31 Jul 2024

Neil's Journey Through the Festival of Archaeology 2024

The 2024 Festival of Archaeology was a whirlwind of exploration, discovery, and community engagement. Our Executive Director, Neil, took us on an incredible journey across the UK, sharing his experiences and highlights through his social media updates. Here’s a detailed look back at Neil’s adventures and the amazing events he attended during the festival.

 

Day 1: Scottish Crannog Centre

Neil, along with the CBA team and the festival’s primary sponsors Headland archaeology, kicked off the festival at the Scottish Crannog Centre.

 

 

The day was filled with excitement and curiosity as visitors explored traditional crafts and learned about life in the Iron Age. Throughout the day visitors enjoyed a live ceilidh, puppet shows, traditional cooking, storytelling, and more!  

The scenic location along Loch Tay provided a perfect backdrop for the opening day celebrations.

"The end of a wonderful opening day for the @archaeologyuk #FestivalOfArchaeology at the @ScottishCrannog. Winding down in one of roundhouses as the day draws to an end. Thanks to all of amazing visitors and partners who helped make such a special day."

 Neil expressed his gratitude to the visitors and partners who made the opening day special, remarking on the unique experience of winding down in one of the roundhouses as the day concluded.

 

Day 5: Canal Heritage and Worcestershire Pits

On Day 5, Neil enjoyed his morning coffee in a Worcestershire woodland before heading out to explore the Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire. The canal bridges, rich in detail and history, provided a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the past. The intricate design and craftsmanship of these structures hold the memory and footprints of countless nameless individuals who contributed to this impressive infrastructure.

Later in the day, Neil visited the Pershore Bridges, a WW2 anti-invasion site he had known about since his early days working for the CBA Defence of Britain project. This visit was a personal milestone for him, finally ticking off a long-time bucket list item. The historical significance of these structures, coupled with Neil's personal connection, made for a profound experience.

Pershore Bridges & a true bucket list site ticked off my list - even if a little overgrown. I have known about this WW2 anti-invasion site since I first worked for the CBA Defence of Britain project in 1997. I never visited until today.

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In the evening, Neil met with members of the Worcestershire Archaeological Society and Nina O’Hare, a Community Archaeologist at the Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service. They discussed the "Small Pits Big Ideas" project, which involved over 400 local people in archaeological digs across six villages, and won the Community Archaeology project of the year at the Marsh awards 2023. This project exemplifies the power of community archaeology, bringing people together to explore their shared heritage.

Explore this year’s marsh awards winners, or find out more about the workd of Nina and the Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology service. 

 

 

Day 6: UCL Archaeology Excavation

Day 6 saw Neil visiting the UCL Archaeology training excavation at St Andrews Church in Norton, Suffolk. The site was bustling with activity as students and archaeologists worked together to uncover the past. Neil was particularly impressed with the finds and the dedication of everyone involved, noting the importance of training excavations in developing the next generation of archaeologists.

The picturesque setting of the church added to the charm of the excavation, and Neil couldn't help but draw parallels to JL Carr’s novel "A Month in the Country," which explores themes of restoration and discovery in a rural English village. This idyllic setting underscored the significance of archaeological work in interpreting cultural heritage.

Day 7: Richard III in Leicester

Neil’s journey continued in Leicester, visiting the Richard III exhibition. This day was particularly memorable as he joined Sarah Scott and Mathew Morris from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services at a pop-up exhibition in John Lewis. The event attracted many people new to the city's archaeology, sparking engaging conversations and curiosity. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity to connect with the public and share the fascinating history of Richard III and the city's rich archaeological heritage.

Enjoyed being out of the office with @ArchAncHistLeic Sarah Scott @ulasarchaeology Mathew Morris at the Leics pop up exhibition in John Lewis as part of #FestivalOfArchaeology. Many people new to archaeology of the city stopping to chat. 

In the evening, Neil joined the Leicestershire Fieldworkers for a walk with Peter Liddell, a former county archaeologist and long-time supporter of the festival, who was given honorary lifetime membership of the CBA this year. It was a delightful end to a day filled with historical insights and community interaction, emphasising the importance of local engagement. 

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Day 9: Thornborough Henges

Neil led guided walks at Thornborough Henges on Day 9, sharing the rich history and significance of this prehistoric site with attendees. The Northern Henge, a site managed by English Heritage, provided a fascinating glimpse into the past. These guided walks offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the ancient landscape and learn about the archaeological significance of the henges.

Day 10: Chedworth Roman Villa

Neil’s visit to Chedworth Roman Villa was a day filled with discovery. The site, known for its well-preserved Roman remains, offered Neil a chance to get hands-on with archaeology. He even helped clean out a hypocaust, uncovering contemporary artifacts like lost plastic mosaic pieces, a coin, and tesserae. This hands-on experience provided a tangible connection to the past, illustrating the continuity of human activity at the site.

The team at Chedworth Roman Villa provided an enriching experience, making the visit a highlight of his journey. The site’s commitment to public education and engagement underscores the importance of making archaeology accessible.

Day 11: Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Exploring the Dolaucothi Gold Mines in mid-Wales, Neil delved into the Roman mining history of the site. Guided by Neville, Neil learned about the techniques used by the Romans to extract gold and the site's continuous use until the late 1930s. This exploration provided insights into the technological advancements and economic significance of the mines throughout history.

The visit showcased the intersection of industrial heritage and natural beauty, with the mines offering insights into both ancient and more recent mining activities.

Day 12: Museum of Liverpool

Neil’s visit to the Museum of Liverpool was a highlight, filled with engaging interactions and educational moments. He met with Vanessa Oakden, a community archaeologist shortlisted for the 2024 Marsh Awards, and explored the museum’s rich archaeological collections. Vanessa’s work and dedication to community archaeology were evident, and Neil congratulated her on her achievements.

Beyond all of the amazing staff, people and visitors the museum itself is fantastic and stuffed full of archaeology not least the timeline of Liverpool - visit there is so much to see and lots more festival activities.

The museum’s interactive exhibits and educational programs, like the Little Diggers, made it a perfect destination for families and archaeology enthusiasts alike.

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Day 13: Cliffe Castle

Day 13 took Neil to Cliffe Castle in Keighley, where he joined a family fun learning day. The museum’s diverse collections and the engaging activities made for an enjoyable and educational visit. Neil was particularly impressed with the display of bricks and a drain cover made in India, highlighting the museum’s eclectic collections.

The visit was capped off with a tour of the museum’s arts and crafts heaven, including stunning stained glass displays and a set of musical rocks dating back to the Neolithic.

Day 14: Castleton

Neil spent a fantastic day in Castleton, celebrating the achievements of Catherine Parker Heath, the 2024 Marsh Awards Community Archaeologist of the Year. The Family Archaeology Fun Day in the Peak District was filled with hands-on activities, including a creative “make your own paper plate Arbor Low Henge” workshop.

Find out more about this year’s marsh awards winners here.

 

The day concluded with a visit to the Thixendale Craft and Social Group exhibition on Wharram Percy. Neil was deeply moved by the group's artistic responses to archaeology, emphasising the inspirational and creative ways in which communities engage with their heritage.

Pauline Foster and all of the members of the group are my heritage heroes, putting the tiny and remote village of Thixendale on the map. It is a very special place full of very special people. Thank you for the privilege of encountering your work.

Day 16: Festival Finale at Hardwick Hall

The final day of the festival was a grand celebration at Hardwick Hall. Neil, along with the CBA team, National Trust, and Headland Archaeology, welcomed attendees to the festival’s closing event. The day was filled with activities that encapsulated the festival’s theme of Archaeology and Community, reflecting on the connections formed and the knowledge shared throughout the festival.

As the festival concluded, Neil reflected on the incredible journey and the many highlights that made the 2024 Festival of Archaeology a resounding success. The festival brought together communities, showcased the importance of archaeology, and celebrated the shared heritage that connects us all.

#FestivalOfArchaeology 2024 - that’s a wrap for this year - we have packed it all into the back of a van! Thanks to everyone who has helped us deliver a wonderful 16 days packed full of archaeology. Just 51 weeks until it all starts again in 2025!

 Follow more from Neil over on his X (Twitter)

 

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