HADAS hosts Roman experience day

Brockley Hill Pottery Display & Roman Cookery Demonstration

Sun 2 Aug 14.00–17.00 Avenue House, 17 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 3QE

Hosted by Hendon and District Archaeological Society (HADAS) as part of the Festival of British Archaeology 2009

It was a glorious Sunday morning as I drove the short distance to Avenue House from my home in Mill Hill. Arrived at about 11.30 to help set up the pottery display although the house did not open until 1.30. Spent the 2 hours getting the exhibits out and generally chatting to other members of the Hendon and District Archaeological Society (HADAS), and Rose Baillie from CoLAS who was the main attraction of the afternoon.

Rose gave a demonstration throughout the afternoon on how to prepare and cook Roman dishes in the traditional way on an open fire using cooking pots (no saucepans and frying pans here!). I tried a small sample of a Republican Garlic and Cheese Relish on warm bread. Now, I enjoy Chicken Kiev and garlic bread, but raw garlic was just too strong for me. I should have waited for a milder dish to be served.

The objects of HADAS are the advancement of archaeological and historical research and education for the public benefit, with particular reference to the archaeology and history of the London Borough of Barnet. With this in mind, members of the public were encouraged to participate, and the picture below shows someone grounding up beans in a mortarium.

HADAS set up small stall selling copies of various archaeological publications and journals, along with their latest book The Last Hendon Farm, a steal at just £5! Rose Baillie’s book Eating and Drinking in the Roman World – An Introduction with Recipes was also available to buy. Leaflets for the CBA, YAC and HADAS were on display as well. The picture shows long-standing HADAS member Andy Simpson enjoying a glass of wine while he waits for more customers.

Inside the house, the Dining Room was hired to display the Roman pottery exhibition. The finds came from Brockley Hill (Sulloniacae), a Roman kiln site along the A5 opposite the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, Stanmore. The excavations were carried out between 1937 and 1954, well before HADAS came into being! An excellent model of a Roman kiln completed the fascinating collection.

In one corner of the room, HADAS had provided some 21st century refreshments in the form of wine, cheese, biscuits and assorted nibbles. I didn’t spend too long here – honest!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay until the end, but both the cookery demonstration and pottery display were well attended. HADAS sold a bit of merchandise, and I am waiting for the new member applications to come flooding in!!!

Well done to everyone who helped make the afternoon a great success. Any ideas for next year?!!!

Report & photographs by Stephen Brunning – HADAS Membership Secretary