the weekend it is to be held at the Sports Connexion, Ryton on Dunsmore.
For more information please follow:
http://www.reenactorsmarket.co.uk/
The nominees for the 5th Annual Archaeology Awards, run by Current Archaeology magazine have now been announced, and voting is now open.
Once again, there are four categories in which to vote; Archaeologist of the Year (4 nominees), Book of the Year (6 nominees), Rescue Dig of the Year (6 nominees), and Research Project of the Year (6 nominees). Full details of the nominees can be found on the Awards website.
Last year’s winners were as follows:
- Archaeologist of the year: – Tony Wilmott
- Rescue Dig of the Year: – Sea of Troubles: Scotland’s Eroding Heritage
- Book of the Year: – Becoming an Archaeologist: a guide to professional pathways by Joe Flatman
- Research Project of the Year: – Massacre at Fin Cop
Winners are decided purely via public vote on the website – there is no panel of judges – so everyone with an interest in archaeology is encouraged to get involved and cast their votes in the four categories.
Voting closes on 15th February 2013, and the winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on 1st March at Current Archaeology Live! 2013. Entry to the awards reception is included as part of the ticket for CA Live!, tickets for which are also now available. We will be there to report on the Awards as they happen, via our Twitter account, so make sure you’re following us then if you can’t be there in person.
Living in North London as I do, Hertfordshire is the first county I usually hit when travelling – the M25 being my nearest motorway junction. Welwyn Garden City is also on a direct train line from home, so when I saw a conference advertised (one of the first events in this year’s Festival of Archaeology) there, it seemed like a ‘must attend’ event.
The conference was organised by the Welwyn Archaeological Society with the title “Archaeology in Hertfordshire: Recent Research”, and was held in honour of founder Tony Rook’s 80th birthday. We previewed the event here on the Journal last month.
I headed off early for the train, entrance fee in hand and arrived at the Terrace Suite in the Campus West complex in good time – in fact, I was the first attendee to arrive! At least I assured my place, having failed to pre-book.
In no time at all, the room filled up nicely – 65 people attended, and Kris Lockyear, Director of the Society kicked off the proceedings with his introductory message. This was followed swiftly by John Baker with the first talk of the day: “Hertfordshire Hundreds: Names and Places”. Unfortunately this was cut short less than 10 minutes in by the building fire alarm sounding! We were all evacuated to stand in the car park in the rain. A fire service vehicle attended and after 15 minutes or so, we were allowed to return to the room, where John bravely continued his talk, an interesting look at some of the known and likely early ‘hundred’ places in Hertfordshire for early forms of government, first documented in AD939, but possibly utilising much earlier gathering places.
Waiting in the rain for the all-clear
Stewart Bryant from the Herts HER then gave a talk: “A nice place to live: settlement and landscape in Hertfordshire from 1500BC to 100BC”. The period chosen was looked upon as the ‘formative period’ for settlement within the county, and the point was made that the number of known settlement sites has increased by some 300% since 1990 – roughly equal to the period of Developer-funded Archaeology. Much was made of the geology of the area, very few sites having been found on the London Clay areas – as Stewart said, “Eskimos have hundreds of words for snow, we have the same for clay!” but Tony Rook later in the day commented that “distribution maps only show where archaeologists have been”. The fact remains that a great deal of evidence of the later prehistoric in Herts survives. Much more than we currently know.
After a short coffee break (strong coffee!), Isobel Thompson posed the question “When was the Roman conquest in Hertfordshire?” The standard answer is ‘AD43′, but Isobel’s talk centered on several facts that suggest this is wrong. For instance, burials have been found in early Verulamium dated to AD43-53, but burials were not allowed inside Roman towns, so it could not have been ‘Roman’ at this time. It was suggested thatVerulamium may have originally been founded to control distribution of iron ore from the west – overlaying later Roman roads on an Iron Age map of the Herts area strongly suggests some re-engineering of earlier trackways. An amusing postcard was displayed, dated from 1907, showing Britons surrendering to Caesar, and for some reason the Britons are all dressed as Vikings! But as to the original question, no definitive date can be given, and AD43 “cannot be considered a useful marker”.
A team of three shared the next talk, which covered the “Dig Where We Stand” project, funded by the HLF. Sarah Dhanjal gave an overview of the project, which covers not just archaeology but all aspects of community heritage. Gabe Moshenska then gave details of the Hendon School Project, where students were given the chance to do ‘real archaeology’; surveying, digging and post-ex. Finally, Kris Lockyear explained how setting up a ‘Handling Archaeological Finds’ course held locally provided experience of different aspects of post-ex, and coincidentally provided a good opportunity to sort the finds archive! The point was pressed that local archaeological societies are community heritage.
Leading up to lunch, Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews gave a talk entitled “Local landscapes for local people? The significance of the Baldock bowl”, and highlighted several sites within the Baldock area including the earliest monument in the area, a 7m wide (narrow) cursus, and a 55m diameter henge which if considered an early ‘formative henge’ is the most easterly yet found. The concentration of neolithic monuments and finds in the area prompted Keith to say “it’s like someone dumped a lump of Salisbury Plain in Hertfordshire!” Of course, the ‘R’ word was used and it was suggested that the area may have been somewhere that communities came together for various purposes.
After a shortened lunch (due to the earlier evacuation), Anne Rowe provided an insight into the history of tree use with “In praise of pollards – living archaeology”. Pollards are trees which have their branches ‘harvested’, usually around head height or so, on a regular basis over many years. As Anne said, “wielding an axe at the top of a ladder is not easy, or so I’m told!” It was interesting to hear of the vaste swathes of pollards mostly now gone, which were used to provide fuel, and to see examples of many surviving pollard areas – something to look out for when travelling around as many pollarded hornbeams and some oak still survive.
Simon West, in “Out of Town, and on the Edge?’ evaluated recent findings and evidence for Romanisation within the Verulamium area, particularly concentrating upon the situation of the Folly Lane burial and its continued importance into the Roman era.
Tony Rook, guest of honour on the occasion of his 80th birthday, then made an appearance and regaled us with entertaining tales of his early years at Lullingstone Villa. His later important finds in the Welwyn Garden City area, using what he described as ‘Snatch and Grab’ archaeology: “I’ve come about the drains…” were also covered in some detail, giving a brief snapshot of some highlights of his career. Kris Lockyear made a small presentation to Tony on behalf of the Welwyn Archaeological Society, which led us nicely into the afternoon tea break.
Tony opens his present.
Suitably refreshed, Pete Boyer provided some details about “Recent excavations at Station Road, Watton-at-Stone”. The dig covers many eras, with prehistoric flints and pottery, a Roman ditch, and an Anglo Saxon ’enigma’ all coming to the fore. 4.5Kg of AS pottery (mostly dated 600-800 AD) is a significant find for the Herts area. The dig provided lots of funerary evidence, but no sign of an associated settlement – maybe this was lost under the nearby railway line?
Finally to close the day, Kris Lockyear told us about his dig close to the last presentation, “The late Iron Age and Roman site at Six Acres, Watton-at-Stone”. After a collection of nearby metal detector finds, the field in question had been used for teaching geofizz and showed some interesting results. sadly, as Kris noted, “the only constant in archaeology is Sod’s Law” and a modern water pipe dissects the junction of 4 promising features. but there is a lot more work still to do on the site which has provided a selection of Roman pottery.
…And that wrapped up an enjoyable and educational day. I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t know there was such a breadth of archaeology in Hertfordshire – it’s all too easy to focus on the visible and forget about the rest, but the signs are there if you know what to look for! There are plans to issue the conference proceedings at a later date, watch the society website for details of that.
