Final Weekend of the Festival Promises Archaeology for All!

Submitted by Sophie Cringle on Fri, 2010-07-30 15:10

The final weekend of the CBA’s Festival of British Archaeology 2010 promises hundreds of events for everyone to get digging into their past!

Ingleborough Summit Kilmartin Glen Great Bowden Trods visit Wayside stones Events will be taking place all over the UK on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August in celebration of Britain’s archaeological heritage, so get your sun hats and trowels out and find out what is happening near you!

Here is a sample of just a few of the events taking place over the weekend:

Heart of Staveley: Secret Garden Dig, Staveley Hall, Staveley Hall Drive, Staveley, Chesterfield: A team of professional archaeologists will be working with the Staveley History Society to complete a programme of archaeological survey and excavation on the grounds of Staveley Hall. Participation in the excavation, post-excavation and workshop programme is free and open to all! Simply turn up and we will help you get involved (under 16s will need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult). Search ‘Staveley’ in the event listings for full details.
The East Church, Cromarty: Its Place in Community through Archaeological Finds, Meet at East Church gates, Church St, Cromarty: Discover more about the history of the East Church through its archaeological finds - from medieval gravestone to modern spectacles. Meet at the East Church gates at 11.00am on Sunday 1 August for a guided tour of the building followed by a visit to the Cromarty Courthouse to learn more about the finds and what they tell us about the place of the church in Cromarty over many centuries. Free. Search ‘Cromarty’ in the event listings for full details.
Walk: Cloughfold Scrubbing Mill, Off A681 2 miles east of Rawtenstall, Lancashire: On Sunday 1 August, 13.30-16.00, 3.5 mile walk to probably the most important industrial archaeology site in Rossendale’s quarry heritage, the hub of an extensive moorland tramway system (some steep ascent). Free. Led by Marrion Tattersall. Search ‘Cloughfold’ in the event listings for full details.
Roundhouse Warming! St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans, Cardiff: Join us this weekend between 11.00 and 16.00 in the Celtic Village to celebrate the rebirth of the Moel y Gaer roundhouse! Search ‘Fagans’ in the event listings for full details.
Newport Medieval Ship Open Day, Newport Ship Centre, Unit 22 Maesglas Industrial Estate, Newport: Sat 31 July 10.00–16.00. Examine the ship timbers and conservation methods. View the three dimensional model of the ship. Explore the history surrounding the vessel and the efforts to save it for posterity. Learn about the advanced recording techniques, including laser scanning and computer modelling. Search ‘Newport’ in the event listings for full details.
Handling History, Newcastle Borough Museum & Art Gallery, Brampton Park, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffs: Sunday 1 August, 11.00-16.00. See lots of archaeological finds that aren’t usually on public display and handle ancient artefacts from many periods in history, including Roman, Egyptian and even Pre Historic. Be inspired by our mysterious clay cylinders inscribed with ancient languages (our version of the Rosetta stone!) and make your own inscribed clay tablet to take home. Clay Craft £2 per person. Object Handling FREE. Search ‘Newcastle’ in the event listings for full details.
Festival of British Archaeology Family Day at Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley: Following the success of Archaeology Day 2009 Bexley Heritage Trust will again collaborate with Bexley Archaeology Group to bring you a celebration of local archaeology at Hall Place on Sunday 1 August from 11.00-15.00. Activities for all the family include the hugely popular sandpit and live dig. Advice from the experts and an even bigger variety of stalls mean this is set to be another fun and fascinating day for all. Search ‘Bexley’ in the event listings for full details.
Coombe Conduit Open Days, Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7HG: On sat 31 and Sun 1 Aug, 14.00-16.00. Guided tours of Coombe Conduit, a Tudor conduit house, part of a system built to supply water to Hampton Court Palace. Guided tours will be provided and information leaflets will be available. This ancient monument is owned by English Heritage and managed by the Kingston upon Thames Society. Please note there are no toilets on the site. Free. Search ‘Conduit’ in the event listings for full details.
Roman Learning Excavation, Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Cinderford: Sun 1 Aug 11.00–15.00. Come and have a go at excavating a Roman Villa. Entrance to museum applies. Search ‘Soudley’ in the event listings for full details.