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

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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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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!”


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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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


“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

festival of archaeology

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