Digital Digging - Archaeology News

Bluestone Henge - Stone circle or stone oval?

2011-09-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

Bluestone Henge – Stone Circle or Stone Oval? A new digital reconstruction of the monument, discovered by the Stonehenge Riverside Project in 2009 suggests that the circle of Welsh blue stones found at the Southern terminus of the avenue may well have been oval, and not round. If this is correct, it echoes the layout of the Bluestone oval at the centre of Stonehenge. Henry Rothwell, Creative

Live Blog reports from the CBA AGM in Truro, courstesy of Adam Spring.

2010-10-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

CBA AGM in Truro this year - follow live blog reports from Adam Spring - http://cornwall2010.wordpress.com/

Not so thin end of the wedge?

2010-10-14T02:54:00.001-07:00

Not so thin end of the wedge? "Today Notts County Council have just published proposals to cut their conservation budget by 75% and to reduce their staff from 33 to 6. This will effectively mean the end of all county archaeology services in Nottinghamshire. At the moment it seems unlikely that any of the remaining 6 staff will be archaeologists." Richard Tyndall - http://goo.gl/uzZj

New Michael Wood series begins tonight.

2010-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Michael Wood's 'Story of England' begins tonight - it's a 'Groundbreaking series in which Michael Wood tells the story of one place throughout the whole of English history. The village is Kibworth in Leicestershire in the heart of England - a place that lived through the Black Death, the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution and was even bombed in World War Two.' Full details here - http://

Saxon boat uncovered in Norfolk's River Ant

2010-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

From the BBCA Saxon boat has been found during flood defence work on a Norfolk river.The boat, which is about 9.8 ft (3m) long and had been hollowed out by hand from a piece of oak, was found at the bottom of the River Ant.Five animal skulls were found near the boat, which has been taken to York for treatment to preserve it.The Environment Agency had commissioned work to take place between

Marden Henge dig uncovers 4,500-year-old dwelling

2010-07-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

A dwelling, thought to be 4,500 years old, has been discovered by archaeologists in Wiltshire.From the BBC.Excavation work at the prehistoric site of Marden Henge, near Devizes, started three weeks ago and experts say the find has "exceeded expectations".Marden Henge no longer has any standing stones and is said to be one of Britain's least understood ancient sites.The work is scheduled to last

Marden Henge and Hatfield Barrow Information

2010-07-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

This year's most exciting dig for fans of the Neolithic Period has to be the Marden Henge 2010 excavation. English Heritage archaeologist Jim Leary (the lucky cove who got the Silbury Hill dig a couple of years ago) is opening trenches in one of Britain's lesser known super henges. This is the 3rd dig for the site - the first was a horrible mauling at the hands of Richard Colt Hoare in the 19th

The Frome Hoard Details - Huge Somerset Roman Coin Find.

2010-07-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

July 8th, 2010 by Anna Booth Tony Williams, Coroner for Somerset, will hold an inquest on Thursday 22nd July on one of the largest Roman coin hoards ever found in Britain, the Portable Antiquities Scheme funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archive Council and Somerset County Council has reported. Dave Crisp, found the hoard of some 52,500 coins dating to the 3rd century AD, while

Stonehenge Visitor Centre Cancelled

2010-06-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

That's all folks! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10341015.stm

Virtual Bluestone Henge at Digital Digging.

2010-04-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

If you've been following the Stonehenge Riverside Project, you can't have missed the the announcement of the discovery of a bluestone circle at the river terminus of the Avenue. To mark this discovery, Digital Digging has produced a virtual Bluestone Henge, which you can view, and interact with, using any browser. DD Click here to go to the Bluestone Henge reconstruction.

PPG 15 and 16 are now history.

2010-03-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Planning Policy Guidance 15 and 16 have now been replaced with PPS5. http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pps5

Doggerland archaeology - major exploration imminent?

2010-03-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Doggerland is due for development. 13 turbine manufacturers are bidding for a part in a huge offshore UK wind farm project which is set to provide 32 gigawatts of clean energy. Doggerland has been selected as one potential area for construction because the bank is as little as 60ft under the surface of the sea in some places. Trawlers have frequently found mammoth teeth and tusks in their nets,

Weymouth ridgeway skeletons 'Scandinavian Vikings'

2010-03-12T02:09:00.000-08:00

From the BBC. Fifty-one decapitated skeletons found in a burial pit in Dorset were those of Scandinavian Vikings, scientists say. Mystery has surrounded the identity of the group since they were discovered at Ridgeway Hill, near Weymouth, in June.Analysis of teeth from 10 of the men revealed they had grown up in countries with a colder climate than Britain's.Archaeologists from Oxford believe

Stonehenge Riverside Project wins project of the year.

2010-03-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Digital Digging - Archaeology news, maps, video, reconstructions and content by some of Britain's leading archaeologists. Image of Josh Pollard, Mike Parker Pearson and Julian Thomas by kind permission of Adam Stanford (http://www.aerial-cam.co.uk). From Manchester.ac.uk - The sensational discovery of a 5000 year-old “Blue Stonehenge” was made by a team led by archaeologists from Manchester,

Bronze Age shipwreck found off Devon coast (Salcombe)

2010-02-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Telegraph reports a Bronze Age cargo found off Salcombe, Dorset. Possibly the same as the one reported in 2005 by Culture 24 with some more recently gleaned updates. DD. From the Telegraph "The trading vessel was carrying an extremely valuable cargo of tin and hundreds of copper ingots from the Continent when it sank. Experts say the "incredibly exciting" discovery provides new evidence

Stanton Drew older than thought - possible remains of Long Barrow.

2010-01-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

From the BBC. Archaeologists have discovered the collection of prehistoric standing stones at Stanton Drew is older than originally thought. During geophysical surveys last summer, they found the outline of a burial mound dated from nearly 1000 years before the stone circles. The surveys were carried out by Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and the council's Archaeological Officer. It

Four gold Iron Age torcs found in Stirlingshire - £1m find for first time metal detectorist.

2009-11-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

From the BBC. "An Iron Age treasure hoard unearthed by a metal-detecting amateur has been unveiled.The four gold Iron Age neck ornaments, or torcs, date from between the 1st and 3rd Century BC and are said to be worth an estimated £1m.They were discovered in September by "first-time" metal-detector enthusiast David Booth in a field in Stirlingshire.The find is the most important hoard of Iron Age

New £10 million investment for Stonehenge visitor centre.

2009-10-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

From Seren Langley, CBA.Secretary of State, Ben Bradshaw, has announced a £10 million investment in English Heritage's new visitor centre at Stonehenge. The planning application for the new visitor facilities is open for public consultation until 12 November.The Government announced in May that the new Stonehenge visitor centre would be sited at Airman's Corner, 1.5 miles west of Stonehenge

Bluestonehenge: A New Stone Circle Near Stonehenge.

2009-10-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

First Chance to Hear From the Experts Who Made the Discovery. From CBA Information. Archaeologists from Sheffield and other universities have discovered a lost stone circle a mile from Stonehenge, on the west bank of the River Avon.The stones were removed thousands of years ago but the sizes of the holes in which they stood indicate that this was a circle of bluestones, brought from the Preseli

Huge Anglo-Saxon gold hoard found in Stafford.

2009-09-24T03:22:00.001-07:00

Video here.Images here. (http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/)From the BBC.The UK's largest haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been discovered buried beneath a field in Staffordshire.Experts said the collection of 1,500 gold and silver pieces, which may date back to the 7th Century, was unparalleled in size.It has been declared treasure by South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh, meaning it

Upper Paleolithic Textiles from Dzudzuana Cave, Most ancient coloured twine found.

2009-09-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

30,000 year old coloured cord found in Georgia. Two stories - one from the BBC, one from About.com.From the BBC.A Georgian cave has yielded what scientists say are the earliest examples of humans making cords.The microscopic fibres, discovered accidentally while scientists were searching for pollen samples, are around 30,000 years old.A team reports in the journal Science that ancient humans

Carlisle Roman dig report released.

2009-09-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

From the Cumberland News. The secrets of a Roman dig in Carlisle, hailed as one of the most significant in the UK with ‘world-first’ finds, are about to be fully revealed for the first time in nine years.The city’s Tullie House Museum has finally been reunited with the 80,000 artefacts uncovered during the Millennium project, and the archaeologists behind it are on the brink of publishing their

Cavern dig uncovers 15,000-year-old weapon

2009-09-03T01:54:00.001-07:00

ARCHEOLOGISTS digging at Kents Cavern have found a 15,000-year-old weapon carved from a reindeer antler. The rare sagaie, or javelin point, was crafted by a stone age inhabitant of the caves and is the only complete example of its kind found in the UK. It is being hailed by the tourist attraction as major find and a signal that further exciting artifacts could lie just below the surface. Dr Paul

Seventies campsite in Forest of Dean excavated by Oxford archaeologists

2009-08-31T00:57:00.001-07:00

Seventies campsite in Forest of Dean excavated by Oxford archaeologist Archaeologists have turned their attention to a strange, primitive tribe whose living conditions might seem hard to imagine: it was an age of heavy green canvas, wooden tent pegs and tribal elders in baggy, khaki shorts left over from their National Service.The Seventies may be only 30 years ago but for today’s generation of

London's oldest timber structure discovered - archaeologist Mark Stevenson claims it is earlier than the Sweet Track.

2009-08-21T02:54:00.001-07:00

London's oldest timber structure has been unearthed by archaeologists from Archaeology South-East (part of the Institute of Archaeology at UCL). It was found during the excavation of a prehistoric peat bog adjacent to Belmarsh Prison in Plumstead, Greenwich, in advance of the construction of a new prison building. Radiocarbon dating has shown the structure to be nearly 6,000 years old and it

Scotland's 'earliest face' found - Neolithic statue discovered in the Orkneys.

2009-08-21T02:49:00.001-07:00

From the BBC. A carving believed to be Scotland's earlist human face, dating back thousands of years, has been found on the Orkney island of Westray. The small Neolithic sandstone human figurine is believed to be up to 5,000 years old. Experts have described the find as one of "astonishing rarity". Archaeologists made the discovery - measuring just 3.5cm by 3cm - at Historic Scotland's

Archaeologists discover full Roman bath suite in the Isle of Wight

2009-08-19T02:09:00.001-07:00

From Thaindian.com A team of professional archaeologists, along with volunteers, has discovered a full Roman bath suite, complete with hot baths and a cold plunge pool, in the town of Banding, in the Isle of Wight, UK. "We are extremely pleased with the find," British archaeologist Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, who led the archaeological team, told Isle of Wight news. "It's slightly ruined

New content in Digital Digging. . .

2009-05-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all - this week we have a double treat - Martin Green's 10,000 Years on a Chalkland Farm gets the Digital Digging treatment, and Dr. Anne Teather has written an introduction to Timber Circles for your information and delight.Henry.

Experts reveal 'ancient massacre'

2009-04-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

From the BBC - (actually a story from 2007, but still worth a look).Bones found at a prehistoric burial site indicate they belonged to victims of an ancient massacre, say scientists. Remains of 14 people were discovered at Wayland's Smithy, near Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire, in the 1960s.Latest techniques date the bones at between 3590 BC and 3560 BC, and have led experts to believe the

Neolithic homes opened to public

2009-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

From the BBC. Visitors to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney will be offered a glimpse inside the ancient homes for the first time on Saturday. The 5,000-year-old buildings can normally only be viewed from paths around the site, to aid preservation. The tours, arranged to mark World Heritage Day, will visit the settlement's workshop, main passageway, and three of its ten

Isle of Man Bronze Age dig ahead of schedule

2008-08-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.Archaeologists who uncovered part of a Bronze Age village beneath the Isle of Man's airport have finished the first phase of their excavations early. Their dig began in May, when human remains and artefacts were found by workers on a stretch of the proposed taxiway extension at Ronaldsway. Experts who were called in found a human skull, rubbish dump and evidence of skull burials and

Explorator 11.16

2008-08-10T18:03:00.001-07:00

Explorator 11.16

Buckland's house recieves a blue plaque

2008-08-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.A blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a geologist, lecturer and churchman who "revolutionised the teaching of science in Oxford".The memorial to William Buckland, born in 1784 and widely regarded as an eccentric, was put up at the Old Rectory in Islip where he lived. Buckland attended Oxford University before being ordained a priest and appointed Canon of Christ Church. He

Stonehenge Boglemen perpetrators step forward. . .

2008-08-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

From the Guardian.It should have been a poignant reunion, when Bob and Bruce Bogle met their maker at Stonehenge - but they just stared blankly ahead. But then it was quite hard to recognise the student perpetrators of an outrageous stunt among the grey haired, or bald, retired professionals assembled among the stones. They last all met up at dawn on an icy day in February 1966- and have kept the

The Independent defends the Picts. . .

2008-08-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

From the Independent.The Picts have long been regarded as enigmatic savages who fought off Rome's legions before mysteriously disappearing from history, wild tribesmen who refused to sacrifice their freedom in exchange for the benefits of civilisation. But far from the primitive warriors of popular imagination, they actually built a highly sophisticated

Shakespeare's first playhouse discovered

2008-08-06T19:36:00.002-07:00

From the BBC News. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors make their way to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Globe Theatre, on the Thames, to explore Shakespeare's intriguing past. Not surprisingly, an unremarkable plot of land on New Inn Broadway, just north of London's medieval City wall, does not rate a mention on the Shakespeare tourist trail, since before now only the most fervent history

Explorator 11.15

2008-08-06T19:36:00.001-07:00

Explorator 11.15

Explorator 11.14

2008-08-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.14

Mail article on rock art

2008-08-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

From the Mail on Sunday.They have been found where the earth meets the sky, high up on the moorlands of northern England, a mysterious series of strange and ancient carvings hewn into the rocks and boulders.More than 100 elaborate carvings dating back thousands of years have been discovered on rocks and boulders in the North of England.The art, thought to be the work of Neolithic man, is open to

Historic abbey uncovered in dig at Scone Palace.

2008-07-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

From the BBC News.Parts of one of Scotland's most influential religious and historic buildings have been uncovered for the first time in centuries. Archaeologists have been digging at Scone Palace and believe they have found the walls of the lost abbey. Despite the site's significance, there is very little sign of the 12th century building above ground. The team is also examining the Moot Hill -

Castle secret unearthed in the Lancashire Hills.

2008-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

From the Manchester Evening News.ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered the secret of a mysterious earth monument which has puzzled people for centuries.The barely-visible bump on a Lancashire hill is the site of a lost castle.The discovery has been hailed as one of the most important architectural finds in England for years.Experts at Manchester University were stunned to discover the remains of a large

National Archaeology Day at Salisbury museum a success

2008-07-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

From Wessex Archaeology.Despite big black clouds and the occasional spot of rain, National Archaeology Day at Salisbury Museum was a big success again this year. More than 670 visitors enjoyed a wide variety of family activities from making pots to building Stonehenge. There was even an opportunity to go snorkelling underwater for finds! Visitors were fascinated by Neil Burridge’s demonstration

Hadrian: Empire and Conflict at the British Museum

2008-07-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

From the Times Online. The British Museum has always been a fabulous resource. Look what it owns. Not even the line-up of seven dwarfs who preceded St Neil MacGregor in the director’s chair could seriously damage the clout and width of this magnificent hoard of global treasures. Yes, much of it was stolen or inveigled from its rightful owners. (But when it comes to the acquisition of great art

Hadrian sculpture to go on show

2008-07-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Marble sculptures of Roman Emperor Hadrian, his wife Sabina and male lover Antinous are to be displayed at London's British Museum. The exhibition focuses on the ruler's life and will combine sculpture, bronzes and architectural fragments never before seen in the UK. Curator Thorsten Opper said: "This will be a unique opportunity to see important objects related to Hadrian." The display,

Explorator 11.13

2008-07-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.13

Unesco declares Antonine Wall a World Heritage Site

2008-07-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

From The Times.It consists of little more than mounds of earth, some ditches, and the occasional pile of rocks, but the Antonine Wall in Scotland has been awarded World Heritage status, elevating it to the same level of importance as renowned sites such as the Pyramids.The 1,900-year-old landmark was officially recognised by Unesco's world heritage committee at a meeting in Quebec on Wednesday

Maggie Ronayne speaks on principles and ethics in archaeology

2008-07-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

From the Irish Times.There was lively debate on the M3 motorway at the recent World Archaeological Congress in Dublin but also disturbing developments about the congress itself, writes Maggie Ronayne . The World Archaeological Congress (WAC) was founded in 1986 when archaeologists decided to implement the UN-sanctioned cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa. Yet at the congress that

New Stonehenge proposal (well I say new. . .)

2008-07-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

From BBC News. A road which runs alongside Stonehenge could be closed under proposals drawn up to protect the site's future. Shutting the A344 where it runs next to the stones, in Wiltshire, is one of the plans being considered to protect the landmark's World Heritage Site status. It comes after a £540m tunnel scheme to divert a 2.1km (1.3m) section of the A303 was scrapped due to high costs.

ADS release conservation plan for Thornborough Henges

2008-07-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

ADS

Portable Antiquities Scheme review 2007 - 2008

2008-07-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

From the PAS website.A team of archaeologists in Leicestershire has uncovered several ancient bodies at the site of a new park-and-ride development. Excavations are continuing in Enderby after what are thought to be four skeletons from the Iron Age - dating from before 43AD - were discovered. The team from the University of Leicester said there were probably more bodies buried at the site. A

Leicester archaeologists discover Iron Age human remains.

2008-07-14T04:17:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.A team of archaeologists in Leicestershire has uncovered several ancient bodies at the site of a new park-and-ride development. Excavations are continuing in Enderby after what are thought to be four skeletons from the Iron Age - dating from before 43AD - were discovered. The team from the University of Leicester said there were probably more bodies buried at the site. A further

Archaeology group seeks members

2008-07-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

From the Petersfield and Bordon Post.Members of Liss Archaeological Group held a training afternoon on the site of the Romano British villa at Brows Farm, Liss. For the last three years, the field has been the location for a community archaeological dig which has attracted hundreds of volunteer excavators.Funding for the project ran out after three years, but the archaeological group is

Verlulamium mosaic missing (possibly since the 1930's)

2008-07-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

From This is Hertfordshire. ARCHAEOLOGISTS re-excavating an ancient roman room were surprised to discover parts of it missing today. The team were left searching for answers when they discovered the mosaic tiles, dating back to the second century, were no longer there. Simon West, archaeologist for St Albans District Council, believes the tiles, once part of a manor house still buried under

Explorator 11.12

2008-07-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.12

Bronze age ingot hoard declared treasure.

2008-07-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

From Get Surrey.A CORONER has ruled that a hoard of ancient bronze ingots found on farmland near Dorking are treasure. Brockham resident Nick Green, who is a member of the East Surrey Search and Recovery group, unearthed the rare find while metal detecting at a farm in Betchworth in January. Realising the significance, the computer company owner made a note of the location using his handheld GPS

Archaeological talks in Somerset

2008-07-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

Somerset’s rich archaeological heritage will be brought to life next week in a series of illustrated talks across the county as part of National Archaeology Week (12 – 20 July). The five talks will be delivered by expert staff from Somerset County Council’s Heritage Service. They will be taking place in Glastonbury Rural Life Museum and libraries in Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Langport and

Explorator 11.11

2008-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.11

Round in circles - new Stonehenge consultation

2008-07-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

From the 24 Hour Museum.English Heritage are to launch a three-month public consultation on the future of Stonehenge to get feedback on two proposed initiatives for the future management of the World Heritage site. Beginning in the middle of July 2008, the consultation will coincide with the unveiling of revised plans for the site by Lord Bruce Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage. The plans

Excavation at the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney

2008-07-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

From the Courier.By Sigurd Towrie - OrkneyJar.comOne of Western Europe’s most impressive prehistoric sites and the third largest stone circle in the British Isles—Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar—is the subject of a major archaeological project to start next week. A month-long programme will be undertaken by a 15-strong team of archaeologists and scientists from Orkney College, the

British Museum's best year - 6 million visitors in 2007 - 08

2008-07-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

From the Guardian.The British Museum has had its most successful year since it started counting visitors - and probably since its foundation in 1753. In the financial year 2007-08, a record 6 million people came through the doors, including 35,000 who visited on a single day to celebrate the Chinese new year.The museum's director, Neil MacGregor, said: "We had to shut the main gates on Great

Wessex Archaeology discover Neolithic period house

2008-07-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

From Wessex Archaeology.Archaeologists have found the site of one of England’s oldest houses. The Stone Age house at Horton, close to Windsor Castle, is thought by experts to be well over 5,000 years old. The single story house at Horton was rectangular, some 10 metres long by 5 metres wide. Dr Alistair Barclay of Wessex Archaeology said ‘this house is not big by today’s standards. But it was a

National Archaeology Week - Stonehenge Spectacular

2008-07-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

From Wessex Archaeology.National Archaeology Week 2008 is almost upon us and this year it comprises a whole nine days of events beginning on the 12th July.This annual event is organised nationally by the Council for British Archaeology and aims to give everyone the opportunity to learn about the heritage that is all around us by becoming involved in archaeology. Come and join Wessex Archaeology

Animal remains at Rotherwas Ribbon site

2008-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

From the Hereford Times. THE remains of animals burnt at extreme temperatures have been confirmed among finds from the Rotherwas Ribbon, the 4,000-year-old archaeological site uncovered by roadbuilding work near Hereford last year. An initial assessment report prepared for Herefordshire Council and out this week suggests the Ribbon was some sort of ceremonial site, and one of many that

Caesarian invasion date refined

2008-07-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain in 55BC could not have occurred on the dates stated in most history books, a team of astronomers has claimed. The traditional view is that Caesar landed in Britain on 26-27 August, but researchers from Texas State University say this cannot be right. Dr Donald Olson, an expert on tides, says that the English Channel was flowing the wrong way on

M3 intimidation claims - archaeologists threatened

2008-07-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

From the Irish Times.Archaeologists 'used to destroy heritage'CHARLIE TAYLORArchaeologists working on excavations on the controversial M3 motorway feared they would be "sacked, blacklisted or bullied out of their profession" for not supporting the building of the chosen route, it was claimed today. Speaking at a debate on the motorway near Tara at the sixth World Archaeological Congress (WAC-6)

Iron Age settlement found at Shadoxhurst, nr. Ashford, Kent

2008-07-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

From BBC NEWS.The remains of an Iron Age settlement have been uncovered by workers preparing to lay a water pipe in Kent. Evidence of a roundhouse, five buried cremation urns and a large amount of pottery was discovered at Shadoxhurst, near Ashford. Construction on the final section of a South East Water pipeline between Bewl Reservoir, Sussex, and Ashford has been halted to allow further

Explorator 11.10

2008-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.10

Medieval boat unearthed at Yarley, Suffolk

2008-06-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

From Suffolk and Essex Online.Archaeologists working on the north Suffolk coast have unearthed an early medieval boat.Excavations being carried out in Sizewell in advance of the onshore works for the Greater Gabbard Wind Farm unearthed the remains of the craft.The boat, which was probably a small inshore fishing vessel, had been broken up some time between the 12th and 14th Centuries and parts of

Explorator 11.9

2008-06-22T05:51:00.001-07:00

Explorator 11.9

Neolithic site discovered in Wrehxam quarry

2008-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

From the Wrexham Leader.ARCHAEOLOGISTS have begun excavating a quarry near Wrexham after evidence of a Neolithic settlement was uncovered. The exciting discovery was made at Tarmac's Borras Quarry, off Holt Road, near Wrexham and archaeologists have begun to uncover the remains of the settlement, believed to be about 4,000 years old.The archaeologists noticed dark areas resembling

Amatuer archaeologist writes Amazon.co.uk best seller

2008-06-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

From the Malton Mercury.A NEW book by a local amateur archaeologist is racing up the national best seller charts. Alan Walker, director of Fersina North Yorkshire Ltd, Horsemarket Road, Malton, has seen Rock Art and Ritual reach number eight in the prehistoric archaeology category on Amazon – the online book seller. It is also top of the pile in the chart dedicated to pre-historic rock

Kent man charged with illegal digging

2008-06-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

From This is London.A TRAIN driver has been the first person in Kent to be charged under a 29-year-old act. Mark Staples, of Herbert Road, Swanley, is accused of illegally digging at Thurnham Castle and Lympne Castle in Kent. The two charges have been brought under the 1979 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act.He is also accused of stealing a mosaic from Spoonley Wood Roman villa in

An exploration of hillforts in Denbighshire

2008-06-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

From Denbighshire Free Press.On Saturday, June 21 visitors are invited to hear presentations from three national archaeologists about the Iron Age, combined with a two-mile site visit to the spectacular hillfort of Caer Drewyn.The day will include presentations from Dr Toby Driver, aerial archaeologist for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and Kenneth Brassil,

Major dig at Caerleon (Isca) hopes to uncover camp supply depot

2008-06-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.Dig blog here. Archaeologists hope to find out more about what could be a 2,000-year-old warehouse over the next few weeks. A team of 50 are taking part in the excavation of a corner of a Roman fortress in Caerleon near Newport. The dig will open a large trench over the building, which is believed to have supplied the Roman legion. Dr Peter Guest, of Cardiff University, said: "

Glastonbury Abbey celebrates Bligh Bond contribution

2008-06-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

From the 24 Hour Museum."He is the oddest little gentleman; he sits and talks about archaeology, the fourth dimension and the mathematical relation of form to colour, till you don't know if you are on your head or your heels." So said novelist Dorothy L Sayers about her contemporary, the eccentric archaeologist and architect Frederick Bligh Bond (1864-1945). Bond was Glastonbury Abbey's first

Explorator 11.8

2008-06-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.8

50 Iron Age roundhouses discovered in Northumberland

2008-06-11T03:32:00.000-07:00

From Journal LiveOpencast operations have revealed the remains of at least 50 Iron Age homes in Northumberland. The remnants of the roundhouses, in a two-hectare area enclosed by a ditch and bank, have been found at Banks Mining’s Delhi surface mine on the Blagdon Estate near Seaton Burn. It is one of the biggest settlements ever excavated by archaeologists in a single operation in the North

Explorator 11.7

2008-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.7

explorator 11.6

2008-06-01T13:33:00.001-07:00

explorator 11.6

Gold Achaemenid goblet turns up in Somerset

2008-05-28T02:49:00.000-07:00

From BBC News.A metal cup acquired by a rag and bone man from Somerset has been revealed to be a pure gold goblet from the 3rd or 4th Century BC, worth up to £500,000. The vessel has two female faces looking in opposite directions with their foreheads decorated with a snake motif. William Sparks, who ran a scrap metal business in Taunton during the 1930s and 40s, left the ancient treasure to his

Bede works on display

2008-05-24T03:19:00.000-07:00

From Shields Gazette.A RARE chance to see world-famous books by the Venerable Bede is on offer at a South Tyneside museum. As part of the Bede & Beijing festival under way in South Tyneside and Wearside, an exhibition looking at links between Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and China has opened at Bede's World in Jarrow.A collaboration between the Church Bank museum and the British Library, the

Digital Digging - new content

2008-05-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

We are happy to present the Wessex super henge map, including a reconstruction of the timber circle inside the Mount Pleasant super henge, also available as a video in the Projector Room.

'Seahenge' exhibition boosts King's Lynn museum visitor numbers by 73%

2008-05-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

From BBC NEWS. A Norfolk museum has recorded a large increase in visitors since opening a unique display of the Bronze Age wood circle known as Seahenge. The Lynn Museum in King's Lynn underwent a £1.2m redevelopment before the exhibition was opened last month. Norfolk Museums Service said 1,500 visited in its opening month, 73% more year-on-year before the display opened. Seahenge was moved

PastHorizons Online heritage tv channel launched

2008-05-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

press release We are proud to announce the creation of a dedicated Heritage Media website. Past Horizons Heritage Media www.pasthorizons.tv Its the first of its kind dealing exclusively with archaeology and heritage. This video sharing site is similar in many ways to You Tube, and like that site, you can view videos or sign up and upload your own, comment and rate other peoples

Explorator 11.3

2008-05-11T06:40:00.001-07:00

Explorator 11.3

East Sussex barrow dig yields mesolithic and neolithic material

2008-05-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

From BBC news. Archaeologists have found tools from prehistoric times at an ancient burial ground on cliffs in East Sussex. Over the past two weeks a team of volunteers have found items from about 8,000 BC and a Neolithic period arrowhead at the site in Peacehaven. Coastal erosion means the burial mound from the Bronze Age will be unsafe to access in the next few years. The team hopes to

'Roman' threat to stud farm plans in Granborough, Bucks

2008-05-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

From the Bucks Herald. PLANS to open a stud farm in Granborough may have to be reassessed after claims that there is a Roman Villa and the remains of a medieval settlement on the site. The information came to light when a previous owner revealed to Davina Thorogood, chairman of Granborough Parish Council, that

Wessex Archaeology produces Avebury PDF download for teachers and students

2008-05-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

From Wessex Archaeology."The Kit will help schoolchildren heading for Avebury and the surrounding monuments make the most of their trip to the World Heritage Site. It is a downloadable resource for teachers of Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils. As well as information sheets for teachers there are on-site investigation sheets, puzzles, maps, treasure hunts and other games and activities to help pupils to

Explorator 11.2

2008-05-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

Explorator 11.2

Irish road building program produces more archaeology than the museum service can cope with

2008-05-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

The the Irish Independent. 'Archaeological treasures being 'left exposed in open-air sites' By John Drennan Sunday May 04 2008 Priceless archaeological treasures are being "left exposed in open-air sites" because the National Museum of Ireland has accumulated so many artifacts that it has no place to store them.An unanticipated consequence of the massive

Martello tower's 200th birthday celebrations (Seaford - E.Sussex)

2008-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

From the Sussex Express.TWO special events are being held to celebrate the bicentenary of Seaford's Martello Tower. An exhibition opens tomorrow (Saturday) with many pictures of the tower over the last 200 years as well as other towers around the coast.The Seaford Martello Tower was the last (number 74) in the chain along the Channel coast.It was also the most expensive with many more

Hayton pottery database goes online at ADS

2008-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

From the ADS. This dataset comprises the fully catalogued and quantified pottery from Hayton in East Yorkshire. It should allow the downloading of the full dataset, so that interested parties can import the data into their own applications for their own research. It also allows the user to examine the fabric and form catalogues defined for this project and to generate their own catalogue for

Barclodiad y Gawres passage grave (Anglesey) re-opens

2008-05-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

From NewsWales.A top Anglesey destination for megalith fans has reopened to visitors.The Neolithic burial chamber Barclodiad y Gawres in Anglesey has been closed for a number of months to remove graffiti, but the outstanding monument which overlooks the Irish Sea can now be visited again by appointment every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between 12 and 4pm until 30 September.The burial

Roman mass grave in Gloucester contained possible victims of the Antonine plague

2008-04-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

From the 24 hour museum.A mass Roman grave, discovered in Gloucester in 2005, may have contained the victims of an acute disease of epidemic proportions, possibly plague. This is the startling conclusion to a new report by Oxford Archaeology and archaelogical consultancy CgMs, who have been conducting an 18-month programme of scientific study on the grave, which contained around 91 skeletons.

Survey at Hyssington (Powys) Bronze age axe 'factory'

2008-04-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

From BBC News. Archaeologists are hoping to unearth evidence of what they believe to have been one of Bronze Age Britain's largest axe-making "factories". Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) said the axes, made from a distinctive type rock - known as picrite - had been found throughout the country. A three-week survey at the 4,000-year-old site will start soon in Hyssington, near Welshpool,

Taunton Castle medieval gateway discovered.

2008-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

From BBC news. Archaeologists in Somerset have uncovered evidence of a medieval gateway at Taunton Castle. The team made the discovery during excavations as part of the Museum of Somerset Project which will see the castle restored and modernised. The project has recently been given a boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £4.8m. This will go towards the overall project costs of £6.5m. The

Field Officer's report for Prescott St. dig

2008-04-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Second report from the Prescot St. dig.After recording and removing the remains of the terraced housing from the South Tenter Street side of the site, a number of earlier post medieval features were revealed. The majority of these were drainage features such as soak away’s and horn core pits. Their frequency is indicative of the rapid population growth in the area during the post medieval period,

Explorator 10.52

2008-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Explorator 10.52 is here.

Cumbrian forest to be returned to post-glacial bog

2008-04-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

From the 24 Hour Museum.Part of a forest in Cumbria is to be restored to the way it was for 10,000 years, as work begins on returning the Border mires to their ancient character.Spadeadam Forest was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 20th century to shore up the nation's depleted timber reserves after two world wars. While the trees are indeed a valuable and sustainable resource, the

British Archaeology Magazine celebrates 100th issue

2008-04-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

From the PAS Blog."Via Twitter, I found out that Tom Goskar over at Wessex Archaeology had an article published with Leif Isaksen (Uni of Southamptan) and Paul Cripps in the latest British Archaeology (May - June 2008 £4.25 a copy or join the CBA and get it gratis.) The Scheme’s website gets a nice plug with a half page box and screen grab of the Tiberius coin page from our coin guide which draws