Booking is free and anyone with an interest in London’s archaeology is very welcome. To register for your place, just click the orange box above before 1pm on 13th May
We have four terrific short presentations lined up this time:
- Dave Saxby is Senior Archaeologist at MOLA working on the Roman site in Holborn Viaduct that uncovered an incredibly rare Roman funerary bed and much more in the midst of a cemetery. He takes us through the circumstances of the discovery of the bed as well as discussing its context and the skeletal remains and finds associated with the burial ground on the banks of the Fleet, where preservation is exceptional.
- Sadie Watson outlines the Roman Gardens of Londinium project undertaken by the community from around MOLA’s offices in Hackney, who researched the plants that would have been commonly seen in the gardens of Londinium. They designed and produced posters illustrating the plants, explored the potential of research into Roman archaeology to provide engaging and entertaining activities, and are making plans for a larger garden-based project.
- Elke Raemen Senior Finds Specialist at Archaeology South-East describes material culture of a medieval manor house, the Elizabethan Red Lion Playhouse as well as the Red Lion farm/inn and its neighbour in Whitechapel. A wealth of finds, both relating to the smoking and drinking culture expected at victualling sites, and more unusual ones, highlighting the gaps we still have in our knowledge of the material culture of this time period.
- Neil Redfern is Executive Director at the Council for British Archaeology, the national body that this year celebrates its 80th anniversary. The theme of the year - Archaeology and Community - focuses on how all aspects of our communities explore and interpret the past through the lens of the present day. He'll look at what issues and opportunities are for archaeology in London and beyond in light of the considerable shifts in archaeology, heritage and management of the historic environment.