Download - Festival of Archaeology
Over 1000 ways to get your hands on the past
Find an event near you:archaeologyfestival.org.uk
Council for British Archaeology
Every year, the Council for British Archaeology’s
Festival of Archaeology encourages everyone
who loves history to explore their local area, get
hands on and experience it for themselves.
This summer, I plan to be out and about with
my family, enjoying the variety of events on offer
across the UK. There are literally hundreds to choose from, appealing
to every age and interest – and in these pages you’ll find just a few to
whet your appetite. Enjoy activities in woodland and farms, expert-
led walks, tours of industrial sites and a visit to a nuclear bunker –
you can even discover how the Victorians made ice cream. Explore
what life was like for the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, learn about
the technology behind archaeology and have a go at a community
dig. Find details and dates of all the events on our website.
As the CBA’s president I’ve enjoyed many opportunities to get
involved, from studying First World War practice trenches to
speaking up on behalf of our amazing heritage. Now it’s your chance
to dig into the past and have your own archaeological adventure!
Have an adventure at the 24th CBA Festival of Archaeology
COORDINATED BY:
This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging. Please remove any gifts, samples or wrapping and dispose of it at your local collection point.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is an educational charity and the leading independent body for archaeology in the UK. We champion public interest in archaeology by promoting the care and appreciation of the historic environment and encouraging archaeology for all. We coordinate the Festival of Archaeology with support from English Heritage and Cadw.
www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk
Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all
@FestivalofArch
Dan Snow
CBA President
involved in our practice dig or
handling and learning about
objects from the past at this
hugely popular event.
Fishbourne Roman Palace, ChichesterJoin the archaeology team
on an 11-day excavation,
suitable for aspiring
archaeologists of all ages.
Experts are on hand to
identify your finds and
explain what they teach us
about the past. Who knows
what you might discover?
Archaeology in actionChedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham
Get tips on identifying and
illustrating finds during a
fortnight of activities and
expert talks.
Corinium Museum, CirencesterJoin Cotswold Archaeology
as it celebrates its 25-year
anniversary at an open day
– specialists will be on hand
to give talks, discuss recently
found objects and identify
your own artefacts.
Always wanted to have a go
at a dig? During the Festival
you can try basic excavation
techniques – digging and
identifying finds – and enjoy
top tips from the experts. Dig
visits and hands-on events
give the whole family the
chance to experience the
excitement of archaeology.
The Collection, LincolnA host of activities during
the family archaeology day
could see you getting
Get hands on with history at archaeological digs around the UK
Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all @FestivalofArch
Dig for Great Bowden’s Hidden Past, Leicestershire
JIGSAW projects, Cambridgeshire
“The great thing about our
projects, such as the CORS
project at Great Bowden with
Heritage Lottery Funding,
is the way that communities
make the projects their own!
There are now more than 30
test pits in Great Bowden,
dug by villagers in gardens,
pubs and community spaces.
Findings augment data from
more than 50 villages in the
east of England to create
a picture of how and why
settlements changed over
the centuries. Join in with the
Festival to see what’s been
found, and to watch a test pit
dig in progress.”
Dr Carenza Lewis Access Cambridge Archaeology
“Find out about the exciting
range of projects being run
by Cambridgeshire
community archaeology
groups – you may even want
to join them! Hear talks from
Jigsaw’s members about
their finds and learn more
about ways to uncover your
area's archaeology – be sure
to book your place.
Jigsaw Cambridgeshire
is a five-year community
project, supported by the
Heritage Lottery Fund, that
helps people to get actively
involved in discovering,
understanding and
protecting their heritage.”
Jemima Woolverton Community archaeologist
MEET THE ORGANISERS
Kendal Museum, CumbriaUnearthed an exciting
artefact? Bring it along for
identification by the Finds
Liaison Officer for Lancashire
and Cumbria, and see objects
from their collection.
Penmaenmawr Museum, Conwy, WalesSee Bronze Age
experimental archaeology
in action with the museum's
Ancient Arts team.
Basing House, BasingstokeGet in touch with your inner
Indiana Jones at the Dig Pits
adventure. Learn basic
excavation techniques and
object recording among the
remains of a grand 16th-
century house.
Ure Museum, Reading Experience the thrill of
handling 2,500-year-old
Greek pots during sessions
for young archaeologists.
Follow clues written on
ancient papyrus to find
hidden artefacts, and create
your own stop-motion
animation to bring to life
the pictures that decorate
the pots.BA
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Find more hands-on events online: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson
Hands-on family funDorchester-on-Thames Allotments, OxfordshireDelve deep into a Roman
settlement at this open day,
with artefacts, site tours and
activities for young people.
Gosport Discovery Centre, HampshireMeet Monty the Mammoth in
the Geology Gallery to find
out where and when men
and mammoths met! Enjoy
Stone Age activities, get
hands on with archaeology,
art and nature, and make
your own mini Monty to take
home with you.
Oakwell Hall, Birstall, West YorkshireMeet highwayman John
‘Swift Nicks’ Nevison, admire
an exhibition of stone carving
and artwork, and enjoy a
range of exciting events.
Maidstone Museum, KentTrace the region’s story from
prehistoric times with a range
of family-friendly activities:
have a go at digging and see
how flint tools were made.
Get crafty with Festival family activity days
Young Archaeologists’ ClubYAC is the only UK club that helps young people
between the ages of 8 and 16 to stay in touch with
all things archaeological, and to get free access to
hundreds of heritage sites around Britain. The club
has branches across the UK, hosted
by volunteers, offering a varied
programme of hands-on archaeological
activities for young people.
Visit www.yac-uk.org
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Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all @FestivalofArch
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset‘Cave people’ clad in
deerskin demonstrate
Stone-Age survival skills and
talk about the artefacts and
human and animal bones
excavated from Gough’s
Cave. Hands-on activities
include ‘cave painting’, dig
boxes, dressing up, and
making pinch pots.
Launceston Priory, CornwallExplore what was once the
largest and richest medieval
monastic house in Cornwall
with an exhibition and guided
tours. Family activities
include stained-glass making,
mini excavation boxes and
cord winding.
Octon, East YorkshireCelebrate the recent
restoration of a cruck barn in
the stunning North Yorkshire
Wolds with medieval fun and
games, plus enjoy talks, tours
and a chance to handle finds
from the period.
Museum in the Park, Stroud, GloucsTry your hand at being an
archaeologist! Excavate
artefacts from a range of
periods in our mini-pit, draw
and identify your discoveries.
Great Excavations: Young Archaeologists’ Club Conference, York“Young people are invited
to join some of the UK’s top
archaeologists at our family-
friendly YAC conference at
the University of York. Enjoy
a unique mix of discussions
and talks, with opportunities
for young people and their
families to try hands-on
activities and find out more
about studying archaeology
at university – as well as
learning what it's like to work
as an archaeologist at the
rockface in the Himalayas.”
Elvie Thompson Young Archaeologists’ Club
Egypt Centre, Swansea“Experience the world of
the ancient Egyptians with
guided tours by our award-
winning young volunteers.
As well as the chance to try
out mummification on our
‘dummy mummy’, there are
opportunities to dress up
in authentic costumes, play
ancient games and handle
real Egyptian artefacts.”
Syd Howells Egypt Centre, Swansea University
MEET THE ORGANISERS
Find more family events online: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson
“The Festival helps people get hands on with history”Michael Wood Historian, writer and broadcaster
Secret Nuclear Bunker, Cuckfield, West SussexDelve into a Royal Observer
Corps Post underground
bunker, built in 1962 and
operational during the Cold
War, and now restored to its
1980s interior, complete with
period equipment.
Berw Colliery, Anglesey, WalesFollow an old miners’ track
and explore the ruins of a
Victorian coal mine. See how
nature is finding a home in
this former industrial site, and
hear tales from the area’s
history told by RSPB staff.
Bedern Hall, YorkMeet the Vicars Choral of
York Minster! Discover how
they built their refectory, see
some of the artefacts they left
behind, enjoy evening lectures
and even learn plainsong.
Dinas Emrys, Gwynedd, WalesExplore the site of an ancient
hill fort, steeped in myth, on
a guided walk while hearing
stories about the princes of
Gwynedd, Merlin and
Vortigern – a 5th-century
king of Britain.
Larkhill, WiltshireTo mark the centenary of the
start of the First World War,
CBA Wessex will be leading a
guided walk around this
garrison town, exploring the
settlement’s roots, its role in
the ‘Great War’, and its
ongoing military story.
Frolesworth, LeicestershireHead to Fosse Meadows for
a short walk through a long
period of prehistory! See
where Stone Age man
knapped flints for hunting
and preparing food.
Joseph Hunter’s SheffieldFollow in the footsteps of
Sheffield’s first historian on a
tour of the sights of the 18th-
century city. Visit Paradise
Square, the city’s first non-
conformist chapel and the
site of its first coffee house.
Fylingdales Moor, North YorkshireJoin an expert from the Hawk
and Owl Trust to explore this
intriguing part of the North
York Moors. Hear about a lost
Second World War tank, see
standing stones and walk
part of an old salt road.
Hinckley, LeicestershireEnjoy talks on three major
local discoveries: the burial of
the Roman child ‘Oriens’, the
Staffordshire Hoard, and the
dig for Richard III’s remains at
the site of Greyfriars Abbey.
University of DurhamJoin a topical talk in the
Pemberton Building about
the destruction and looting of
heritage in Syria, examining
what can be done, and why –
in the face of human loss –
cultural heritage still matters.
Walks and talks
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Search for more walks or tours at: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson
Meet the ancestorsEvents across the country introduce a cast of
characters from Britain’s past, painting a vivid
picture of ancient lifestyles. Enjoy a day of
living history at Salisbury Museum, viewing
important finds – including
many from Stonehenge – in
the new £2.4m Wessex
Gallery. In Dorset, family trails,
hands-on activities and living
history will inspire the kids at
Corfe Castle. In Northumberland, Bamburgh
Castle will host an encampment recreating
Saxon and Viking cultures with
demonstrations of cooking and warfare.
In Bristol you can experience life as a Roman
at various venues, tasting the food of the
empire and handling real objects of the period,
and discover the culture of pre-Roman Britain
at Lawrence Weston Community Farm.
Create magnificent mosaics at Welwyn
Roman Baths in Hertfordshire. On Roman Day
at the Avalon Marshes Centre near
Glastonbury you can enter a
roundhouse and see the
construction of a replica dining
room in a Roman villa, complete
with hypocaust underfloor
heating. Immerse yourself in
domestic medieval life at the Saints, Sailors
and Pilgrims Day at M Shed in Bristol and in
a reconstructed house from the deserted
settlement of Hangleton in West Sussex.
Village life of the Middle Ages is re-enacted in
the Medieval Festival at Middlesbrough’s Fairy
Dell Park, with living history demonstrations,
archery, craft workshops and a hog roast.
A log boat takes shape at the Avalon Marshes Centre near Glastonbury
“Experience life as a Roman in Bristol,
tasting the food of the empire”
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Wandsworth Historical Society“There’s plenty to excite people of all ages
and backgrounds in our display about the
history and archaeology of the London
borough of Wandsworth. We’ll share
discoveries unearthed during the
construction of the Southside Shopping
Centre, which hosts the event. Visitors will
enjoy a rare opportunity to handle artefacts,
view old maps and even try on a replica
Roman soldier’s outfit. We will also be linking
our event with the ‘myths and legends’
theme in Balham Children’s Library.”
Pamela Greenwood Wandsworth Historical Society
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester“This year’s excavation at the palace will
be even bigger and better than those
at previous Festivals. Families can have
a go at archaeology at our dig, learn about
the artefacts that they find and try their
hand at geophysics techniques. And our
brilliant team of expert archaeologists
will be on hand to help our visitors with
their trowel skills.”
Dr Rob Symmons Curator, Fishbourne Roman Palace
The curator at Fishbourne Roman
Palace shows off an artefact
from the site
MEET THE ORGANISERS
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“It’s great to watch our younger diggers when they find their first real Roman artefact. It reminds me of when I decided that I wanted to be an archaeologist!”
Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all @FestivalofArch
Try on replica Roman armour at Wandsworth
Our industrial past
The Festival isn’t just about
ancient remains. Sites and
buildings from recent
centuries provide a wealth
of information about our
industrial past.
London Canal Museum, King’s CrossEnjoy Ice Sunday, packed
with activities relating to the
19th-century Norwegian ice
trade. Climb into ice wells
preserved beneath the
museum, view rare artefacts
and watch ice cream being
made the Victorian way using
a replica of Mrs AB Marshall’s
patent ice-cream maker.
Holgate Windmill, YorkWhat do bicycles, windmills
and the first computer have
in common? Cogs! This
exhibition explores the use of
cogs since medieval times.
See how the mill produces
flour, and watch its sails
salute the Tour de France
as it passes on 6 July.
Waterworks Museum, Hereford Celebrate the museum’s 40th
anniversary at a Gala Day
with a display of working
water-pumping engines, a
rally of vintage and classic
cars, and the official opening
of a display of Second World
War pumping equipment by
the mayor of Hereford, plus
hands-on children’s activities.
Linton Falls Hydroelectric Power Station, N YorkshireDiscover the technology
behind this operational
hydroelectric power station,
built in 1909 and lovingly
restored. Usually closed to
visitors, the station is open for
a special Festival open day.
The humble cog takes centre stage at Holgate Windmill
“Discover what houses were
like at the outbreak of the
First World War, and learn
about the household objects
that were in use at the time.
Join us at the Georgian
House Hotel in Derby to find
out more through artefacts,
written sources, maps,
photos and activities for
all ages.
Our exciting project is
piloting public participation
in archaeological building
investigations, garden
artefacts surveys and the
recording of rubbish
deposits, to explore what
domestic life was like for
industrial workers in and
around Derby during the
19th and early 20th
centuries. Come and find
out how you could join in!”
Kirsten Jarrett(Living in the Past Community Archaeology Project director)
The Home Front house
MEET THE ORGANISERS
Discover more events at: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson
Unearth the latest discoveriesStanwick Lakes, NorthamptonshireEnjoy a range of hands-on
activities at the Archaeology
Allsorts day, including pot
washing and reconstructing
late medieval potsherds, and
learn about the Roman
stamp discovered on Samian
pottery in Higham Ferrers.
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, NorfolkExplore Norfolk’s ancient
heritage on an Archaeology
Day with experts from the
Historic Environment and
Museums Services. Bring
the family to see what’s
unearthed in the test pit to
be dug during the event.
Uncover the latest finds in
your area, explore live digs
and watch experts at work.
Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington, LondonDiscover the lost Roman
settlement of Noviomagus
at West Wickham, where you
can see unique and
important finds including the
rim of a Roman wheel.
Meillionydd, Gwynedd, WalesWatch archaeological
fieldwork in action during an
open day at this Bronze Age
hilltop enclosure, with tours
and 3D photogrammetry
demos in Welsh and English.
Church Meadow, Ewell, SurreyGet a picture of life in a
Roman roadside settlement
at the open day at Church
Meadow. See the coins,
pottery and personal items
that have been unearthed
during the excavation, now
in its third season.
Carwynnen Quoit, nr Camborne, CornwallLearn about the restoration
of the ‘Giant’s Quoit’ through
an exhibition at the Stithians
Show, looking at the process,
excavations, finds and
creativity engendered by this
unique project, with special
activities for children.
Experts work at the site of the hilltop fort at Meillionydd
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Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all @FestivalofArch
Basing House, BasingstokeExperience a dig in action
as a team of Southampton
University students and
volunteers excavate part
of this Tudor mansion.
Object-handling sessions
and tours of the dig site
will run twice daily.
Petwork Park, West SussexTour a live dig and see finds
from the remains of the
6th Duke of Somerset’s
monumental stables at this
National Trust property.
Young archaeologists can try
their hand at excavation,
“The Festival is a gala of everything that is good about our past – and it’s fun, too!”Phil Harding Archaeologist
“Randall Manor was long lost
deep within Kentish
woodland, but since 2006
the remains of the 13th-
century seat of the illustrious
de Cobham family have been
gradually uncovered, thanks
to the efforts of local
volunteers and schools. The
site now hosts a community
archaeology project
supported by the Heritage
Lottery Fund and Kent
County Council and, during
the Festival, becomes a base
for experimental archaeology
projects. It’s also a perfect
setting for visiting medieval
re-enactors who bring
manorial existence to life.”
Richard Taylor CBA Community Archaeology Trainee, Kent County Council
Archaeology in the Park, Gravesend
MEET THE ORGANISERSwhile horses, carriages and
cavalry will also be on show.
The Shrine and Parish Church of All Saints, YorkAdmire the finds uncovered
by York Archaeological
Trust’s training dig at one of
this historic city's finest
medieval churches.
Timperley Old Hall, CheshireView finds from digs by the
South Trafford Archaeological
Group, which is excavating
the remains of a 19th-century
farmhouse, at the site of the
medieval moated hall.
Hinckley & District Museum, LeicsSee some of the 4,000 Stone
Age flint tools found in the
Fosse Meadows area over the
past few years by Hinckley
Archaeological Society.
Kings Weston House, BristolHelp open up lost 18th-
century pathways through
former woodland gardens,
and learn about the work of
Sir John Vanbrugh on this
magnificent Georgian estate
in the architect’s 350th
anniversary year.
Find more digs online: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson
MEET THE ORGANISERS
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Digital and 3D skills in Gwynedd: HeritageTogether project Heritage Geocaching HuntGet involved with local heritage as you
follow the Geocache trail along the Wales
Coast Path between Aberdaron and
Uwchmynydd, overlooking the iconic
Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island.
Rock art recordingHelp record rock art in this passage tomb on
Anglesey as part of a digital community
archaeology project, and try your hand
at kite aerial or overhead photography.
Digital heritage workshops“Learn how we process digital images from
the HeritageTogether project to produce 3D
models of prehistoric sites in north Wales.
Have a go at your own digital photos, learn
about photogrammetry, Geographical
Information Systems and laser scanning –
and discover how we use all of these
techniques on this exciting community
archaeology project.”
Jamie Davies Llyn Archaeology and History Society
Photogrammetry for beginners“Join us at Menter y Felin Uchaf for a short
introduction to photogrammetry and
hands-on photography training. The
roundhouses at this site provide an ideal
subject for developing your skills. You don’t
need special equipment – just sign up and
bring a camera.”
Katharina Moeller School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology, Bangor University
These events are part of HeritageTogether,
a digital community archaeology project
that aims to produce 3D models of
prehistoric sites in Wales.
Learn how digital photography can inform archaeology
Facebook.com/archaeology.for.all @FestivalofArch
“You don’t need any special equipment – just sign up and bring along a camera”
“For this year’s Festival, the
Cornish Ancient Sites
Protection Network is
running a community day to
look after a wonderful stone
circle, Boscawen-Un, not far
from Land’s End. This is part
of our regular monthly
clear-up events, encouraging
local people to care for the
incredible ancient
monuments in their midst.
Come along to help tidy up
and trim vegetation around
the stones, or swing a scythe
in the centre of the circle.
There’s parking beside the
A30, and tools and gloves are
provided – why not bring a
picnic to share afterwards?”
Dave Mundy Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network
Bring a picnic and have a go
at archaeology on the farm!
Denny Abbey & Farmland Museum, CambridgeshireA ‘have a go’ day for children
is designed to inspire
budding archaeologists.
Discover finds in sand trays,
learning techniques of
digging, scraping, dusting,
recording and identifying.
There will also be artefact
handling and cleaning
sessions and site trails.
Butser Ancient Farm, Petersfield, HampshireA ‘do it’ family day exploring
experimental archaeology,
with a chance to have a go
yourself, handle artefacts
and dress up.
Pattiland Farm, DevonThe Old Technology &
Archaeology Festival will
feature demonstrations of
experimental archaeology
techniques and tours of the
medieval house excavation at
Moistown. Displays will
include medieval battle
re-enactments and living
history, tractors and other
historic vehicles, tools and
machines, miniatures in
steam and vintage
appliances. There will also be
opportunities to try straw-
rope and basket making.
Down on the farm
Stone circle clear-up, Cornwall
Explore Iron Age life at Butser Ancient
Farm in Hampshire
MEET THE ORGANISERS
Locate more farm-based events at: www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk/whatson