News

Project Florence gains Heritage Lottery Fund support

Sarah Phillips — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:55:41 +0000

Local families and volunteers in south Wiltshire can discover more about their local heritage and be part of one of the most innovative archaeology projects in recent years, thanks to a grant of £46,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, awarded to Wessex Archaeology. Project Florence will run alongside Operation Nightingale, an inspirational scheme in which injured soldiers have been working with archaeologists, using archaeology as a rehabilitation method.

This summer’s highlight for Operation Nightingale will be the excavation of a 1400 year old Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Barrow Clump on Salisbury Plain. Over 100 injured soldiers from the Rifles will take part in the excavations which are being funded by the military and supervised by Salisbury-based Wessex Archaeology. Project Florence will complement this by involving local families and volunteers, many from the garrison communities, in the work at Barrow Clump and helping them explore their local heritage.

A key feature of Project Florence will be the involvement of Salisbury Arts Centre who will document the excavations through a film-making project, training youth volunteers aged 14 to 25 in film productions skills and providing a legacy for the project. In addition there will be a range of different opportunities, events and activities for families and volunteers until Project Florence finishes in February 2013.

Sue Davies OBE, Chief Executive of Wessex Archaeology said ‘we are delighted to have received the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Project Florence will introduce the fascinating heritage of Wiltshire to new audiences and a new generation. It will be an excellent partner for the rehabilitation work of Operation Nightingale.’

Commenting on the grant award, HLF’s acting Head of South West, Richard Bellamy, said ‘We were delighted to be able to support this exciting and innovative initiative by Wessex Archaeology working in partnership with the Armed Forces . The work of Operation Nightingale complements our involvement in previous rehabilitative projects for military personnel in the South West, focusing on art and poetry; Project Nightingale extends the opportunity to the local community, including many service families, allowing them to get involved in investigating and learning about an important part of the past of their area.”

News

Hoylandswaine Nail Forge

Karen Nichols — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:38:07 +0000

Last year Wessex Archaeology was commissioned to prepare a set of display panels and an information book on the Hoylandswaine Nail Forge, north of Penistone, Sheffield. This was done as part of the restoration work undertaken on the building, managed and protected by the South Yorkshire Trades Historical Trust. The forge is a rare example of a type of building that was once a common sight throughout the nail making villages in this area.

As part of this work they were asked to create a cutaway image of the forge showing how it would have looked originally, and a series of illustrations to help explain how the forge worked.

To achieve the client’s aims, the illustrator built a 3D model based on a set of elevations and plans (prepared by Eldon Minns & Co. Ltd in 2010). The advantage of building a 3D model is that the building can then be viewed from any angle, inside or out. A variety of images in several styles can be easily output from the single model.

The model was layered so that separate elements could be switched off and the final cutaway image was created using a series of outputs combined in a photographic package. As an added extra the client was also sent a quick fly round animation of the model.

The information for the display panels and booklet was gathered and written by James Thomson Wessex Archaeology Northern Region the illustrator was Karen Nichols.

The Nail Forge is open to the public on specified days. For further information on opening times, or to organise a visit to this site, visit www.topforge.co.uk

Wessex Archaeology Sheffield

Archaeology goes on show at Wakefield Cathedral

Sarah Phillips — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:26:08 +0000

VISITORS are being invited into Wakefield Cathedral to view exciting archaeological finds including ancient tombs, medieval church walls and other signs that worship has taken place on the site for over a thousand years.

Archaeologists started excavation work inside the Grade 1 listed building as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment scheme, Project 2013.

They are removing burials from inside the nave to allow a new floor to be installed and their work has already revealed 13 burials most of which date from the 18^th or 19^th century but they have also found two medieval stone graves, two probable early walls and a shard of pottery, which is currently being dated.

Archaeological tours will run at 12.30 and 12.45pm on 25^th,28^{th ,}30^th May, 31^st May, and Friday 1^st June. Those booked in for 8^th June will be phoned individually and offered one of the alternative dates.

The cathedral building is over 800 years old and dates back to the 12th century - but it is thought that there was a church on the site before that and some of the archaeological finds suggest that too.

The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, said ‘there are some exciting finds – especially the older stone graves - as it reminds us that worship has been on this site for a thousand years and more.’

Andy Norton, Project Manager for Wessex Archaeology, said ‘until recently it was common for people to be buried next to or even inside churches and cathedrals. When churches were extended they could be built on top of earlier graves. The new floor for the Cathedral nave will be at a lower level than the current one and would have damaged any graves there.’

The Chairman of Wessex Archaeology, Robert Key, a former MP and a Lay member of the Synod of the Church of England added ‘it is important that our places of worship, which are often wonderful historic buildings are renewed for modern times.

But we have to respect our heritage and also make sure that no damage is done to the remains of the people who were buried here hundreds of years ago. All the burials will be carefully recorded and removed before the remains are reinterred.’

TO BOOK A TOUR contact Karn Dyson at the Cathedral on 01924 373923 or email: karn.dyson@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk

Project 2013 is run by Wakefield Cathedral and is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wessex Archaeology Sheffield

New Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries presented to Minister for Fisheries

Sarah Phillips — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:46:38 +0000

Wessex Archaeology were invited by the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) to attend a Ministerial meeting in Shoreham and present the newly launched Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD).

On Monday 30^th April 2012 the Rt Hon Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Fisheries, officially opened the new Sussex IFCA offices and drew attention to the new Protocol. Following a briefing about the Protocol by Dr Nikki Cook of Wessex Archaeology, the Minister was keen that the FIPAD project should be operating throughout other IFCA areas, which was very encouraging. Mr Benyon heard about the importance of the objects reported so far and saw the display and promotional materials that Wessex Archaeology has prepared.

Minister for Fisheries introduced to FIPAD © SIFCA

The meeting coincided with the AGM of the Sussex IFCA, and there was the opportunity to promote the FIPAD project amongst its members, including representatives from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), sea-anglers, fishermen and local councillors. The enthusiastic support and interest in the newly launched Fishing Protocol will hopefully result in some exciting archaeological discoveries being reported in the coming months.

The FIPAD project (www.fipad.org ) is being run by Wessex Archaeology on behalf of English Heritage and in collaboration with Sussex IFCA.

News

Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries online now

Sarah Phillips — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:54:37 +0000

Sussex fishermen can now report archaeological finds through the Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD) online form.

On April 1^st 2012, Wessex Archaeology launched the FIPAD on behalf of English Heritage. Working in collaboration with the Sussex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) the Protocol is a pilot project to help fishermen report any archaeological finds they come across during their work. The aim is that the protocol will eventually run nationally.

The UK’s fishing fleets are responsible for some of the most important archaeological discoveries of the past 40 years, with anything from Palaeolithic flints to modern shipwrecks snagged or dredged up in fishing gear.

The online form is one of several hassle-free ways to report a find. You can report a find by either:

Clicking the Report Now button on the FIPAD website (www.fipad.org )
Printing out a Report Form and posting it to the “Fishing Protocol Team”
Telephoning 01722 326867 and ask for the “Fishing Protocol Team”
Reporting your find directly to a FIPAD Contact at your land port. Click here for a list of FIPAD Contacts.

The FIPAD website (www.fipad.org) also offers downloadable resources, which provide information on identifying archaeological finds, how to report them and what to do with a find after its discovery. Click here to visit our Resource page.

Medieval carved stone statue

This stone statue, possibly medieval in date, was reported during the preliminary development of the project. A lobster fisherman discovered it in Chichester Harbour. The statue will soon be laser-scanned by a team at Bournemouth University, which may help date and identify the piece, as there are the faint traces of lettering across the bottom of the figurine.

The Fishing Protocol Team are at hand to deal with any reports and will make sure new discoveries are highlighted on the FIPAD website. If you have questions or queries contact the team by email or phone.

News

English Heritage extends Contract for Archaeological Services to the Protection of Wreck Act 1973

Sarah Phillips — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:28:39 +0000

Since spring 2003 Wessex Archaeology has delivered English Heritage’s Contract for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wreck Act 1973. English Heritage has decided to extend the contract by an additional year taking our marine archaeologists back out into the field for the summer.

The principle aim of the contract is to supply advice to English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw, and the Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland to enable them to advise their respective Secretary of State, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Ministers, as appropriate, about issues of designation and licensing under the Protection of Wreck Act1973.

This involves fieldwork to monitor, record and investigate designated wrecks, and assess sites that may require designation. We are looking forward to another year of working with the heritage agencies, licensee teams and other stakeholders.

Wreck designated under the Protection of Wreck Act

As the team ventures out once again, we will explore some of the fieldwork undertaken last year in a series of blogs. Keep an eye out for upcoming news to find out more.

News

Support the Hadrian’s Wall Fundraising Walk for the CBA

Sarah Phillips — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:07:10 +0000

This weekend members of the CBA will start a gruelling walk along the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money and support for the CBA (www.britarch.co.uk).

The CBA is an educational charity working in the UK to involve people in archaeology. The organisations activities are wide ranging and they are responsible for many great initiatives, such as the Festival of British Archaeology and Young Archaeologists Club (YAC). The organisation acts as a voice in the interest of the UK’s heritage and does a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the appreciation and care of the historic environment for the benefit of all.

Suzie Thomas (former CBA staff) and Sarah Dhanjal (YAC Branch leader) will start a ten-day walk along the entire length of the historic monument Hadrian’s wall. They will be joined in sections by Vicky Coates (YAC Membership Co-ordinator) and Mike Heyworth (CBA Director) aiming to arrive at their final destination on Tuesday the 1^st of May.

The purpose of the walk is to raise money and membership for both the CBA and the YAC. In particularly the aim is to raise enough money to ensure the continuation of the Young Archaeologist Club. This club is a brilliant opportunity for children across the country to get hands-on opportunities to discover more about the past. Volunteers, including staff from Wessex Archaeology, run the individual clubs. They give up their time because they believe that this is a brilliant way to encourage new generations to appreciate and look after our heritage. The funding will among other things provide support to the volunteers to continue these activities, as well as continue the YAC magazine and website.

You can help support the CBA in the following ways

To donate money for the walk at their JustGiving webpage, click here.
To become a member of the CBA, click here.
To become a member of YAC, click here.

Follow Sarah and Suzie’s progress on their Facebook page.

CBA Community Archaeology Bursary placement at Wessex Archaeology

The CBA also runs the Community Archaeology Bursaries Project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future programme, with additional support from English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland.

Wessex Archaeology recently received a bursary to employ Angus Forshaw, who will be trained as a community archaeologist, developing skills and experience in working with the public through our educational and community activities. Keep an eye out on our blog to find out what Angus gets up to in the coming year.

News

Wessex Archaeology launches the Fishing Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries

Sarah Phillips — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:06:57 +0000

On the 1st April Wessex Archaeology launched a pilot Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD) on behalf of English Heritage. This Protocol will allow fishermen to record archaeological finds made while fishing within the Sussex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Area (SIFCA).

Described by many as the “eyes and ears of the ocean”, the UK’s fishing fleets are responsible for some of the most important archaeological discoveries of the past 40 years, with anything from Palaeolithic flints to modern shipwrecks snagged or dredged up in fishing gear.

The wreck of HMS A1, Britain's first commissioned submarine © Crown Copyright, taken by Wessex Archaeology
These discoveries provide important information for archaeologists and help us understand Britain’s maritime heritage.

“When you look at the UK’s long and colourful maritime history and the statistics for ship losses over the years, you realise that our marine archaeological resource could potentially be enormous. We hear about new wreck sites everyday, and it is no surprise that we are getting more and more reports from fishermen about net fastenings and artefacts being brought up in fishing gear. Each new find gives us a fresh insight into our history.”

Dr. Simon Davidson, Maritime Archaeologist, WA

But it’s not all about shipwrecks, discoveries made by fishermen have revealed submerged ancient landscapes. An example is provided by oyster fisherman Michael White, who assembled nearly 300 artefacts including prehistoric flint tools while dredging in the Solent. The collection, which ranges from stone age axe heads to metal tools from the bronze age, has been described by Channel 4's Time Team archaeologist Phil Harding as “extraordinary”.

"All of these discoveries have helped us reconstruct how the landscape was used before the English Channel flooded it 10,000 years ago. If it hadn't been for Michael collecting all this material and telling us about it, we may never have encountered it – and our knowledge of the prehistoric Solent would be all the poorer."

Phil Harding, Time Team

About 400 fishing boats sail from the nine Sussex ports and so the potential for finds is high. With this in mind, the protocol is designed to make reporting a discovery as straightforward as possible. You can report finds

through local contacts in the fishing industry. Click here to link to the FIPAD contact list.
by calling or emailing Wessex Archaeology’s Fishing Protocol Team, or
using the FIPAD’s Online Report Form.

Visit the FIPAD website www.fipad.org and find out more about the project.

News

Wessex artwork featured in new SeaCity Museum

Sarah Phillips — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:04:57 +0000

Wessex Archaeology’s Graphics Team attended a preview for the exciting new SeaCity Museum on Wednesday. The museum, which showcases some of the city’s unique historic collections, opens on April 10th when visitors will be able to explore three exhibitions; ‘Southampton’s Titanic Story’, ‘Southampton, Gateway to the World’ and in the special exhibition gallery, ‘Titanic the Legend’

Palaeolithic	Mesolithic	Neolithic

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Wessex’s Senior Illustrator Karen Nichols has created five Computer Generated Images for the ‘Gateway to the World’ exhibition. The images are part of a timeline in the gallery which recounts the stories of the people who left from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 250,000 years.

At the museum

There are exciting cutting-edge, interactive, displays alongside the artefacts and a visit is thoroughly recommended.

Interactive tables and moving stained glass windows!

Moving images

Wessex Archaeology has a long association with Southampton. The most famous of our many excavations there is the one at St Mary’s Football Stadium, where the Anglo-Saxon gold brooches (on display in the gallery) were found.. The findings were published in 2005; The Origins of Mid-Saxon Southampton by Vaughan Birbeck with Roland J. C. Smith, Phil Andrews and Nick Stoodley.

Anglo-Saxon brroch

News

Kent’s Prehistoric Pottery on Show

Karen Nichols — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:28:54 +0000

Wessex Archaeology’s London & South East office is hosting the Prehistoric Ceramics Research Group’s Spring Meeting.

Join us on 28th April 2012 to hear about new discoveries and directions in the study of Kent’s prehistoric pottery.

The audience will be introduced to recent discoveries from the East Kent Access Road, one of the biggest excavations in the country over the last few years (Link) as well as from the Cliffs End, Thanet Earth and Swalecliffe projects. Some of the Country’s leading experts will explore the pivotal role Kent played in the period.

There will be a chance to have a hands-on look at key groups of pottery from the various schemes and to hear and engage in some lively debate and catch up on current thinking. There will also be a chance to view some exciting recent Beaker and Early Bronze Age finds (around 4000 years old).

A number of Wessex Archaeology’s specialists will be taking part together with other leading specialists from the South East.

There will also be displays covering some of Wessex Archaeology’s recent work in Kent and a chance to buy some recent publications.

The event is free to both members and non-members of the group and the Prehistoric Ceramics Research Group welcomes new members.

Details of the day can be found at
http://www.pcrg.org.uk/index.htm

Wessex Archaeology Rochester