For full details of this campaign please see the flyers below (343 KB and 334 KB).
To view please see below. Newsletter size 108 KB.
Northumberland Archaeological Group Excavation at Wether Hill near Powburn/Ingram, Northumberland National Park.
Sunday July 28th to Sunday August 11th with a rest day on Sunday 4th August. Work will focus on the hillfort. Diggers must join NAG for insurance purposes. Please email jenny.vaughan@virgin.net. The new NAG website is http://northumberlandarchaeologicalgroup.wordpress.com/.For full details see the flyer below (301 KB).
Bamburgh Castle - 3 June to 28 July. £235 per person per week. Contact graemeyoung@bamburghresearchproject.co.uk for more information.
Binchester Roman Fort - 3 June to 26 July. Contact David.mason@durham.gov.uk for more information.
Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields - June to August. Contact projects@earthwatch.org.uk for more information.
Vindolanda Roman Fort - 1 April to 6 September. Contact fionawatson@vindolanda.com for more information.
Bury Archaeological Group - Gristlehurst Farm, Heywood, Manchester. April until end of October. Participants must join the group (£10 per year). Contact Robert.huddart@ntlworld.com for more information.
Dig Greater Manchester – Rochdale (April), Manchester (July) and Salford (September). Contact v.nash@salford.ac.uk for more information.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) will be amongst the first charities in the UK to use its own, unique personalised text code, ARCH11, to raise funds using JustTextGiving by Vodafone. This is a brand new, free service for charities that has no set up or fundraising costs for charities, no network charges for people making donations and every penny donated goes to charity. Gift Aid can also be added to donations. From today, supporters of The CBA can make donations of up to £10 by texting ARCH11 and either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 to 70070 to make their donation. The text message is free and all of the donation will be passed to the CBA. Cherida Plumb, Head of Development for the CBA said: "This is a wonderful way for us to raise money as it is speedy, simple, and spontaneous. Most people have a mobile phone these days so we expect this to be very popular with our supporters. It is especially important that, in these financially difficult days, we make it as easy as possible for those with an interest in and passion for archaeology to support our work in whatever way the can. If every one of our supporter were to give a little something this would have a significant affect on our fundraising income."
For further information contact Cherida Plumb at the CBA on development@britarch.ac.uk or visit http://www.justgiving.com/justtextgiving
To donate, simply:
* type ARCH11 into a blank text message
* choose the amount you wish to donate to the CBA (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) and add that amount to your text message
* send the message to 70070
* sign up for gift aid! You will receive a thank you text, with instructions on how your donation to the CBA can be increased by 25% with gift aid at no extra cost (if you a UK tax payer)
The second edition of the Dig Deep for YAC update is available to read here.
To find out more about this new title and to place an order, please view the launch flyer by following the link below.
Northallerton and District Local History Society, are combining with the British Association for Local History to stage a conference at Northallerton Forum on Saturday, 29th September. The title of the conference is The North Riding of Yorkshire in an Age of Transition 1750 – 1820 and the theme will be the economic and social changes of the period. This period is significant in that it is typically referred to as the Agricultural Revolution. It is also transitional from domestic manufacture to the factory system and was the springboard for later large scale industrialization, which included the birth of Middlesbrough, the ‘infant Hercules’. North Yorkshire is a particularly interesting study in that it is regarded as an archetypal rural county, yet it has experienced substantial structural change, either from exploitation of its own natural resources or from the impact of capital generated from colonial trade.
The day will start with an introduction by Professor of Geography, Robin Butlin, to the Historical Atlas of North Yorkshire. This definitive work was published in 2003 to widespread acclaim and has been used as a basic reference in formulating the conference. It will be followed by papers on the changing status of the market towns of Northallerton and Richmond, respectively presented by Local Historians’ Jennifer Allison and Jane Hatcher. The period is characterized by widespread innovation and BALH Council member, Win Stokes, will discuss the famous agricultural tour conducted by John Tuke and the commentaries of other writers of the period. The morning will conclude with a presentation by Visiting Research Fellow, George Sheeran, using the famous etchings of George Walker to illustrate a period of rapid social change.
The afternoon will be concerned with established manufacturing, commencing with an introduction by Industrial Archaeologist, John Harrison, to the staple domestic industry since land was first cultivated of corn milling. This will be followed by retired Adult Education Lecturer, Barry Harrison, tracing the history of linen manufacture and its contribution to the development of the area. Mike Gill, Recorder of the Northern Mine Research Society follows with a wide ranging discourse on the extractive industries across the county and David Pybus, Local Historian, concludes with a single industry paper on the rise and fall of the alum industry. Professor of Social History, Malcolm Chase, will sum up the day with an appraisal of social issues. Further details can be obtained from the NDLHS website at http://www.northyorkshistory.co.uk or from the NDLHS Secretary, John Sheehan, by email at jgsheehan@btinternet.com or by telephoning 01609 771878. To complete the proceedings a Country House visit has been arranged for the Sunday; this will take place at Swinton Castle and will include further papers on the period.
The latest version of the Tees Archaeology Newsletter can now be viewed by following the link below.
The latest version of the TILLVAS Newsletter can now be viewed by following the link below.
This book by local author Clifford Jones, the Archaeologist from Barefoot & Trowel, will be available in the shops 30th June No ordinary guide to Hadrian' Wall - for starters it commences at Tynemouth Priory and ends at Kirkbride and there are plenty of off the wall adventures along the way. So time for a rethink as to what we actually know about the Wall.
Review copies are available on request from The History Press.
Authors comments: "I like to turn full stops into comma's. Demolishing perceived facts and certainties is jolly hard work, but good fun. Giving the public an opportunity of a fresh look at Hadrian's Wall is no exception to this way of thinking. Not many have attempted to give the public an explanation of why the end isn't the end and why Kirkbride is more important than Bowness on Solway. The Author asks some pertinent questions of Cumbria County Council and Hadrian's Wall Heritage Limited management in his usual jovial but incisive fashion. "As a nation we are quick to portray a picture of the Wall as being one of complete understanding; that we manage it with infinite care - we are in fact far from understanding it and do history an injustice in creating a false impression of our knowledge. We have yet to properly scratch the surface and we are all fools if we think otherwise." The guide provides such useful tips as how to catch a bus and use timetable- an essential where a mistake can mean a very long walk; easing the desk bound walker into a routine that builds over the first four days, so by day ten the walker will have both enjoyed going further than any other Wall walker, but also seen many sites others will have missed by those just walking the national trail. Plenty of scope for the reader and walker to see things from a different perspective and get involved. Pragmatic by nature the Author believes trains, buses and metro's are there to be used. The odd and even pub comes in handy too!
The Author is currently working on the TV series "Off the Wall" loosely based on his experiences and he is joined in the venture by co producer and presenter Alison O'Neill the Barefoot Shepherdess. Barefoot & Trowel are currently working up the storyboard and completing the research stages. "There's a fantastic range of stories "Off the Wall" People Passion Place, that's what it's about an who better than a shepherdess and an archaeologist to reveal it."
The latest Flodden 500 press release (April 2012)
For the latest edition of the Teesside Archaeological Society eNews and to subscibe to the group please visit Teesside Archaeological Society eNews.
Kate Sussams has been appointed as Project Manager for the £1.67million Heritage Lottery funded project ‘Old Newcastle – Where the story begins’, a dynamic four-year project set to revitalise the historic core of Old Newcastle.
Kate is a heritage professional with over twenty years experience in the world of museums and cultural heritage. Originally from East Anglia, Kate was responsible for redeveloping the Norman castle keep at Norwich castle, introducing family-friendly interactive displays and working with designers to show off the building to its full potential. She was then the first Property Manager for the internationally renowned Anglo-Saxon site of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, run by the National Trust. After spending almost ten years there, Kate decided to experience a different way of life up in the north-east, running Bede’s World Museum in Jarrow for three years, during which the museum was a key partner in the bid for World Heritage Status for the twin monastic site of Wearmouth-Jarrow, the home of the Venerable Bede.
Kate has been appointed as the Project Manager for the Old Newcastle Project and has already started in earnest to lead on this exceptionally exciting project which will see the medieval Black Gate transformed into an accessible, heritage-led learning and interpretation centre, creating a hub of activity which will be available to the entire community. The project will draw in the Castle Keep and the cathedral Church of St Nicholas to create a dynamic and outstanding heritage asset which will bring alive this important area of Newcastle.
Kate said : “I am really very pleased to be a key part of this exciting project. The Black Gate, Castle Keep and St Nicholas’ cathedral together form such an important historic hub. This forward-thinking project will bring the Black Gate alive and will enable the whole community to access this amazing building. Not only will we be able to put in place some inspiring interpretation, we will also be able to create a first-class education facility for learners of all ages to enjoy.” Dean of Newcastle, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Chair of the Partnership, said: ““We’re really pleased Kate has come on board. She has a wide range of skills developed during her time working at some of the most prestigious heritage sites in the UK. We are looking forward to her leading this important project and creating a really special place of which the City can be proud. We are especially glad that the Cathedral can play its part in creating a real sense of place for all visitors and the local community to connect with.”
For photo opportunities and further information about the project, please contact Kate Sussams, Project Manager, Old Newcastle Project on 07846 788892 or email Kate Sussams.
For a comprehenslve list of fieldwork opportunities in the UK visit http://www.digs.archaeology.co.uk.
Annual subscription £15 per adult, £5 for students Mrs S. Holborn, BAS Treasurer, 6 Riverview Park, Spittal TD15 1QR
Visit www.border-archaeological-society.co.uk.BAS is looking for new committee members
Durham University Museums are delighted to announce a new archaeology club for children aged 7-11 years. Durham Archaeology Explorers (DAX) meets on the first Saturday of every month at the Oriental Museum from 2-4pm. Each session focuses on the archaeology of a different historical period in chronological order, so children get a sense of how society changes and develops. The cost of each session is £1 payable on the day. Alternatively we offer an annual membership (12 sessions) for £10. Places are limited, so booking is essential.
For further details, including information on all future sessions, or to make a booking please contact Charlotte Spink on 0191 334 5691 or email archaeology.explorers@durham.ac.uk
In Maryport, a small town on the Solway coast, where for many years the Romans faced a barbarian enemy across the sea, a battle is being played out between a housing developer, Story Homes, and those keen to preserve an internationally important archaeological site. I am hoping that this might form the basis of a Guardian article, as it touches on a number of sensitive issues, not least that of 'localism', heritage, and the Government's overhaul of the planning system.
Story Homes (a Carlisle-based builder) have applied to build 152 new houses on a green-field site close to the heart of Maryport. The field in question (known locally as the Deer Park) is stiff with archaeology, including a British settlement 'of considerable interest’‚ according to English Heritage, a Roman cremation cemetery ‘of national significance’‚ a Roman road and many other features of, as yet, unknown significance.
The site lies immediately adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire' and no more than a few hundred metres from an internationally important Roman fort established in the first century. Recent excavations by Newcastle University outside the fort (see attached photograph and Current Archaeology, October 2011) have revealed the foundations of a very large late Roman building, confirming that the Maryport site remained important into the fourth century. I have attached maps showing the scale of the proposed development and the relationship of its location to the currently scheduled area.
Locals are up in arms and UNESCO, already concerned about past failures to protect the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, is likely to get involved. A letter objecting to the plan has been lodged by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments & Sites), which advises UNESCO on these matters, with Allerdale Borough Council, whose planners are to be the arbiters of the site's fate. Archaeologists as far afield as Vancouver have written to protest. The development would funnel traffic down an already dangerous road much travelled, on foot, by hundreds of local school-children (the headmaster has not been consulted!) and destroy a scenic and much-loved approach to the town (see attached photograph).
English Heritage, which one would have hoped would defend the World Heritage Site and its setting, has decided to throw in its lot with the developers. Its North West regional office is actively supporting the plan. If the development goes forward, the developer has agreed to provide access through the Deer Park to a visitor development planned by Hadrian's Wall Heritage Limited, a company established by English Heritage and others. The proposed access would cross the line of the Roman road to the fort and ‘float’ across the site of the Roman cemetery. An alternative access route, not damaging any known archaeology, is available.
EH Chief Executive Simon Thurley, in the October issue of Current Archaeology (which ironically enough features Roman Maryport on its cover), says in reference to the new National Planning Framework: ‘I think readers should be concerned as well. Anyone who cares about archaeology in this country should make their views known. It is incredibly important that individuals express their concerns as well as organisations. The stakes couldn't be higher.’
Meanwhile, the organisation he heads says of the Maryport site, for the benefit of the developers, that ‘the proposed development lies outside the boundary of the World Heritage Site and there will therefore have no direct impact‘. This statement blithely disregards the advice in the 2009 official circular on the protection of World Heritage Sites that ‘it is important to consider carefully how to protect the setting of each World Heritage Site so that its outstanding universal value, integrity, authenticity and significance are not adversely affected by inappropriate change or development.’
Those of us campaigning against the proposed housing development think this is an unholy alliance between the developers, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage and English Heritage against the long-term preservation of the town’s Roman archaeology and the clearly stated wishes of the majority of local people. A petition circulated locally has already secured more than 1,000 signatures and a well-attended public meeting has voted to oppose the development. For further details, see local newspaper reports on the following links:
Simon Thurley (EH Chairman) again: ’All the nicest places to live in, work in and visit are places with a heritage behind them; all the places which work do so because people have a sense of pride in their history.’
I hope that you think this is a story worthy of national exposure.
Let me know if you agree, and if I can help with further details and information.
Best wishes
Peter Greggains
The May 2013 newsletter for Ford, Etal, Crookham, Branxton and surrounding areas
North-East History Hub at www.northeasthistoryhub.co.uk
North-East History Tour blog www.northeasthistorytour.blogspot.com
County Durham has a rich and diverse archaeological heritage. The Bowes Museum houses objects up to 6,000 years old which have been found in digs in County Durham ranging from prehistoric cup and ring marked stones, a Bronze Age hoard, to graffiti from Binchester Roman fort. Archaeology and the Arts in County Durham is a new project initially funded until March 2011 (by the MLA through the North East Regional Museums Hub) to engage communities with the archaeology collections at The Bowes Museum. The overall outcome of the project is to create improved access to the collection and opportunities to use the objects in engaging and meaningful ways, whilst considering how this could develop in the future. This project is a partnership between The Bowes Museum and Durham County Council. Keep up-to-date on the project and its developments at The Bowes Museum website and look out for Community Curator, Samantha Belcher, in your area.
Samantha Belcher, Community Curator (Archaeology and the Arts in County Durham), The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP. Telephone: 01833 690606 Email Samantha Belcher or visit the Bowes Museum.
Hadrian's Wall: An Archaeological Walking Guide by Clifford Jones
More events for the region at CBA North Events.
CBA North | About us | Become a member | Support us | Students | Events | Newsletters | Announcements | Local groups & societies | Contact us