Eric Ravilious and the White Horses of Wiltshire

Saturday 24 November by James Russell.  Last few tickets available.

English watercolourist Eric Ravilious (1903-42) travelled far and wide, but no landscape inspired him more than the chalk downs of southern England.  Intrigued by the figures and white horses carved into the hills, he painted a series of pictures intended as the basis for a children's book.

The White Horses book was never produced, but his 'dummy' of the book, lost for decades, was recently been purchased by the Wiltshire Heritage Museum.  James Russell’s illustrated talk will explore these paintings, teasing out stories and revisiting places that inspired this extraordinary artist.  Ravilious, painter, book illustrator, designer of transfer-ware pottery and Official War Artist, is now one of the most popular artists of his period. 

James Russell is the author of four books in the series Ravilious in Pictures, most recently A Travelling Artist and Paul Nash in Pictures: Landscape and Dream.

 

 Tickets Cost £6 (£3.50 for WANHS members) and are available from the Museum shop or on-line at www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk.

A lunchtime talk Wiltshire Heritage Museum - The Museums Art Collection

A lunchtime talk on Wednesday 14 November by Bill Perry.

The Museum holds an extensive art collection, but little of it can be displayed. Come along and find out about some of the 8,000 plus prints and paintings in our collection. All the works are of Wiltshire places and scenes dating from the 17th century, many of which no longer exist.
This lecture, by the former Chairman of the Society, will discuss and illustrate as many of the important and interesting pictures in the collection as there is time for.

Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.

Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning.

Booking is not required - just come along
Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)

 

Source: http://wiltshireheritagemuseum.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-museums-art-collection.html

 

Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan Review

Not sure what an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is? What is the AONB Partnership? What they have achieved so far? What would you like to see the AONB do?

From mid November to mid December, the AONB team will be visiting different village...halls around the AONB to hear your thoughts and ideas on topics and issues that affect you.

The team has to prepare a revised AONB Management Plan for 2014-19 and they need your input. The team will be visiting:

Bowerchalke – Tuesday 20th November

Sixpenny Handley – Thursday 22nd November

Tarrant Gunville – Wednesday 28th November

Chilmark – Thursday 29th November

Pen Selwood – Tuesday 4th December

Donhead St Mary – Wednesday 5th December

Damerham – Thursday 13th December

All sessions start after 7-9pm

 

www.ccwwdaonb.org.uk

A talk on PATHH – Providing Access To Hampshire’s Heritage 8th Jan 2013 Salsibury

Venue: Lecture Hall / Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum
Date: 08 Jan 2013
Time: 19:30
A talk by Stephen Fisher, Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. PATHH is a two year, HLF funded research project that makes use of historic maps to identify ‘lost’ rights of way around Hampshire. Across the countryside, numerous public routes have fallen out of use and failed to be recorded on the county’s definitive map. This project seeks to identify such routes that, were they to be re-instated, would be of benefit to modern countryside access. In this talk, project manager Stephen Fisher explains the origins of the project and the history of mapping in England.
A lecture in the Salisbury Museum Archaeology Lectures (SMAL) series. SMAL lectures are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to April.

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/what-s-on/lectures/297-pathh-%E2%80%93-providing-access-to-hampshires-heritage.html

DORSET HISTORY NETWORK Fifth ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Saturday 10th November 2012.

DORSET HISTORY NETWORK

Fifth ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Saturday 10^th November 2012.

12.45 p.m. at the Priests House Museum, 23-27 High Street, Wimborne Minster BH21 1HR.

There is no charge for paid-up members only wishing to attend this A.G.M.

 

Stories from the Dark Earth: Meet the Ancestors - Revisited

Wiltshire Heritage Museum Sat 10th November

 

Julian will be updating some of the fascinating stories from his popular Meet the Ancestors TV Series.  He will discuss what has happened to the site and the discoveries over the last 10-12 years (yes it’s that long since the original series) as well as investigating how our perceptions of those periods have changed in this time.  So there a bigger picture to be painted rather than just the updated stories of the individual sites.

Julian says "It has been huge fun, travelling from Orkney to East Anglia, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds as well as closer to home in Dorset and Winchester.  I have enjoyed meeting up with the archaeologists and specialists that we worked with before, comparing how their work has changed and how much older we all look!"

Cost £6 (£3.50 for WANHS members).  Starts 2.30pm.

Please note:  advance bookings may be cancelled 14 days before the lecture if payment has not been received.

Ancient Tracks Exhibition at Salisbury Museum

Saturday 13 October 2012 - Saturday 26 January 2013. An exhibition of paintings and drawings that reflect one artist’s travels through the ancient sites of Wiltshire. Over the last 50 years, Philip Hughes has returned time and again to the Ridgeway, Avebury, Silbury Hill and Stonehenge. Informed by maps, photography and electronic survey techniques, his work ranges from accurate topographical observation to abstract and emotional representation of the landscape.

The exhibition coincides with the publication of the book on Hughes's work: Tracks: Walking the Ancient Landscapes of Britain (Thames & Hudson, 2012).

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/exhibitions/289-ancient-tracks.html

Village Reading Rooms in Wiltshire Lecture Devizes Museum 27th October 2012

2:30 pm, Saturday, 27 October, 2012

Find out more about the village reading rooms of Wiltshire, why they were built and the activities they hosted.
Reading Rooms were built in practically every village in Wiltshire between the 1850s and the 1920s. They were educational and social centres provided as alternatives to the public house. Tea was drunk rather than beer, and there were improving lectures a plenty. The buildings themselves are still mostly to be seen, often with agreeable date-stones. This significant aspect of Victorian village life has been forgotten and largely ignored by historians.

Ivor Slocombe has restored these village institutions to our consciousness. Formerly the County Education Officer for Wiltshire, Mr Slocombe sits on the committees of many historical bodies in the county. His study of Wiltshire Village Reading Rooms has recently been published by the Wiltshire Buildings Record, the admirable organisation – a spin-off from our Society – run by his wife, Mrs Pamela Slocombe.

http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/index.php?Action=2&thID=781&prev=1

Talk at the Wiltshire History Centre - 1st Nove 2012 - Saxon Ale House to 19th Century Beer House

Led by with Michael Marshman. Take a look at how alcohol was sold and drunk over 14 centuries, with detours into wine taverns, inns and gin palaces. Limited to 35

For more information http://www.wshc.eu/home/events.html

Lecture on Stonehenge Salisbury Museum 13th Nov 2012

New light on Stonehenge -  Tuesday 13 November 2012. A talk by Professor Mike Parker-Pearson, University of Sheffield. This lecture will present new findings by the 'Feeding Stonehenge' project about the people who built Stonehenge, and about the sources of its stones in Wales and north Wiltshire. It will examine thelatest theories about when and why Stonehenge was built, and will present new discoveries from Wales as well as the Stonehenge area.

Prof. Mike Parker-Pearson is leader of the Stonehenge Riverside Project and author of Stonehenge: exploring the greatest Stone Age mystery, published by Simon & Schuster in June 2012.

7.00 pm refreshments, 7.30 pm lecture. Please note this lecture is at the Guildhall (Market Square) not the Museum. A lecture in the Salisbury Museum Archaeology Lectures (SMAL) series. SMAL lectures are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to April. Please note earlier start time for this particular lecture. This particular lecture requires booking. This is a fundraising event.

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/all/lectures/254-the-stonehenge-riverside-project-–-update.html

Talk by Martin Green on Cranborne Chase at Swallowcliffe Village Hall 18.09.12

Talk by Martin to the Swallowcliffe Society on the 18th September starts at 19:30 at Swallowcliffe Village Hall

Archaeonews Podcast 212 now available

Stone Pages with BAJR and Past Horizons presents the long running archaeology based podcast with the latest archaeology news, related to prehistory, megalithic monuments and discoveries

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/08/2012/archaeo-news-podcast-212

Maney publishing offering free access to the European Journal of Archaeology

The content is free to view online from 30 August to 15 October 2012 and covers the last three years

http://maneypublishing.com/index.php/journal-of-the-month-eja

Course on the Geology and Scenery of Wessex coming soon to Salisbury

Source: Salisbury Museum

 

Every Wednesday from 17 April to 22 May 2013. Field trips TBA. A course by Hadrian Cook and Steve Hannath. We take geology for granted; after all, the expression ‘as old as the hills’ implies stability, a given in our lives with the physical landscape both backdrop and foundation upon which our daily life occurs. Is Wessex, the quiet land of Thomas Hardy and the Wurzels, an exception on an Earth that explodes with volcanoes and is washed by tsunamis? Is it a geological backwater that somehow has evaded plate tectonics? Of course this is not the case , for it may lack serious geological upheaval, but the land around us has nonetheless been shaped by Earth processes. The impact of mountain building, plate tectonics and climatic change is as evident here as anywhere; it is just more subtle. Furthermore, Wessex is an internationally renowned area and well suited to explore geology.
This course explores the rocks, fossils and landforms of our famous region, revealing both the dynamics and utility of the Wessex landscape. It also draws out the relationship of the rocks to our cultural landscapes such as prehistory, vernacular architecture, settlement patterns, extractive industries and water supplies.
This course explores the wider concepts and understanding that underpin the science of Geology but uses local examples to further local understanding. There will be lectures, the chance to handle specimens and the opportunity for fieldwork both local and at Charmouth/Lyme Regis on the classic Jurassic coastline.

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Booking: Booking required. Please contact the Museum to book.
Cost: course £40.00 (members); £50.00 (non-members). individual sessions £7.00 (members); £8.00 (non-members).

Next lecture of the Dinton Historical Society - September 20th. 'The Salisbury Hoard' by Margaret McKenzie.

Dinton Historical Society. The Society sets out to promote interest in the history of Dinton through lectures,publications and social events. The Society is also collecting archival material about Dinton, both originals and copies of documents held elsewhere. Membership is open to all. Subscription £5 a year. (Families of more than one person £8). All talks are held in Dinton Village Hall at 7.30pm

See http://www.southwilts.com/site/Dinton-Historical-Society/

Forthcoming Lecture: Archaeological aspects of two meteorites found in Southern England

Tuesday 11 September 2012. A talk by Professor Colin Pillinger, CBE, FRS. Refreshments will be available after the lecture.

A lecture in the Salisbury Museum Archaeology Lectures (SMAL) series. SMAL lectures are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to April. Please note earlier start time for this particular lecture. This particular lecture requires booking.

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Booking: Booking required. Please contact the Museum to book.Cost: Members: £8.00; non-members £10.00.

Henge Diggers at the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum

Small Exhibition Gallery  at the Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum
Saturday 8 September 2012 - Saturday 12 January 2013. This photographic exhibition captures the actions and emotions of archaeologists from universities across Britain whilst they carried out ground-breaking new work to reinterpret the Stonehenge landscape. Bill Bevan was resident photographer on site for three years during the excavations of the internationally important Stonehenge Riverside Project (2004-2010). His photographs and the accompanying text offer the visitor an unusual and revealing vantage point from which to view the archaeologists at work.

Stonehenge Riverside Project is a joint collaboration between archaeologists at the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol, UCL and Bournemouth. This exhibition has been funded by Arts Council England and Manchester University in partnership with Salisbury Museum.

Check out http://www.billbevanphotography.co.uk/ for more information about Bill’s projects.

Lunchtime talk on Wiltshire metal detectoring at Wiltshire Heitage Museum

The lunchtime talk this month will be given by Dave Crisp, finder of the Frome Hoard and member of the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club.

He will touch on the items found by metal detectorists, conservation, the recording of items with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the new 1996 Treasure law (which applies to everybody) and why they believe they are helping to save our heritage.

This talk complements the Museum’s current exhibition Detecting Wiltshire’s Past: An exhibition of finds by the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club, recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Lunchtime Talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.

The talks take place in the Museum's Lecture Hall which is air-conditioned, has a hearing loop system and can be accessed via a lift.

Booking is not required - just come along on the day - Cost:  £4 (£3 WANHS members)

Fontmell and Melbury Downs Walk - Sat 25th August, 9.30am - 12:30pm

In search of the tranquillity and beauty heralded by Thomas Hardy 


Contact the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB for details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk

Creative Storytelling at Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum centred on museum collections

Creative Storytelling with Lizzie Bryant

Date: 04 Aug 2012
Time: 10:30 - 15:30
Description:

Saturday 4 August & Saturday 25 August 2012. Let your imagination take centre stage with story telling and story creation as Lizzie unlocks the mysteries of objects found in the museum. Discover the facts and myths surrounding some of the museum’s most amazing objects and get hands on with your local history; sessions will also include handling artefacts from our education collection. Object handling sessions at 10.30am, 12noon and 2pm. Creative storytelling sessions at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/what-s-on/for-families/286-creative-storytelling-with-lizzie-bryant.html

Stonehenge Family Activity Day 6th August 2012

Visit Stonehenge for a family activity filled walk around the landscape led by the National Trust.
Explore the monuments, barrows and wildlife with archaeological and nature related activities along the way.

Meet at the Stonehenge car park at 10am.

Booking Essential.

Contact the Education Officer at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum on 01380 727369
* Send her an e-mail.

Priests House Museum - President's Summer Fete

The museum invites you to its President’s Summer Fete on Saturday 4 August, 10 to 4.30. Admission is just 50p while accompanied children under 18 get in for free.

There will be a whole range of stalls for you to browse: collectables, cakes, books, linens, bric-a-brac, plants and produce, music, bottle stall, jewellery, and much more. The raffle will feature a host of wonderful prizes. The lucky dip and other games will entertain children and all those young at heart! Teas, ice creams and delicious homemade cakes will be available from the new garden tearoom.

Everyone is welcome in the museum garden for a wonderful day and the odd bargain or two. Entrance is by Wimborne library or through the museum shop. 

See here for more information http://www.priest-house.co.uk/news.php

Wiltshire Councils Archaeology Team discusses their Monument Management Scheme

Check out the blog post on the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre website on the Wiltshire Council Monument Management Scheme.

http://www.wshc.eu/blog/minding-wiltshires-monuments.html

The Wiltshire Council Archaeology team are involved with a number of Monument Management Schemes (MMS) each year. These schemes are joint ventures with English Heritage (using matched funding). Each scheme looks at a Scheduled Monument that is considered to be ‘at risk’ and works are then undertaken to reduce the damage or risk to the monument.

Lecture at Wiltshire Heritage Museum The Medieval Beginnings of Devizes 26.07.12

The Medieval Beginnings of Devizes: Demolishing a Myth

An evening lecture by Tim Tatton Brown on Thursday 26 July at 7.30pm.

The story of how the town grew and prospered was first told over 100 years ago but Tim has reviewed the evidence to tell a very different story.

More information on the Devizes Museum website

Tickets cost £8 and are available from the Museum shop.

Opportunity to visit Art collections at Longford Castle with the National Portrait Gallery

Situated near Salisbury in Wiltshire, with the River Avon running through its grounds and home to the Earls of Radnor for generations, Longford Castle is one of the most magnificent of all English country houses.

The Longford Castle collection, formed by successive generations of the family, is one of the finest in the United Kingdom. It includes paintings by van Dyck, Claude, Teniers and Hals, together with British pictures by Reynolds and Gainsborough, as well as oriental porcelain, Brussels tapestries, and exceptional 18th century English and continental furniture.

Longford Castle will be open, for the first time on a regular basis, to visitors from Summer 2012. Tickets are being sold through the National Gallery (on behalf of the Estate) which has long enjoyed a special relationship with Longford Castle. Several masterpieces from Longford are on display at the National Gallery and others (including Holbein’s Ambassadors) were once part of the Longford Castle collection.
See http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/longford-castle for more information.

Festival for British Archaeology - Visit the Cranborne Chase

Wed 25 July; 10.00-16.00

Visit the archaeological sites on Cranborne Chase including the Ackling Dyke, Bokerley Dyke, Dorset Cursus & Oakley Down barrows. …

Visit the archaeological sites on Cranborne Chase including the Ackling Dyke, Bokerley Dyke, Dorset Cursus and Oakley Down barrows. £7.00 museum members, £8.00 non-museum members
Location: The King's House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN.
Org: Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum
Name: Adrian Green
Tel: 01722 332151
Email: museum@salisburymuseum.org.uk
Web: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Work starts on new £27m faciltities at Stonehenge

As reported in the Heritage Alliance Update


"After nearly 30 years of talking and fundraising, work to return Stonehenge to a more tranquil setting and improve its visitor facilities finally began on Wednesday (11 July).

English Heritage confirms contractor VINCI Construction UK has taken possession of the site at Airman’s Corner, 1.5 miles to the west of the stones, to start construction of the new exhibition and visitor building out of sight of the stone circle. In September, the Highways Agency will start work to upgrade Longbarrow Roundabout prior to the closure of the A344 in April 2013.

The £27-million project has been developed by English Heritage with the support of the National Trust, Wiltshire Council, the Highways Agency, and Natural England. It is financed almost entirely by Heritage Lottery Fund money, commercial income and philanthropic donations including significant gifts from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Linbury Trust and the Wolfson Foundation. There's just £500,000 left to raise, English Heritage has confirmed.


The Stonehenge project will be completed in two phases: in autumn 2013 the new visitor facilities and galleries will open and the A344 will be closed to traffic. By summer 2014 the existing car park, toilets, shop and fencing near the stones will have been removed and restoration of the landscape will be well underway. Click here for the full press release."

Civil War Farmily Day at Devizes Museum

Join in the fun at the Devizes Museum Civil War themed Family Day on Sunday 15 July, part of the Festival of British Archaeology.

Come face to face with Civil War soldiers (from the Sealed Knot), take part in a pike drill and try Roundhead armour. You can also try your hand at 17th century craft activities such as face pots, herb bags and windmill toys. There will also be fun archaeological activities and quizzes, a display of finds by the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club and activities led by the National Trust (object handling and an opportunity to make a Bronze Age dagger based on a dagger found in Bush Barrow, overlooking Stonehenge. Refreshments will be available.

All from 11am to 4pm. £4 adults, FREE for children (there may be a small extra charge for some activities to cover the cost of materials). Pre booking not required - just come along and join in.

Festival for British Archaeology - Walk with an archaeologist the stonehenge landscape

Mon 16 July; 10.00-16.30

Join Neolithic expert & National Trust archaeologist Dr Nick Snashall on this whole day tour of the Stonehenge landscape. 8 miles. Bring a packed lunch. …

Join Neolithic expert and National Trust archaeologist Dr. Nick Snashall on this whole day exploration of the Stonehenge landscape and find out about the latest exciting discoveries. We'll be walking around eight miles. Please bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the walk.

Location: Stonehenge Landscape, near Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE.
Org: National Trust
Tel: 0844 2491895
Email: stonehenge@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stonehengelandscape

The Siege of Devizes and the Battle of Roundway Down Lecture Thursday 12th July

Wiltshire Heritage Museum by Wiltshire Heritage Museum

A story of intrigue, secret agents, cowardice and incredible bravery in 17th century Devizes! An evening lecture by Robin Hodges, as part of our Story of Devizes exhibition. Lecture sponsored by Wansbrough Solicitors.

Thursday 12 July, 7.30pm at Devizes Town Hall. Tickets £8 available from the Museum.

Festival of British Archaeology - Woodford Valley Walk

Wed 18 July; 10.00-16.00

Explore the landscape and archaeology of the Woodford Valley with environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. …

Explore the landscape and archaeology of the Woodford Valley with environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. Please bring suitable clothing for weather conditions and stout footwear, sun protection, drink and snacks as required. £7.00 museum members, £8.00 non-museum members

Location: The King's House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN.
Org: Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum
Name: Sara Willis
Tel: 01722 332151
Email: museum@salisburymuseum.org.uk
Web: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Festival of British Archaeology - New Forest/Lower Avon Valley Walk

Fri 20 July; 10.00-16.00

Discover the landscape history of the lower Avon and New Forest near Fordingbridge with environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. …

Discover the landscape history of the lower Avon and New Forest near Fordingbridge with environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. Please bring clothing suitable for the weather and stout footwear, sun protection, drink and snacks as required. £7.00 museum members, £8.00 non-museum members.

Location: The King's House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN.
Org: Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

Name: Sara Willis
Tel: 01722 332151
Email: museum@salisburymuseum.org.uk
Web: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Festival for British Archaology - Avebury Stone Circles

Wed 18 July; 14.00-15.30

See Avebury through new eyes as you join museum curator Dr Ros Cleal on a trek through the henge & stone circles. …

See Avebury through new eyes as you join museum curator Dr Ros Cleal on a trek through the henge and stone circles. Please wear sensible shoes as you may be walking over uneven ground.
Location: Avebury, nr Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1RF.
Org: National Trust
Tel: 01672 538016
Email: avebury@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury

Festival for British Archaeology - Family Day Wiltshire Heritage Musem

Sun 15 July; 11.00-16.00

Fun activities for all the family. …

Fun activities for all the family.
Location: Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NS.
Org: Wiltshire Heritage Museum
Name: Ali Rushent
Tel: 01380 727369
Email: wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk
Web: www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk

Festival of British Archaeology - Archaeology & Conservation Open Day Chippenham

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: archaeology@wiltshire.gov.uk

Festival of British Archaeology: Down Farm Visit 14 & 19th July

Down Farm - Sat 14 & Thu 19 July; 10.00-16.00

A visit to Down Farm Museum & guided walk exploring the rich archaeological landscape centred around Down Farm, led by Martin Green. …

In the morning, we will visit the museum to set the scene for the sites to be visited later. After this we will explore sites in nearby Fir Tree field which include the natural shaft and burial monuments excavated and subsequently restored by Martin. Following lunch, a longer circular walk will cross the Dorset Cursus and take in the earthworks on Gussage Cow Down before traversing a length of the Ackling Dyke. We will then leave the Roman road to cross the Cursus again visiting the restored Neolithic hengers and barrows on Wyke Down before crossing the Allen valley back to Down Farm. Please bring clothing suitable for the weather and stout footwear, sun protection, drink and snacks as required. Picnic lunch., £6 museum members, £8 non-museum members

Location: Meet in the farmyard at Down Farm, ST 999 149 SP5 5RY. Turn off the A354 signposted Wimbourne St Giles. Continue a short distance along this road. Take the tarmac lane on the right (signposted ‘Down Farm’). The farm is past the cottages on the right hand side.

Org: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
Name: Sara Willis
Tel: 01722 332151
Email: museum@salisburymuseum.org.uk
Web: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Festival for British Archaeology - Earth Detectives Priest's House Museum

Sat 21 July; 10.00-16.30

Budding archaeologists will be able to put on a hard hat & try their hand at a mini dig. There will be quizzes, trails and hands-on activities. …

Delve into our archaeological past with a dig and activities. Budding archaeologists will be able to put on a hard hat and try their hand at a mini archaeological excavation. There will be something for everyone, with quizzes, trails and hands-on activities. Admission £1.50 (YAC members FREE).
Location: Priest's House Museum & Garden, 23-27 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1HR.
Org: Priest's House Museum Trust
Tel: 01202 882533
Email: priestshouse@eastdorset.gov.uk
Web: www.priest-house.co.uk

Performance of the Chalk Legend at The Forum, Kentish Town, Saturday 14th July, 7.30pm

As reported in the Council for British Archaeology news

The county of Dorset is famed for its rich seams of history and folklore. But no-one expected the construction of the Weymouth relief road in preparation for the Olympic 2012 sailing events to be delayed by the unearthing of a mass grave of fifty-one decapitated Viking skeletons. This was the unlikely but inspired starting point for The Chalk Legend.

In collaboration with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s contemporary music ensemble Kokoro and amateur musicians across some sixty Dorset villages, McNeff and Williams have developed a magical tale of ancient and contemporary discovery, greed, romance, comedy and mysticism, springing from the moment when a band of Viking warriors lands on the Dorset coast and encounters an encampment of Anglo-Saxons, with fateful results.

The London Concert Choir will be joined not only by participants from the original Dorset projects but also by performers from Ealing Youth Orchestra and choirs from two local schools.

http://www.britarch.ac.uk/news/120703-chalklegend

Next lecture of the Dinton Historical Society - July 26th. 'The Russian Countess of Pembroke' by Ros Liddington.

Dinton Historical Society. The Society sets out to promote interest in the history of Dinton through lectures,publications and social events. The Society is also collecting archival material about Dinton, both originals and copies of documents held elsewhere. Membership is open to all. Subscription £5 a year. (Families of more than one person £8). All talks are held in Dinton Village Hall at 7.30pm

See http://www.southwilts.com/site/Dinton-Historical-Society/

Wiltshire Historic Landscape Characterisation now underway follow the progress of the project online

This project has been sponsored by English Heritage and will run for three years, starting in April 2012 and finishing in March 2015. It will examine the whole of Wiltshire (including Swindon Borough) and is being carried out in collaboration with a range of other organisations including Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, National Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency.


As part of this process there will be several consultation stages where the information produced will be reviewed and analysed, and contributions made by project stakeholders.


All of this research will go towards producing a detailed and interactive digital map, descriptions and photographs of the landscapes visible across the county, analysis of archaeology present in the landscape and so much more!


The project also intends to integrate the historic landscape character studies that have already been produced for the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB (http://www.historiclandscape.co.uk/index.html) and the North Wessex Downs AONB (http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12848).


See http://www.wshc.eu/about-wshc/archaeology/581.html

Guided Walk Martin Down National Nature Reserve - Sun 22nd July, 10.30am – 12.30pm -

Join Robert LLoyd Reserve Manager to find out about the fascinating archaeology and chalk grassland on Martin Down.

Contact the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB for details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk

Garston Wood Open Day - Sun 15th July, 10am - 4pm

Join the RSPB for a summer open day

Contact the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB for details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk

Keep up to date with history and archaeology in Dorset by following or joining the Dorset History Network

The Dorset History Network (DHN) is for everyone with an interest in any aspect of the history of the ancient and modern county of Dorset: local history, landscape history, family history, archaeology and the built environment are just a few of the interests of our members. It seeks to encourage the use of a wide range of source materials including museum artefacts, archives and local studies collections for all historical periods and subject areas.

 The Dorset History Network brings together the numerous groups and individuals interested in the history of the county ‘to build a history community in Dorset’ by sharing knowledge, promoting research and improving communication between members. We believe that an interest in history should be fun and that enjoyment is enhanced by working with others who have similar interests.

Its website provides information about DHN which we hope you will find interesting, including how to contact the DHN Committee and details of DHN events. There is information on Network Members from across Dorset including details of Network Members Events being held around the county. More news of the Network's activities and those of its members can be found in the Network’s newsletters as well as links to a range of fascinating websites.

http://www.dorsethistorynetwork.org/

Digging for History - Seminar Day 21st July Dorset County Museum

Digging for History – Archaeology and Dorset’s local history will take place on Saturday 21^st July at the Dorset County Museum and it promises to be a wonderful event.  This is being run in association with the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society and we have some interesting speakers.  These include Julian Richards the broadcaster and archaeologist, David Hinton of Professor of Archaeology at Southampton University and Peter Stanier, industrial archeologist.  The event is being run as part of the Festival of British Archaeology so please book early to avoid disappointment. 


http://www.dorsethistorynetwork.org

Guided Walk Martin Down National Nature Reserve Sun 24th June, 11am – 1pm -

Join Clive Bealey to learn more on the native flora and fauna of Martin Down
Contact the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB for details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk

Archaeo News Podcast 211 now out

Listen to the latest Archaeonews Podcast by Past Horizons

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/06/2012/archaeo-news-podcast-211

Coombe Bissett Nature Reserve Guided Walk Wed 20th June

Two walks starting 3pm and 6pm.

Contact the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB for details 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk

Resource packs on the history of Jubilee celebrations produced for Wiltshire Schools

The Wiltsire History Centre has produced over 90 resource packs to primary schools detailing the celebrations in 1897 across Swindon and Wiltshire.


See http://www.wshc.eu/blog/queen-victoriaa-s-diamond-jubilee.html for more information

Find out about Great Wishfords Oak Apple Day one the Wiltshire History Centre Blog

This unique event originates from the time of the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660. Parliament declared 29^th May, the King’s birthday, a day of thanksgiving for redemption from tyranny and the King’s return to London.

To find out more visit

http://www.wshc.eu/blog/keeping-wiltshire-traditions-alive-oak-apple-day.html 

Day of Archaeology 2012 is scheduled for June 29, 2012

Last year’s event brought out 400+ archaeologists, and almost 450 separate posts including lots of photos, video, audio and more.

You can read more about the Day of Archaeology at About the Project, but the general hope is that by raising awareness about the truly diverse nature of archaeology, we will also in turn emphasize the vital role that archaeology plays in preserving our past for everyone’s future.

http://www.dayofarchaeology.com/

 

Wiltshire Historic Landscape Characterisation underway

The Wiltshire Council Archaeological Service has announced that the Wiltshire and Swindon Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) Project started in early April 2012. This three year project is sponsored by English Heritage and is being run by Wiltshire Council in partnership with Swindon Borough Council.

Salisbury Museum organises guided walk of Down Farm Thursday 19th July 2012

Walk & Visit – Down Farm Museum - Thursday 19 July 2012. Martin Green will lead a walk to explore the rich archaeological landscape centred around Down Farm. In the morning we will visit the museum to set the scene for the sites to be visited later. After this we will explore sites in nearby Fir Tree field which include the natural shaft and burial monuments excavated and subsequently restored by Martin. Following lunch a longer circular walk will cross the Dorset Cursus and take in the earthworks on Gussage Cow Down before traversing a length of the Ackling Dyke. We will then leave the Roman road to cross the Cursus again visiting the restored Neolithic hengers and barrows on Wyke Down before crossing the Allen valley back to Down Farm.

Follow this link on the Salisbury Museum website for more information What's On

Walk - Along the Woodford Valley 18th July 2012

 Wednesday 18 July 2012. A guided walk exploring the landscape and archaeology of the Woodford Valley led by local environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. This will be an enjoyable six mile circular walk through the Woodford Valley including uneven ground. The walk, lasting approximately 4-5 hours, will explore the landscape, agriculture and archaeology of the Woodford Valley to the north of Salisbury. 

Booking required. Please contact the Museum to book.

Walk - Through the New Forest and Lower Avon Valley 20 Jul 2012

Friday 20 July 2012. This guided walk discovers the landscape and history of the New Forest and Lower Avon Valley south of Salisbury, near to Fordingbridge. It is led by local environmental historian Dr Hadrian Cook. An enjoyable, approximately eight mile circular walk, will include uneven ground and some climbs. The walk lasts approximately 4-5 hours and will explore the western boundary of the New Forest, the adjacent farmed  landscape, the Avon floodplain including the watermeadows and  associated settlement history in the valley. An annotated map with be provided on the day. A  Festival of British Archaeology event.

Booking required. Please contact the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum to book.

Guided Walk of Clarendon Palace 27th July 2012

Friday 27 July 2012. A guided walk from Salisbury to the 12th century ruins of Clarendon Palace led by local Blue Badge Guide Ruth Newman.  A half day excursion for the adventurous visitor who enjoys walking and a sense of history. Visit the Clarendon Palace ruins dating back to the 12th century; experience the landscape of kings, a royal retreat and place of government even before Salisbury Cathedral was built. Stand on the site where Henry II met Thomas Becket in 1164, an event which led to the archbishop's exile and death just six years later.

An enjoyable four mile (6.4 km) walk with a hill up to the palace, providing fantastic views of Salisbury on the way to this wonderfully isolated spot with friendly llamas patrolling the grounds. A Festival of British Archaeology event. 


Booking required. Please contact the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum to book.

Talk, Tea and Tour: The making of Circles and Tangents:

Tuesday 29 May 2012 Salisbury Museum. Vivienne Light, Curator of Circles and Tangents, the museum’s 2012 summer exhibition, will talk about how she first started writing on the arts (particularly that associated with the Wessex region). She will describe how she undertook her research, a pivotal part of which involved direct contact with the artists and with their friends, families and descendants. During this process a vast number of interconnects emerged and Vivienne has highlighted a fragment of important regional artistic history which could easily have been lost. 

Tickets will include Vivienne’s talk, afternoon cream tea and a tour of the exhibition itself where Vivienne will be happy to answer questions.

Walk the Archaeology of the Chase 25th Jul 2012

Wednesday 25 July 2012. A guided walk around some of the key archaeological sites on Cranborne Chase led by Adrian Green. An enjoyable circular walk on uneven ground including some steep climbs. The walk lasting approximately 4-5 hours will stop at key archaeological sites including Bokerley Dyke, Pentridge, the Dorset Cursus, Ackling Dyke, Oakley Down barrows and Penbury Knoll. A Festival of British Archaeology event.

Booking:  Booking required. Please contact the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum to book

New Material Available Through CBAs ArchLib

The CBA has added the Royal Archaeological Institute, the latest ArchLib publisher, to their volumes 161–167 (2004–2010 ) of the annual Archaeology Journal, presenting the results of archaeological and architectural survey and fieldwork on sites and monuments of all periods as well as syntheses and overviews of such work in the British Isles.

http://www.britarch.ac.uk/news/120418-archlib 

Circles and Tangents - Art in the Shadow of Cranborne Chase

This summer's major exhibition at Salisbury Musem (25 May - 29 September) will feature the work of Augustus John, Henry Lamb, Ben Nicholson, John Craxton, Lucian Freud, Stanley Spencer, Elisabeth Frink, William Nicholson and over 25 other artists connected with Cranborne Chase.

This exhibition brings together a unique collection of paintings and sculpture made by artists who, from the 1920s to the present, have found in Cranborne Chase and its hinterland a landscape of inspiration, seclusion and ‘bare-boned' beauty. Items in the exhibition have been drawn from a variety of sources, many from private collections, and range from early neo-romantic works to contemporary pieces made specifically for this exhibition.

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee and the history of the Cranborne Chase

Thousands of people gathered in Salisbury to greet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as the monarch continued her Diamond Jubilee Tour yesterday and South West Wiltshire Area Board tent put on a display like no other featuring the Medieval history of the Cranborne Chase. 

See the AONB Blog for a full report  http://ccwwdaonb.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/thousands-gather-to-celebrate-diamond.html 

The Priest’s House Museum, Archaeological Day School 2012 Sat 19th May

I will be giving a presentation on the Medieval Cranborne Chase at this day school which is entitled ‘A Celebration of Archaeological Work and Study in East Dorset’ and features presentations by Martin Green on the archaeology of Cranborne Chase, Verwood Potteries, and Saxon Wimborne.

http://www.priest-house.co.uk/

Drawing the Past 04 Jul 2012 18:30 Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

Wednesday 4 July 2012. A  talk by Tim Harrisson. In this talk Tim will discuss his series of drawings connected to the Pitt Rivers excavations on Cranborne Chase. 

http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk/all/lectures/260-drawing-the-past.html

The Art of Landscape 16 May 2012 - 20 Jun 2012 Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum

Every Wednesday, 16 May – 20 June 2012 (6 weeks), 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Six lectures by Paul Chapman tracing the evolution of modern landscape painting from the Romantics to the present day. Talks can be booked as a course or individually.

Focusing on the landscape of the West Country, we will see how painters respond to their environments through changing times. Starting with the painters of the Romantic period and ending with the contemporary artists of today we will cover themes and ideas such as the response to agriculture, industrialisation, times of conflict and urbanization.

Together we will look at the landscape through the eyes of the painters and discover how a sense of place combined with a sense of self, produced some of the greatest English art of the last two centuries.

No previous knowledge is needed and there will be opportunities to contribute and discuss topics and ideas raised by studying these wonderful pictures.

Paul Chapman is an art historian whose specialist area is modern painting from the 1850's to present day.

First fifty volumes of Medieval Archaeology available online

In celebration of the Society for Medieval Archaeology's 50th anniversary the first fifty volumes of Medieval Archaeology have been made available in digital form.
 

Medieval Archaeology - vols. 1 - 50

Medieval Archaeology - Indexes

Search titles and authors

Medieval Britain and Ireland

The project comprises two parts; the digitised articles have been uploaded without the corresponding plates and copyrighted images, the images are to be uploaded separately in 2008. This arrangement is to ensure that organisations and individuals are alerted to the reproduction of their images and have given their permission for them to appear on the website.

Dinton Historical Society Lectures 2012

April 26th. 'Starve or Set Sail: Wiltshire Emigration to Canada. 1830- 1880' by Lucille Campey.

May 24th. Gordon Lake Memorial Lecture. 'What the Churchwarden's Accounts reveal about Dinton: New Discoveries' by Geoff Campey.

June 28th. 'Ebble: The Secret Valley' by Rex Sawyer.

July 26th. 'The Russian Countess of Pembroke' by Ros Liddington.

September 20th. 'The Salisbury Hoard' by Margaret McKenzie.

http://www.southwilts.com/site/Dinton-Historical-Society/Events-2012.htm

Prehistoric Society Cranborne Chase Weekend 14 September 2012 - 16 September 2012.

Astonishingly, it is 12 years since the Prehistoric Society visited Cranborne Chase (apart from our student tour in 2007). Much has happened in the intervening period. This tour will revisit some familiar sites to bring us up to date on new work and discoveries, some new sites, and two major monument and settlement complexes in the Cranborne Chase hinterland. As usual there will be some pracical demonstrations and ‘real’ fieldwork.

http://www.prehistoricsociety.org/events/event/cranborne_chase_weekend/#When:14:17:09Z

Medieval Themed Diamond Jubilee Event Salisbury May 1st

There are two weeks to go until communities from across wiltshire showcase their areas at the fun-packed Diamond Jubilee celebration event on May 1.


The medieval-themed event will take place at Salisbury's Cathedral Close from 10am to 5.30 pm because of the city's links to the Magna Carta. All Wiltshire's community areas will be represented with a tent packed with activities and artefacts.

Blandford Museum Victorian Garden Club is hosting a Potato Day in association with Pennard Plants at Pimperne Village Hall

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Potato Day
Sunday 4th March 2012. 10am - 2pm

Dozens of varieties of potatoes for sale by the single tuber, onion sets, shallots, garlic, Heritage Seeds, fruit trees, rhubarb crowns and much more.

Pennard Plants have been running these events throughout the West Country for several years. This year the Dorset venues are Bridport (14th January), Drimpton (11th Feb) and Pimperne (4th March).

The events are advertised by Pennards through various websites, the Victorian Garden is advertising locally to more than 50 Dorset garden interest and other groups.
Orders placed directly with Pennards may be collected on the day, debit/credit card facilities will be available.

All are welcome to this event, we hope to have craft and produce stalls, and a children's 'potato printing' session. Refreshments will be served; drinks, homemade cakes and light lunches.

Entrance charge 50p, children free.

The venue will be well signed from all the access roads around Blandford and through Pimperne to the Village Hall, where there is ample free parking.
We anticipate that this will become an annual event in the local gardening calendar and hope we can rely on your support.

Thank you For further details please contact Heather 01258 458678

West Kennet Long Barrow and the Surrounding Sites Tuesday 6th March 2012

By Peter Knight Lecture organised by the Shaftesbury & District Historical Society
Venue: Anna McDowell Garden Room, Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury
Time: 2.30pm
Tickets: £2.50. Shaftesbury & District Historical Society members free.
Further Information: Tel: 01747 852157 or email Gold Hill Museum

Look out for Stone Age Walkers on 30th to 31st March 2012

Look out for our Stone Age walkers traversing the landscape along an ancient route from Avebury, through Stonehenge, Old Sarum to the ATC in Cranborne in time for the opening of the Stone Age Weekend Event. Join them along the way to learn more about the local landscape.

http://www.ancienttechnologycentre.co.uk/index.html