Wessex Archaeology News
Here are some stories from Wessex Archaeology
Volunteers peel back Pan’s past
http://news.wessexarch.co.uk/?p=125
For the past 9 weeks, enthusiastic amateur archaeologists and metal detectorists have gathered at Pan, Newport to join in the investigation of two large fields on either side of Pan Lane. Each Saturday groups of between 10 and 25 volunteers have lent a hand, searching the fields for clues to Pan’s past. And [...]
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For the past 9 weeks, enthusiastic amateur archaeologists and metal detectorists have gathered at Pan, Newport to join in the investigation of two large fields on either side of Pan Lane. Each Saturday groups of between 10 and 25 volunteers have lent a hand, searching the fields for clues to Pan’s past. And there were plenty! Hundreds of objects have been washed, marked and sorted to see what they can tell us about the area.
It is clear that people have lived here for thousands of years. On the very first session sharp-eyed volunteer Dawn Russell picked up a flint tool which is at least 400,000 years old! Jane Roberts of Wessex Archaeology said “It’s difficult to spot a small piece of worked flint in the mud, amongst lots of other stones. The volunteers were really keen and we had to persuade them to take a break!”
Members of ‘History Hunters’, ‘Vectis Searchers’ and the ‘Isle of Wight Metal Detectorists’ Club’ joined the search too, uncovering, amongst other things, musket balls from the time of the Civil War, a Tudor buckle and a Georgian coin.
But there’s been even more to Pan Archaeology than field-walking and metal detecting - Phil Harding, of Time Team and Wessex Archaeology came along to the Isobel Centre for an evening to demonstrate flint knapping and there was an afternoon of children’s activities during half-term.
Volunteer Dawn Russell said: “It’s been a great project, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about archaeology in this practical way. I have come to every session and as well as finding pieces of flint, I found a piece of a Roman brick. In fact I’ve become so keen that I’ve joined a local archaeology group!”
The project is not over yet: Some of the objects will be sent to Newport Museum, but before they go there will be an exhibition at the Isobel centre to celebrate both the history of Pan, and the work of the keen volunteers who helped find out more about it.
Saxon coin found in a cable trench
http://news.wessexarch.co.uk/?p=124
Read about the discovery of an eighth century Saxon sceatta in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
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An eighth century Saxon sceatta was an exciting find for archaeologist Steve George while he was keeping an eye on the excavation of a new cable trench in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. The 1,200 year old silver coin was minted in Hamwic (Saxon Southampton) and examples are very rarely found outside of Southampton. It was probably issued by Cynewulf, King of Wessex.
The origins of Malmesbury are even older than this, dating back to the middle of the sixth century. By the seventh century an imposing abbey stood in the centre of the town. Steve found traces of this early history nearby in Gloucester Street. Two stone-lined graves were uncovered in the base of the trench. Luckily they were deep enough to be safely left undisturbed. He also spotted the traces of footpaths nearby, probably used by the Saxon inhabitants of the town when visiting the Abbey.
The trench in Abbey Road uncovered a medieval road surface, made of cobbles laid on packed clay. This is the road that brought traffic into bustling Malmesbury through the West Gate on market days.
The cable trench is being dug for Scottish and Southern Electric to link a sub-station outside the city walls to the town. Wessex Archaeology was asked to keep a watching brief on the work because of the high possibility that it might uncover further clues to the history of this ancient town.
Vacancy: Graphics Officer
http://news.wessexarch.co.uk/?p=122
We're looking for experienced applicants to join our busy Graphics Office in our Salisbury HQ.
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Our Specialist Services department are looking to strengthen their team and are seeking to appoint an Archaeological Graphics Officer/Illustrator.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate finds illustrations skills, have a basic working knowledge of AutoCAD, plus at least one graphics package such as Adobe Illustrator or preferably the Corel Draw suite of software. Some experience of GIS would be useful but not essential as training will be given.
Find out more in our vacancies section.
Archaeology Podcast Success
http://news.wessexarch.co.uk/?p=121
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As we launch the 6th edition of Archaeocast, our archaeology podcast, downloads of the first five have now passed the 20,000 mark.
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The launch of today’s Archaeocast quietly marks a notable achievement for niche podcasting. As we launch the 6th edition of Archaeocast, our archaeology podcast, downloads of the first five have now passed the 20,000 mark. Archaeocast 6 is from the ongoing Practical Archaeology Course in Dorset.
In it you can listen to an experimental archaeologist talk about making prehistoric pottery, learn about the rich archaeology of Cranborne Chase, and get an insight into what it is like to dig for the first time with students doing the course.
Archaeocast began just a year ago, when podcasting was relatively unknown. Our goal was to achieve 250 downloads of each podcast.
Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology commented, “As podcasting was an emerging medium we were cautious in our estimates. Much too cautious as it has turned out. These figures show just how much interest there is in archaeology and how effective the web is in helping to satisfy that interest. This sets a new challenge for us.”
The Sunday Times “Doors” technology supplement, has listed us in their “20 Intriguing Podcasts“:
“Enthusiastic ’cast for archaeology fans, featuring dig reports and chats with archaeologists such as Time Team’s Phil Harding, who discusses flint-knapping. A good example of a podcast that supplements a wide-ranging website.”
Archaeocast is listed in most podcast directories, as well as Apple’s iTunes podcast directory. Find out how to subscribe (it’s free!).
Archaeology Course Blog
http://news.wessexarch.co.uk/?p=119
Be amongst the first to find out what the students on the course learn, and follow their discoveries.
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This year’s Practical Archaeology Course will run for three weeks, and we’re aiming to blog the event each day over on our Events Blog.
Be amongst the first to find out what the students on the course learn, and follow their discoveries.
Hop over to our Events Blog to follow the excavation.
In addition, a new Archaeocast (our archaeology podcast) will be recorded during the course, and if all goes well, will be released on the following Monday.