Word has reached us of an exciting new project, led by Kris Lockyear Ph.D.  Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology UCL. The aim of the project is to conduct an archaeological magnetometry survey on a wide range of sites throughout Hertfordshire, including Verulamium Park in St Albans, site of the Roman city of Verulamium, sacked by Boudica in 60 CE.

An impressive list of local societies and heritage groups are currently involved in the project, including:

  • Welwyn Archaeological Society
  • North Herts Archaeological Society
  • East Herts Archaeological Society
  • St. Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society
  • Berkhamstead and District Archaeological Society
  • West Essex Archaeological Group
  • Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service
  • St. Albans Museum Service
  • St. Albans District Council
  • Hertfordshire Historical Environment Department
  • Wheathampstead Historical Society
  • Welwyn Hatfield Young Archaeologists Club
  • St. Albans Young Archaeologists Club

From what we understand, involvement in the project requires membership of a group, but there may be some ‘slack’ to accommodate members of the public who wish to learn about magnetometry. A calendar of planned surveys will be updated on the project website  as dates are confirmed. The website will also include updates of progress and other news.

Some surveying will kick off this week, and a course on Remote Sensing for Community Archaeology is being held at Verulamium Museum from 8th to 12th July. Tutors from the UK, the USA and the Netherlands will be giving the 40 participants lectures in Verulamium Museum in the mornings and practicals in the afternoons in the Park including magnetometry, resistance survey, GPR and magnetic susceptibility.

A worthwhile project that deserves support!

Also in Hertfordshire, the Norton Community Archaeology Group (NCAG) will again be digging at Norton Henge  from July 17 to August 24. We visited their open day last year, and found it to be a fascinating site. For more information about NCAG or to join the dig visit their web site or contact ncagmembers@live.co.uk