Get to see what Obama missed - for free
As part of the national heritage open days scheme, Wiltshire Museum will be open for free to the public this Saturday, 13 September between 1000-1700
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/wiltshire-museum
The Museum and Library have been at their current location in Long Street since 1873, occupying first the old Victorian Devizes Grammar School, then the two Georgian houses on either side of the Entrance Hall. Further extensions have increased its size to the present day. It has overseen many of the famous excavations on Salisbury Plain and the Marlborough Downs made by the Cunnington family and is a repository of the artefacts and writings of earlier antiquaries such as Sir Richard Colt Hoare of Stourhead House.
Wiltshire Museum
Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS
|
Free open Days - 11 to 14 Sep - UK Wide
Find out what's open in your local area - Every where listed is free for the day!
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/advanced-search
For more information about the European Heritage Days, visit www.ehd.coe.int
In the UK, there are altogether five open day schemes that are part of European Heritage Days:
England: Heritage Open Days (11-14 September 2014)
London: Open House London (20-21 September 2014)
Scotland: Doors Open Days (every weekend in September)
Wales: Open Doors (every weekend in September)
Northern Ireland: European Heritage Open Days (13-14 September 2014)
Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days.
A joint action by the Council of Europe and the European Commission, the scheme was initiated in 1991 by the Council of Europe to raise appreciation for Europe’s rich and diverse cultural assets and their need for care and protection. The central principle was as simple as it was compelling: to throw open the doors to historic monuments and buildings, in particular those normally closed to the public. One of the key requirements was to offer free access to all properties taking part in the European Heritage Days.
Today, European Heritage Days are held annually in September in 50 signatory states to the European Cultural Convention. From the Baltic to the Balkans, from Iceland to the Iberian Peninsula, thousands of events not only highlight the dazzling diversity of Europe’s heritage, but also its intercultural links. As varied as the cultural landscapes are the approaches in putting the idea into practice.
|
Karl Lee - Flintknapper and primitive technologist
Karl Lee, flintknapper and primitive technologist will be performing his art as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2014.
This event is free and runs from 10:00-04:00 on Sat 12th Jul 2014 at Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre 10, Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3HF Tel: 01249 705020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chippenham.gov.uk
Karl will be not only be making various flint impliments but selling items from his previous demonstrations.
For an insight into Karl's skill, see video from his previous demonstrations at the museum in 2011, a Ovate Hand Axe as used during the Paleolithic period, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsHGXkxyQDU and a leaf shaped arrow head typical of the ones used during the Neolitchic period. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rz99-0Zryg
For a profile of Karl, see the primitive technologist website - http://www.primitive-technology.co.uk/karl-lee/
|
The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Map
STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY (MAP 1:10 000 SCALE)
EXPLORING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/stonehenge-avebury-map/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stonehenge-Avebury-Exploring-Heritage-English/dp/1848021267
Ideal for walkers and anyone wishing to explore the fascinating landscape of Stonehenge and Avebury
A UNESCO World Heritage Site - internationally important for its unique prehistoric landscape
Shows visible and hidden archaeological remains
The Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site is internationally important for its outstanding prehistoric monuments. Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is the largest. Around them lie numerous other monuments and sites, which demonstrate over 2,000 years of continuous use. Together they form a unique prehistoric landscape.There is no better way to learn about an experience the monuments than to go out and explore the World Heritage Site on foot. This map is ideal for walkers and others wishing to explore the fascinating landscape of the two areas of the World Heritage Site. The map uses an Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 base and draws upon information from the English Heritage Archive and recent archaeological investigations. With Stonehenge on one side and Avebury on the other, the map shows and describes both visible and hidden remains, with information about where you can find out more.The map is divided into two parts on a durable double sided water resistant sheet.
Status: Completed
Format: Map
Size: 240 x 133 mm (folded)
Publication Date: 15/12/2013
Product Code: 51757
ISBN: 9781848021266
Series: Archaeology
Price: £9.99
|
Archaeology in Wiltshire Conference 2014
Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group (WAFG).
http://wiltshireafg.weebly.com/
Archaeology in Wiltshire Conference 2014 - 9:30 am, Saturday, 15 March, 2014
A Conference exploring recent archaeological work in Wiltshire, including developer-funded work. This builds on last year's very successful conference, attended by over 200 people.
The Conference will start at 9.30 for coffee, with talks from 10.00 until about 4.45.
The Conference is being organised by the Wiltshire Museum and the Archaeology Field Group of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.
The Conference is being held at the Corn Exchange in Devizes Market Place. The most convenient car park is at Station Road - follow this link to a Google Map. It is a very short walk up Station Road to the Market Place, and the Corn Exchange is immediately on your right, next to the Bear Hotel - follow this link in Google Street View.
Confirmed so far
* Melanie Pomeroy-Kellinger – Overview of recent archaeological work in Wiltshire
* Richard Osgood – Operation Nightingale: Excavating a Spitfire on Salisbury Plain
* Roy Canham – LIDAR: Seeing the Ancient Landscapes of Bradford-on-Avon
* David Sabin – Recent Geophysics surveys in Wiltshire
* Overview of recent work by the Archaeology Field Group
We are busy talking to possible speakers and there are more to come ...
Booking:Please telephone the Wiltshire Museum on 01380 727369 to book your ticket. We can take credit / debit card payments over the telephone. The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-4. The Museum is not open on Mondays Jan - March. You may also send a cheque made payable to WANHS.
Cost: £25 (£20 for WANHS Members)
|
English Heritage to become charity by 2015
English Heritage has been given £80m in the government's Spending Review as part of plans for the organisation to become a charity. Some of the £80m awarded by the government will help to set up the charity so it will be fully operational by March 2015.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23064356
|
Stonehenge & Avebury World Heritage Sites, a talk by Rachel Foster
Thursday 5th September 2013 2.15 pm
Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN
An insight into two of the richest archaeological sites in the country. This talk will help you explore these ancient landscapes and celebrate their contribution to our understanding of our prehistoric ancestors. Limited 30 people
Admission £3.50 (concessions £2.50). Spaces are limited so please buy your ticket in advance. Telephone 01249 705500 or visit our Help Desk at the History Centre. (Payment by credit/debit card or cheque available for the purchase of 2 or more tickets).
|
Archaeology and Conservation Fair - Sunday 14th July
Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN
Ever wondered what the county archaeology team based in the History Centre does?
Curious to take a tour of the Conservation Labs upstairs?
Maybe you would like to find out about recent excavations, hoards and the work of local archaeology field units?
The Archaeology and Conservation Fair on Sunday 14th July at the History Centre is a fantastic FREE event with stands from 20 local archaeological organisations and a programme of free 10 minute talks that will tell you all about archaeology in the county.
Open from 11am to 4pm, the fair includes stands from Wiltshire's museums, Wessex archaeology, the National Trust and English Heritage. There will be plenty to interest visitors of all ages, including information on courses, volunteering, and fieldwork. Younger visitors will enjoy making their own Stonehenge, trying out a sandpit dig, handling a range of real objects and finding out about the Young Archaeologists clubs running in Wiltshire and Swindon. The ten minute talks' programme will run throughout the day and includes talks on the First World War project, Finding the Forgotten, the conservation of a large Romano-British pot found in Highworth, recent surveys, excavations and the discovery of 2 important early iron age hoards. Please see the full talks programme for times of individual talks. Tours of the conservation labs will run all day and you can visit the county archaeology service to find out about their work and see the Historic Environment Register demonstrated.
For further information on this event see the History Centre events page
http://www.wshc.eu/home/events.html
|
The Peatling Magna Hoard
Iron age gold coins go on disply in Market Harborough. Article from Leicestershire County Council's website:
"This hoard of ten gold Iron Age coins was found in 2010 by Steve Bestwick whilst metal detecting on fields near Peatling Magna, in the District of Harborough. They will be displayed permanently at Harborough Museum from Tuesday 17 July 2012.
The coins were probably produced between 60-50 BC in Gallia Belgica, the Latin name for modern north western France and the Low Countries. They show a stylised horse moving right, surrounded by symbols on one side and are blank on the other.
These coins are slightly earlier than the majority of the coins in the Hallaton Treasure which is also displayed at Harborough Museum. It is rare to find hoards of early imported coins so far north, others are confined to East Anglia and the South East."
Further info and images of the coins can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme
|
CBA Festival of British Archaeology 2012
Heads up for this years festival which runs from Saturday 14th to Sunday 29th July.
Check out the CBA website at http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/ for current details of what's going down in your hood.
The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre will be hold an open day on Sat 14 July; 10.00 & 14.00
Meet the Wiltshire Council archaeologists & conservators. Find out what they do & have a go yourself! Talk by Julian Richards of Meet the Ancestors. …
Meet the Wiltshire Council archaeologists and conservators. Find out what they do and have a go yourself! Bring along your finds for identification and hear about recently uncovered hoards. A rare opportunity to explore the conservation labs and learn about the conservators' work. Find out more about Wiltshire's amazing archaeological landscape with the county archaeologists. Have a go at excavating and find out how to conserve your finds. Talk by Julian Richards (Meet The Ancestors) Competition for children with prizes awarded on the day.
Location: Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN. 5 minutes walk from Chippenham Railway Station. Please see our website for directions: www.wshc.eu
Org: Wiltshire Council Name: Nancy Danks Tel: 01249 705500 Email: [email protected]
The Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre will also be repeating last years popular event on Wed 25 July; 10.00-16.00.
Free archaeology activity day for all the family. Learn the ancient skills of flint knapping & metal working with experts, or make your own clay pot. …
Free, fun, archaeology activity day. For all the family. Learn the ancient skills of flint knapping and metal working with experts Karl Lee and Neil Burridge. Or make your own clay pots, jewellery or mosaics with the museum's education team. For more details contact the museum on 01249 705020 or email [email protected]
Location: Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, 10 Market Place, Chippenham SN15 3HF.
Org: Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre Name: Melissa Barnett Tel: 01249 705020 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.chippenham.gov.uk/museum--heritage-centre.aspx
Karl Lee's flint knapping skills are brilliant and you can get an idea of what to expect by viewing some of the videos I shoot at last years event. Neil Burridge's Bronze age casting skills are also featured
http://www.youtube.com/chippychance?gl=GB&uid=YTYRSQjC72ET62TCgvl2Lg
Chance
|
Stonehenge tunnel idea resurrected
Stonehenge tunnel idea resurrected
7:10am Tuesday 17th January 2012 By Annie Riddle
The idea of building a tunnel under Stonehenge has been resurrected by a consortium of council leaders from across the South West.
Wiltshire was among the authorities represented at a summit meeting to discuss A303 improvements, organised by Somerset County Council last week. They discussed ways to raise the £1billion needed to widen the remaining single lane sections of the road between Wiltshire and Devon. The tunnel, which would have cost more than £500million at the last count, is one of five separate schemes they believe are needed.
Somerset?€™s leader Ken Maddock believes there is scope to seek new funding in the light of Chancellor George Osborne?€™s autumn statement, which said that pension funds could be used to fund up to £20billion of infrastructure schemes.
He said: ?€œThis is a fabulous opportunity to put a joint bid together that will bring huge benefits to the whole of the West Country.?€
The 2.1km tunnel plans were shelved in 2007 after the government said the soaring cost was not justified.
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/9474384.Stonehenge_tunnel_idea_resurrected/
|
Old Sarum: Life in the Iron Age and Beyond
Members' Only Event - £30.00
Date: Fri 2 Mar
Property: Old Sarum
Time: AM tour - 10.00 to 12.00/PM tour 13.00 to 15.00
Suitable for: Adults
Go back in time and join archaeologist, writer and broadcaster Julian Richards for a special tour of Old Sarum Castle. Discover what life was like for the people who occupied this ancient site; how they lived and how they survived through the Iron Ages and beyond. Includes refreshments.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/old-sarum-life-in-the-iron-age-and-beyond-os-2-mar
|
Stonehenge A344 road closure approved
Plans to close a main road running past Stonehenge have been backed by the government following a public inquiry.
English Heritage wanted to stop traffic from travelling close to the stones and "restore the dignity" of the World Heritage Site by closing the A344.
Following a public inquiry, an independent inspector recommended part of the road could be closed off.
Roads minister Mike Penning has approved the plans and £3.5m will be used to improve nearby roads.
In June 2010 Wiltshire Council granted planning permission for a new visitors centre at Airman's Corner, 1.5 miles (2km) west of Stonehenge.
At the public inquiry, opponents claimed the plans would give English Heritage a monopoly on access to the site.
The scheme will see an 879 metre section of the A344 from its junction with the A303 closed.
Part of the B3086 from its junction with the A344 will also be closed and "increased capacity" added at Longbarrow Crossroads.
A decision over the remainder of the A344 and other byways will be decided by Wiltshire Council.
"This is an important contribution to improve the setting of the monument and ensure its preservation as an iconic World Heritage Site," said Mr Penning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-15540031
|
CBA Festival of British Archaeology July 2011
(Don't know why this is not posted in the news section but here goes...)
The CBA Festival of British Archaeology is ane annual extravaganza of heritage events coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and this year started on Saturday 16th and runs until Sunday 31st July
Each year the Festival showcases the very best of British archaeology, by presenting hundreds of special events organised and held by museums, local societies, national and countryside parks, universities, and heritage organisations across the UK. The Festival presents everyone the opportunity to learn about their local heritage, to see archaeology in action, and to get involved.
Events ranging from excavation open days and behind-the-scenes tours to family fun days, hands-on activities, guided walks, talks and finds identification workshops take place all over the UK during this special fortnight.
To find out what's on in your area goto http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/ and search your region
|
Solstice Operational Planning
Minutes of a meeting of Avebury Parish Council held on the 15th March 2011 at The Social Centre, High Street, Avebury SN8 1RF
c. Avebury Solstice Operational Planning Meeting:
(i) Policing will effectively be the same as last year despite the Swindon Music Festival. The police will have air and public order support. There will be police bikes, a passive drug dog, tow truck and two drop bins at the campsite and pub. The Police are encouraging a family event. Inspector Andy Noble will talk to people in the village if there are any concerns.
(ii) Problems are more likely Mon/Tues (20 and 21 June) than Tues/Wed due to people en route to Stonehenge.
(iii) Land incursions – police can only act if a breach of the peace occurs.
(iv) The campsite will be open 9.00 Monday to 14:00 Wednesday.
(v) Policing 6.00 Monday to 23:00 Wednesday
(vi) Parking in Manor grounds 20.00 on Monday to 10.00 Tuesday
(vii) Kevin Oliver Wiltshire Council Events Manager is looking at what can be done for West Kennett.
(viii) Silbury car park closed 18:00 to 10:00 on Monday and Tuesday
(ix) It is not yet known if the Glebe field will be available this year: approximately 30 campers were turned away last year
Draft minutes of a meeting of Avebury Parish Council held on the 19th April 2011 at The Social Centre, High Street, Avebury SN8 1RF
•Glebe Field: Minute ref. 11c. The Chairman confirmed that the Glebe field will not be available for Solstice camping.
http://aveburyparishcouncil.org/minutes2011.html
Information on past campsite consultancy
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-avebury_camp_consult.pdf
|
Four Festival of British Archaeology Events
Discover the Stonehenge Landscape
Tue 19 July 11.00–16.00
Discover the Stonehenge landscape with Neolithic expert and National Trust archaeologist Dr. Nick Snashall.
Join Nick on this day out to explore the Stonehenge landscape and find out about the latest exciting discoveries. This is part of the Festival of British Archaeology–look out for complementary walks running in the Avebury half of the World Heritage Site this week.
Meet at the Stonehenge car park (not NT) by the National Trust map panel on the grassy area of the main car park. A parking charge applies for non-members of English Heritage or the National Trust.Please dress for the weather and wear stout footwear. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. Access is by pedestrian and farm gates; terrain is mostly grassland with some trackways and is often uneven underfoot. Cattle and sheep graze the gently sloping downs.
Accompanied older children welcome – Young Archaeologist Club (YAC) members free. Dogs on leads welcome. All tickets £15
==========================
Monuments of the Stonehenge Landscape
Thu 21 & Mon 25 July 18.30–21.00
Explore the monuments of the Stonehenge landscape with Sonia Heywood – you'll soon discover that they're much more than simple earthworks.
They have a 4,000 year history that tells us much about our past. Our four mile walk will take us on a journey from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age. Part of the Festival of British Archaeology, this walk is run in partnership with Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum–accompanying artefact handling sessions are available at the museum. Places strictly limited.
Meeting at the Stonehenge car park (not NT) by the bright green National Trust information panel. A car parking charge applies for non-members of the Trust or English Heritage.
Dress for the weather and wear stout footwear. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a cooling drink, as there's little shade up on the downs. Access is by pedestrian gates; most terrain is grassland, often uneven underfoot. Cattle and sheep graze the gently sloping downs. Please note, we may be crossing the A344 road, at your own risk. Accompanied children welcome–YACs free. Dogs on leads welcome.
This walk is run in partnership with Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum–accompanying artefact handling sessions are available at the museum, priced £6, or £5 if booked alongside this walk. Children £1 (YACs free).
Contact the Museum on 01722 233151 or see www.salisburymuseum.org.uk for information and to book.
================
Summer Landscape Walk
Wed 27 July 14.00–18.00
Discover the landscape, its archaeology – from prehistory to the last century – and its varied wildlife.
This is a walk of about three and a half miles around Stonehenge Down, the great henge of Durrington Walls, the route of the former military railway and King Barrow Ridge.
Meeting at the Stonehenge car park (not NT) by the National Trust map panel, on the grassy area of the main car park. A car parking charge applies for non-members of the Trust or English Heritage.
Dress for the weather and wear stout footwear. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a cooling drink, as there's little shade up on the downs. Access is by pedestrian and farm gates; the terrain is mostly grassland and trackways, often uneven underfoot. Cattle and sheep graze the gently sloping downs.
Adults £4, children free. Accompanied children welcome, free. Dogs on leads welcome.
===================
Storywalking with the Ancients
Thu 28 July 18.30–20.30
Adventure through time with storyteller Lizzie Bryant, telling stories inspired by the Stonehenge landscape–from ancient mythic landforms to man-made earthworks. Hear exciting stories from times before Stonehenge to the time of the first aeroplanes taking flight.
Meet at the Stonehenge Car Park (not NT) by the National Trust map panel on the grassy area of the main car park.
Please dress suitably for adventuring across the open downs and fields.
We recommend sunscreen and you may like to bring a drink and a snack.
Access is by pedestrian and farm gates; terrain is mostly grassland with some trackways and is often uneven underfoot.
Cattle and sheep graze the gently sloping downs.
Adults £4, accompanied children welcome, free. Dogs on leads welcome.
For more details and to book any of the four events listed above.......
Location: Stonehenge car park SP4 7DE. Directions sent on booking.
Org: National Trust, Stonehenge Landscape
Name: Lucy
Tel: 01980 664780
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehengelandscape
|
Six Stonehenge Photography Walks
Mon 18 to Wed 20 July 09.00–12.00 & 18.00–21.00
Six guided walks from Durrington Walls to Stonehenge with a focus on photographing the archaeology we encounter.
These guided walks will explore the landscape around Stonehenge while taking photographs of the monuments en route. We will begin at Durrington Walls and walk via the eastern end of the Stonehenge Cursus and King's Barrow Ridge to meet the Avenue where we will then walk towards Stonehenge. The walk will take you on a journey through Stonehenge's prehistoric landscape to approach the stones along the same route as Neolithic worshippers.
There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph along the way with tips on composition and light. No experience of photography is needed and any type of camera can be used. Please bring your camera, suitable walking clothes and boots, drink and snack. Spaces are limited on each walk so that each member of the group will have plenty of opportunity for questions and photographic advice.
Free, please book.
Location: Woodhenge car park. Wilts & Dorset services 5, 6 & 16. 1.5 miles north of Amesbury, signposted off the A345 immediately south of Durrington.
Org: inHeritage
Name: Bill Bevan
Tel: 0114 2345411
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.billbevanphotography.co.uk
|
|
Hail and Welcome
Chance was born in Ratae in the year of the Rat, and grew up in the territory of the Corieltauvi.
Now living days walk west of Wale-dich (Avebury), on the border between the Atrebates, the Durotriges and the Dobunni.
Practical experience of excavation on Neolithic, Bronze-age, Roman sites.
Interested in the various tribes, how they divided their land, their agricultural calendar, common beliefs and ritual systems.
Often attends the tribal meetings held at Avebury and Stonehenge.
Contact - Chippychance on UTube
http://www.youtube.com/chippychance
|
Log in |
Register
Previous 20 | Showing 21-40 of 74 news posts. Most recent first | Next 20 
Top of page