Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology Events

Saturday 12th - Sunday 27th July 2014

By Neil Fortey

Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology Events
Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology Events

FESTIVAL OF LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND ARCHAEOLOGY

Part of THE CBA FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY

Saturday 12th July – Sunday 27th July


The Festival of British Archaeology is one of the biggest archaeological events in the world – and Leicestershire and Rutland have more events than any other area of Britain! Discover the rich heritage of Leicestershire and Rutland during this fortnight with a fascinating range of events, talks and guided tours from some of the county’s archaeological experts.


Before the Festival

BURROUGH HILL OPEN DAY

Sunday 29th June: 11.00 – 4.00pm

Burrough Hill Country Park, Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ.

Visit the county’s finest Iron Age hillfort and find out what University of Leicester archaeologists have been finding in the final season of a 5 year programme of excavations on the site. Learn about life in a roundhouse and watch combat displays. Guided tours of the site and excavations throughout the day.

FREE. Car parking £2.50.

www.leics.gov.uk/burrough

AN EVENING OF 3 TALKS: Richard III, the Staffordshire Hoard and The Roman Burial at Witherley

Tuesday 8th July: 7.00 – 9.30pm. The United Reformed Church, The Borough, Hinckley, LE10 1NL

Come to this talk, organised by Hinckley Archaeological Society, with 3 guest speakers: Peter Liddle, Stephen Dean of Staffs County Council and Stuart Palmer of Warwickshire Archaeology with updates on 3 important archaeological projects.

£5 (including tea or coffee) Contact Malcolm Lockett 01455 634765 for further information. Prior booking not essential.

www.fieldwalking.org.uk or www.hinckleyurc.org.uk

Displays and Exhibitions

ASHBY – HISTORY BENEATH YOUR FEET

June 30th – Friday 25th July. 11am to 4pm (Closed Sunday; weekdays closed 1 -2pm) Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1HU.

An exhibition featuring the archaeology of Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding area. Come and see the many and varied things found in the Ashby area dating from pre-history until today. A colourful history of Ashby in cartoons is on display for younger visitors.

Adults £1 children 50p. 01530 560090 http://ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk/

RITUALS, HOARDS, HELMETS AND MORE

Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Saturday 26th, &-Sunday 27th July: 2.30pm – 5.00pm Hallaton Museum, Churchgate, Hallaton, LE16 8TY.

The newly relocated museum showcases a superb small-scale exhibition of the story of the Hallaton Hoard put together by the people who found it, together with the history of the Bottle-Kicking and other village-related displays, including “Hallaton School – In a Class of its own” celebrating 150 years of the School. Visitors can also browse the numerous photographs of village life through the years, including a large collection of photographs taken by Fred Hawke. FREE – Phone 01858 555888 or www.leicestershirevillages.com/hallaton

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF RICHARD III

Saturday 12th – Sunday 27th July (and beyond): 10am – 5pm. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD

A new free exhibition examines the King’s reign and what life was like in Leicestershire during the late 15th Century.

FREE – Phone 01455 290429 or www.bosworthbattlefield.com

BOSWORTH QUEST GALLERY

Saturday 12th – Sunday 27th July (and beyond): 10am – 5pm. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD

Within the main exhibition at Bosworth Battlefield there is the new Bosworth Quest Gallery where visitors can explore the drama of the battle through the eyes of four characters and find out how the battle of Bosworth changed their lives forever. Admission to centre Adult £7.95, Child £4.75, Family tickets from £17.50, Senior £7.00 01455 290429 or www.bosworthbattlefield.com

DISPLAY OF LOCAL PRE-HISTORIC TOOLS

Saturday 19th July 10am – 4pm; Sunday 20th July: 2pm – 5pm. Hinckley & District Museum, Framework Knitters` Cottages, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, LE10 1QU

Over 4,000 Stone Age flint tools have been found in the Fosse Meadows area over the last few years by Hinckley Archaeological Society. Come along to the Hinckley & District Museum to see some of these on display and find out when, what and how they were used!

Admission to museum 50p adults and 25p children http://www.hinckleydistrictmuseum.org.uk/

GRACE DIEU PRIORY FISHPOND INFORMATION DAY

Sunday 20th July: 1pm – 5pm. Grace Dieu Priory, near Thringstone, Leicestershire. Meet at the Bull’s Head Car Park, LE67 8LR.

Join the Friends of Grace Dieu on an information day and learn the results of the hydrological survey and excavations carried out on Grace Dieu Priory’s medieval nunnery fishponds and ongoing archaeology on the site. There will also be a display of finds from the nunnery site. FREE www.gracedieupriory.org.uk

DIG FOR BOWDEN’S HIDDEN PAST

Sunday 20th July: 2pm – 5pm. Great Bowden Parish Church (St Peter & St Paul), Dingley Road, Great Bowden, Leics, LE16 7ET

The historic parish church of Great Bowden will display progress on the current archaeological project of 30 test pits dug throughout the village. This is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is part of Access Cambridge Archaeology’s CORS project, led by Dr Carenza Lewis. Our findings will join data from other villages in the east of England to create a picture of how and why settlements have changed over the centuries. Tea and cakes will be served and information, photos and finds will be displayed. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to visit a test pit dig in progress; visitors should come to the church for further information. FREE. www.greatbowdenheritage.btck.co.uk

Guided Walks & Tours

GUIDED WALK OF BURROUGH HILL EXCAVATIONS

Saturday 12th July: 2.00 – 4.00pm. Meet in the car park at Burrough Hill Country Park, Somerby Road, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QZ.

Visit Leicestershire’s finest hill fort with University of Leicester archaeologist, Dr. Jeremy Taylor, and Leicestershire archaeologist Peter Liddle. This will be the last time to view the current excavations on the site and learn all that has been discovered about the site’s history.

Adults:£3; children free. Car parking £2.50. No booking required.

www.leics.gov.uk/burrough

EXPLORING LOUGHBOROUGH

Saturday 12th July: 11.30am – 1pm. Meet at Old Rectory Museum, Rectory Place, Loughborough, LE11 1UW (Near All Saints Parish Church)

Discover some of Loughborough’s historic places on a 90mins walk led by Leicestershire Tourist Guide Ernie Miller. Wheelchair & Buggy Friendly

Adults £3.50; Children FREE

Pre-booking essential by phoning Ernie Miller on 01509 261075

BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD GUIDED WALK

Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th Sunday 20th , Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July : 11am & 2pm Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD

A 2km (1.25 mile) guided walk exploring the Battle of Bosworth, the death of King Richard III and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor.

Adults £4.50, children. £3.25, Family Tickets available. 01455 290429 or www.bosworthbattlefield.com

ASHBY CASTLE TOURS

Sunday 13th July: 2pm & Sunday 27th July: 2pm. Ashby-de-la-zouch Castle, South Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1BR

Enjoy a guided tour of one of Leicestershire’s finest medieval sites.

The tour is free. Normal admissions apply: Adults £4.70, Concessions £4.20, Child £2.80, Family £12.20; English Heritage Members & under fives free.

Enquiries & bookings on 01530 413343

HALLATON VILLAGE WALKS

Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th, Wednesday 16th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Wednesday 23rd, Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th July: 2.00 – 3.00pm & 3.30 – 4.30. Starting at The Butter Cross in the centre of Hallaton

Each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival of British Archaeology 2014 we will be offering two guided tours. The 2pm tour will take a route through the village itself and look at how the village has changed over time. The 3.30pm tour will walk out to Castle Hill to view the earthworks of a Motte and Bailey Castle. £2 per person.

VISIT A VICTORIAN COAL MINE EXCAVATION

Sunday 13th and Sunday 27th July: 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Hough Mill Site, St, John’s Hill, Swannington, Coalville, LE67 8QW

Visit the 7th Year of monthly digs by the Leicestershire Industrial History Society and see the engine house & boiler bases uncovered and consolidated, The Fan House is now being investigated with associated ventilation tunnels & drains. Finds include small artefacts and an unidentified circular structure. Come & tell us what you think it all means!

FREE

BATH HOUSE TOUR

Sunday 13th – 27th July: 12 – 12.50pm, each day. Jewry Wall Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB

Enjoy a 50 minute tour of Leicester’s Roman Bath House, with replica objects to handle.

Donations to Friends of Jewry Wall.

0116 2254971

GRACE DIEU PRIORY GUIDED WALK

Sunday 13th & 27th July: 3pm

Grace Dieu Priory, near Thringstone, Leicestershire. Meet at the Bull’s Head Car Park, LE67 8LR.

Walk through the ancient Grace Dieu Woods, under the Charnwood Forest Railway and along the Charnwood Forest Canal to the picturesque ruins of Grace Dieu Nunnery which was later a Tudor mansion. A Friends of Grace Dieu event.

Adults £3, children FREE

www.gracedieupriory.org.uk

THE HISTORY OF CAVENDISH BRIDGE

Sunday 13th July: 2.30 pm. Meet in the car park of the Old Crown Inn, Shardlow, DE72 2HL

Local expert, Bruce Townsend, will take you on a walk of about one mile around the tiny hamlet of Cavendish Bridge, which lies on the North West boundary of Leicestershire and at one time extended into Derbyshire. Take the minor road immediately before the modern bridge over the Trent and continue past the Old Crown down a steep slope which leads you to the car park. This place has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It has witnessed a Civil war battle, riots, plundering of its warehouse perhaps even smuggling! Archaeology abounds.

Adults £3, children FREE.

TREASURES OF THE JEWRY WALL MUSEUM

Sunday 13th, Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th, Sunday 20th, Tuesday 22nd, Thursday 24th, Sunday 27th July: 3pm – 3.40 pm

Jewry Wall Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB.

Join the Friends of Jewry Wall Museum, for a free guided tour of their favourite treasures. Meet at the Museum entrance.

No booking necessary. Donations to the Friends of Jewry Wall. 0116 2254971

GUIDED WALK OF BEACON HILL

Tuesday 15th July: 2 -4pmMeet Upper Car Park, Beacon Hill Country Park, Beacon Road, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SP

Join Leicestershire Archaeologist, Peter Liddle, for a leisurely walk around this little known prehistoric hill fort. See the results of recent LIDAR survey.

Adults:£3; Children FREE. Car parking £2.50 (correct change needed for barrier) No booking required.

Enquiries 0116 221 4508. www.leics.gov.uk/beacon

HIDDEN FOXTON

Tuesday 15th July: 2pm – 4pm, Saturday 19th July: 2pm – 4pm Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Foxton, LE1 7RA.

Enjoy a site and museum tour with our expert Mike Beech to celebrate the bicentenary of the canal. Discussing what is hidden under the ground and how it has been investigated to bring the site alive.

Suitable for people of all ages, these will be small parties and all questions can be answered. Not suitable for those with mobility problems.

FREE 0116 279 2657

MARKFIELD VILLAGE WALK

Tuesday 15th July: 7.15 -9.15pm. Meet outside St Michael’s church on The Green, Markfield, LE67 9WD

This is a walk that takes us back through the geological and social history of Markfield. It will cover typical village life in the nineteenth and early twentieth century and how this was influenced by the geology, communications and landscape. Walkers will be able to see the recent success of turning the legacy of old quarry workings into a public amenity and nature reserve. The walk over Markfield Hill provides splendid views of Charnwood Forest and several neighbouring counties.

There is some rough terrain and steep tracks. People are advised to use suitable footwear.

FREE, 01530 242318 or 01530 244497

VISIT THE GLENFIELD RAILWAY TUNNEL

17th to 20th July: Timed & pre- booked limited access visits between 10.30 & 3.30. Glenfield Tunnel, Glenfield, LE3 8BQ

Join the Leicestershire Industrial History Society for a trip into the first 100 yard section of this Grade II listed Leicester City Council Owned structure, built by the Stephenson’s as part of the Leicester to Swannington Railway. Numbers are strictly limited and must be pre-booked. Responsible children only if accompanied and controlled. High power torches useful, stout shoes essential. No car parking, toilets or medical facilities on site. Visits start in Village centre & involve a half mile walk along old railway trackbed, through a private estate to the tunnel entrance where visitors are signed in and taken into tunnel under instructions from LIHS stewards. The tunnel is obviously dark & can be cold with some rough conditions underfoot but generally dry. Head covering recommended.

PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL – Casual visitors NOT allowed.

lihsvisitgt@virginmedia.com

TOUR OF St. MARY’s CHURCH, LUTTERWORTH & A PRESENTATION ON JOHN WYCLIFFE

Thursday 17th July, Tuesday 22nd July: 14:00-15:15. St Mary’s Church, Churchgate, Lutterworth, LE17 4AN

Presentation on John Wycliffe Rector of Lutterworth from 1374 until his death in 1384 who during this time completed the 1st translation of the bible into English followed by a tour of his church, a Grade 1 listed building which contains several 14th century artefacts, an excellent example of a ‘Doom’ and other wall paintings.

£3.00 – Pre Booking preferred if possible 01455 556616 or 01455 558797.  Email: office@stmaryslutterworth.org

EXPLORING LOUGHBOROUGH

Saturday 19th July; 2pm – 3.30pm. Meet at Old Rectory Museum, Rectory Place, Loughborough LE11 1UW (Near All Saints Parish Church)

Discover some of Loughborough’s historic places on a 90mins walk led by Leicestershire Tourist Guide Alison Mott. Wheelchair & Buggy Friendly

Adults £3.50; Children FREE

Pre-booking essential by phoning Alison Mott on 01509 210767

GUIDED WALK TO BURY CAMP & OLD HAYS, RATBY

Sunday 20th & Sunday 27th July: 2pm – 5pm. Meet at Burroughs Road Car Park, Ratby (SK497062)

Join Ratby Local History Society for a walk to an Iron Age fort at Bury Camp and a 13th century moated farm at Old Hays, Ratby. £2. No dogs.

LAUNDE ABBEY GUIDED WALK

Sunday 20th July: 11am – 1pm; 2pm -4pm

Launde Abbey, East Norton, LE7 9XB

Join Peter Liddle on a walk around Launde Abbey, a very fine Jacobean mansion on the site of, and incorporating parts of, a medieval Augustinian Priory. Peter will be sharing the results of recent research into the site. Launde does very fine Sunday lunches, which need to be booked on 01572 717254. Coffee or light lunches can be catered for without booking. No booking required. Adults £3.00, Children FREE

EVINGTON MOAT GUIDED TOUR

Tuesday 22nd July: 2pm – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Meet at the Church car park in the centre of Evington village

Join Peter Liddle to visit ‘Piggy’s Hollow’, one of the best moated site complexes in Leicestershire which includes the site of the manor house, fishponds and a mill dam next to Evington Parish Church, which will also be open. A hidden gem!

No booking required. Adults £3, Children FREE

GUIDED WALK OF STAUNTON HAROLD

Wednesday 23rd Jul y: 10.45-12.00; 1.45 – 3pm. Thursday 24th July: 10.45 -12.00; 1.45 – 3pm. Meet at the church, Staunton Harold, LE65 1RU

Join Betty Cawte for a guided stroll to study the archaeology of Staunton Harold including the church, ice house, deserted village and dovecote, and to hear the history of the house and gardens. There is a display in the chapel.

FREE

GUIDED WALK OF LEICESTER ABBEY

Wednesday 23rd July: 1pm – 5pm. The Visitor Centre, Abbey Park, Abbey Park Road, Leicester, LE4 5AQ

Join Chris Wardle, the City Archaeologist, for a walk around the Abbey ruins. There will be other fun activities and a display of old Abbey Park to view.

FREE 0116 2333 025 / 0116 222 10000

A TOUR OF HISTORIC CASTLE DONINGTON

Wednesday 23rd July: 10.30 am -12.30pm. Meet in the Market Place in Castle Donington,

Delia Richards, the Curator of Castle Donington Museum, will lead a walk around historic Castle Donington, an ancient settlement with a fine medieval church and many other interesting features. The walk will take about 2 hours.

Adults £3.00 Children FREE. Enquiries 01332 812711

BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD COSTUMED GUIDED WALK

Wednesday 23rd July – 2pm. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD

Join our costumed guide as they explore the magic and mystery behind the history of Bosworth Battlefield in this fascinating walk. 1½ hours. Pre-booking advisable.

Adults £4.50, children £3.25

01455 290429 or www.bosworthbattlefield.com

GUIDED WALK OF BREEDON HILL AND CHURCH

Friday 25th July: 2pm- 4pm. Meet in the church car park on the top of Breedon Hill, DE73 8HF

Betty Cawte and Peter Liddle will guide you around the priory church which boasts one of the best collections of Anglo-Saxon carvings in the country. Also walk around the newly cleared banks of the Iron Age hillfort.

No booking required. Adults £3, children FREE

DESFORD HERITAGE WALK

Saturday 26th July: 2pm – 4pm. Starting at the Tropical Bird Garden on Lindridge Lane, LE9 9GN

Join Brian Ward of Desford and District Local History Society for a leisurely stroll around the conservation area in Desford, with a short time in Desford Free Church where you will be able to see some pictures of Desford in the past. The owner of the Tropical Birdland has kindly made available the toilet facilities, car park and cafeteria for people attending the event on the day, also 20% discount on the admission price for those who wish to visit Birdland.

FREE

A GUIDED WALK THROUGH A PREHISTORIC LANDSCAPE

Saturday 26th July: POSTPONED

The previously advertised walk through Fosse Meadows to view prehistoric sites has been postponed but will be re-arranged when crops allow contact Malcolm Lockett (01455) 634765 for further information.

SHARE HERITAGE WITH YOUR DOG

Sunday 27th July: 11am -3pm. Snibston No 3 Colliery site, Off Spring Lane, Swannington, LE67 8QR

Dogs deserve the opportunity to enjoy and share the glorious heritage of Swannington, so bring them with you on this guided walk (Maximum of one dog per adult). Starting at the former Snibston No 3 colliery,head down the Swannington Incline (the western end of Robert Stephenson’s 1832 Leicester and Swannington Railway). Proceed through the historic village and national forest planting crossing an 18th century horse drawn tramway to the 200 year old Hough Mill, Gorse Field and Califat Spinney for lunch.

Join Leicestershire Industrial History Society in the exploration of an ongoing excavation of the engine house at the mid 19th century Califat mine.

Return walk via a different route or you may choose your own route.

Pre-booking is helpful but not essential, as it lets us know the potential numbers.

FREE Email chairman@swannington-heritage.co.uk or ring 01530 222 833 http://www.swannington-heritage.co.uk/swannington_news.html

Talks and Presentations

CURSES, SACRIFICES AND TEMPLES

Monday 14th July: 7pm – 8.30pm. Harborough Museum, Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AG.

Join archaeologist Peter Liddle for a talk on how recent discoveries shed new light on Roman religion in Leicestershire and Rutland. We will start with the remarkable Hallaton Treasure site and look at how religious practice developed over the ensuing 400 years.

£3 – booking essential 0116 3053527

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE OADBY AND WIGSTON AREA

Wednesday 16th July: 2pm – 4pm. Brock’s Hill Visitor Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, LE2 5JJ

Peter Liddle, of Leicestershire Fieldworkers, will explain in an illustrated talk what we know of the archaeology of the Oadby and Wigston area. There are Bronze Age burials, Roman farms and perhaps a Roman temple, Anglo-Saxon cemeteries and medieval villages amongst what has been found there. There will be the chance to handle some finds and sign up for a new group to discover more about local archaeology.

£3.50 per person £2.50 for Friends of Brock’s Hill. 0116 257 2888

TIME TEAM IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Thursday 17th July 2014: 12 – 1pm. Oadby Library, 10 The Parade, Oadby, Leicestershire,LE2 5BF

Come along to a talk by archaeologist, Peter Liddle, on working with Time Team in Leicestershire. Find out about the big digs at Great Easton and Medbourne and main programmes at Stonton Wyville, West Langton and Groby Old Hall. The talk will cover how programmes are put together as well as the archaeology.

Library members: £2.50 Non-members: £3.50. Please call 0116 305 8763 to reserve. Pre-booking essential.

THE VIKINGS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Thursday 17th July: 7.30pm – 9pm Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 3DU

Come along to a talk by archaeologist, Peter Liddle, on recent discoveries in Leicestershire and surrounding counties, shedding light on the Viking period in this area. £3 per person £1 for Friends of Charnwood Museum members

Places can be pre-booked by phoning 01509 233 754 or emailing museum@charnwood.gov.uk

THE MEDIEVAL EARLS OF LEICESTER

Sunday 20th July: 2pm. Jewry Wall Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB

An illustrated talk chronicling these powerful and influential characters, from Saxon battles to John of Gaunt. Rebellion, religion and executions! Light refreshments available.

Advance booking recommended, £3.50.0116 225 4971

THE ANGLO-SAXON ARCHAEOLOGY OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND

Thursday 24th July: 7.30pm – 9pm. Oakham Castle, Castle Lane, OAKHAM, Rutland, LE15 6DR.

Peter Liddle will talk about the Anglo Saxon Archaeology of Leicestershire and Rutland with special reference to recent finds, especially in Rutland!

FREE Tel: 01572 758440

www.rutlandhistory.org/prog-2014.htm

Family Friendly Archaeology and Hands-on Events

THE TRIUMPH OF ROME

Sunday 13th JULY: 11.30 – 3.30pm

Jewry Wall Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB

An event for all the family Get the kids to load a barbarian warrior queen with chains and lead her through the streets of Rome. Meet the Emperor of Rome – who should arrive by chariot! – and see a feast fit for a Roman Triumph. A Friends of Jewry Wall Museum event. Light refreshments available. FREE 0116 225 4971

BELL PIT SIMULATION

Sunday 13th July: Simulations at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Hough Mill, Off St George’s Hill, Swannington LE67 8QW

Go back 800 years and become a member of a family that is operating a bell pit then simulate their day being lowered 30 feet into a dark, dank hole for a back breaking day chipping coal from the sides of the pit and loading the baskets. Explore the Califat Spinney, Gorse Field and the 200 year old Hough Mill where you can grind wheat into flour and be weighed on the sack scales. Join Leicestershire Industrial History Society in the exploration of an ongoing excavation of the engine house at the mid 19th century Califat mine.

01530 222 833 http://www.swannington-heritage.co.uk/swannington_news.html

FAMILY FUN – PREHISTORIC ACTIVITY

Tuesday 15th July: 11am – 4pm Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 3DU

Learn about Prehistory through handling artefacts, making objects and exploring artwork. FREE. Suitable for children of all ages.

FUN WITH PHAROAHS

Tuesday 15th – Sunday 27th July: 10am – 4.30pm (Sunday 2-5pm). Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 3DU

Find the Egyptian artefacts hidden around the museum and solve the clue

ARCHAEOLOGY DAY AT LUTTERWORTH MUSEUM

Saturday 19th July: 10am – 4pm. Lutterworth Museum, One Stop Shop, Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4PF

Join us for demonstrations of flint knapping, fieldwalking techniques, finds handling, a demonstration of techniques used in the identification of materials and the conservation of artefacts and much more. Talk by Peter Liddle on Time Team in Leicestershire at 2.30pm.

£2.50. Accompanied children FREE

HISTORY BENEATH YOUR FEET

Saturday 19th July. 11am – 3pm. Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1HU.

Discover the past of Ashby de la Zouch. A day for all the family where you will be able to explore the archaeology of the area. Enjoy games and quizzes and get the chance to identify real archaeological finds.

FREE 01530 560090

MAKE A MOSAIC

Tuesday 22nd July: 10.15am or 11.45am

Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 3DU

Be inspired by Roman art and create your very own mosaic tile to take away with you (suitable for children 3 and above). £2.50 per child.

YOUR MUSEUM NEEDS YOU! First World War Family Event

Wednesday 23rd July: 10.00 – 3.30. Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street, Oakham

Come and meet our recruitment sergeant while he tries to recruit you for the war effort. Handling items will be available and a chance for you to find out what it was like as a soldier. Children’s crafts will be available. Have a go at making a sweetheart pin cushion, medals and WW1 style embroidered postcards. Crafts suitable for ages 4-11 A small charge on the day for craft sessions. Have an opportunity to see our exhibition ‘A Call to Arms – Rutland in the First World War’.

FREE but small charge for craft activities.

CASTLE HILL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT FAMILY FUN DAY

Friday 25th July: 10 am – 3 pm Beaumont Lodge Neighbourhood Centre in Beaumont Leys, LE4 1EF

Join Project members for a mini archaeological dig for the children and a small training dig for adults on-site. Learn about the Knights Templars and Hospitallers with guided walks and displays with a strong focus on Castle Hill monuments and history. Refreshments will be available, including hot cobs, tea and coffee for a small charge. FREE

HALLATON HELMET DAY

Saturday 26th July: 10am – 4pm Harborough Museum, Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AG

See and handle exciting new 3D prints of the Hallaton Helmet and cheek pieces. Try on Roman helmets and armour, make your own helmet to take home and have a go at designing a helmet cheek piece!

FREE 0116 3053527

DIG ANSTEY!

Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th July. Around Anstey village centre

Come and join the Charnwood Roots Community Dig in Anstey or find out what has been discovered. Anstey residents will be digging test pits around the village centre with the help of volunteers and University of Leicester archaeologists to find out more about the village’s early history.

FREE Details from Julie Attard (jad17@leicester.ac.uk)

ARCHERY DAY WITH THE VIKINGS OF MIDDLE ENGLAND

Sunday 27th July: 11.30am – 3.30pm. Jewry Wall Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB

Have-a-go archery including trying your hand with a long-bow! Displays and talks on the history of archery through the ages. Craft activities and museum trail. Light refreshments available.

Admission FREE, museum activities £2.50. Small charge for archery. 0116 225 4971

The Festival in Leicestershire is supported by: Leicestershire County Council; Leicestershire Fieldworkers; Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society; Leicestershire Heritage Forum: CBA East Midlands.

How to get involved

Leicestershire and Rutland have a vibrant archaeological scene. New members are always welcome at all the local groups. Come along to the many events during the week and talk to members of the various groups, or contact the following organisations who will be delighted to see you.

Leicestershire Fieldworkers

Leicestershire Fieldworkers has over 400 members countywide and is an umbrella and support group for those interested in active fieldwork co-ordinating a network of around 20 local groups across Leicestershire. It runs a lecture series and trips as well as training days. 0116 221 4508 http://leicsfieldworkers.co.uk or email info@leicsfieldworkers.co.uk

Leicestershire Young Archaeologists Club

The club for 8 to 16 year olds interested in archaeology. Normally meets once a month on Saturdays. Contact the Leader: Stephen Bell on stephen_lyac@yahoo.co.uk http://leicestershireyac.wordpress.co

Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society

Founded in 1855 to promote the study of the history, archaeology, antiquities and architecture of Leicestershire, the county’s premier archaeological and historical organisation for over 150 years, members receive a copy of Transactions, the society’s major annual reference work, the Leicestershire Historian, presenting a range of authoritative articles, and two issues of the Magazine and Newsletter each year. Join us by visiting www.lahs.org.uk. The LAHS Networks Project provides a forum for all history groups within Leicestershire and Rutland. Membership is free. For more information please contact the co-ordinator, Caroline Wessel, The Old Forge, High Street, Desford, LE9 9JF (cmwessel@aol.com) http://www.le.ac.uk/lahs

Museum Archaeology Collection

For information about Leicestershire Museums archaeology collections please contact archaeology@leics.gov.uk

CBA East Midlands

CBA EM (East Midlands) covers the five east midlands counties and acts as an umbrella group for local societies. It organises trips and study days to promote the archaeology of the area, offers research grants and supports the work of the national CBA. For more information visit our website www.archaeologyuk.org/cbaem

Leicestershire & Rutland Heritage Forum

Leicestershire & Rutland Heritage Forum is an umbrella organisation for independent museums and heritage groups in the two counties and the City of Leicester. It offers support through information sharing, advocacy, training, advertising, Forum exhibition, entry to Heritage Awards along with guidance and access to funding and professional advice. www.lrhf.org.uk or email chairman@lrhforg.uk

Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme aims to ensure that as many objects as possible are voluntarily recorded and the information made available for research, education and enjoyment. If you have found any archaeological objects in the county please contact Finds Liaison Officer, Wendy Scott. 0116 305 8325 or email archaeology@leics.gov.uk

National Festival of Archaeology

To see what else is taking place across the UK as part of the CBA Festival of British Archaeology please visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

Find out more about archaeology in Britain by joining the Council for British Archaeology or its Young Archaeologists’ Club – please visit www.archaeologyuk.org for more information.

This page was added on 30/06/2014.

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