Originally a tribal centre of the Iron Age Atrebates, Silchester became the large and important Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most Roman towns, it was never re-occupied or built over after its abandonment in the 5th century, so archaeological investigations give an unusually complete picture of its development.
Archaeology
Archaeology
What is it?
Archaeology is a way of studying human activity in the past, mainly through analysing discovered materials and objects. It's a very broad subject that uses subjects such as the sciences, history, geography and linguistics to name a few!
What does it involve?
Practicing archaeology can come in many forms so can involve many things, but essentially the activity will include the examination and discussion of objects and materials.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Archaeology is a great way of getting in touch with history - to examine actual artefacts from past times and understand their origins is a fantastic way of engaging students in historical studies.
What equipment do we need?
As each different archaeological activity will differ, the equipment will change with it. The provider should supply any apparatus needed, but make sure to check beforehand if you are unsure.
Who is it suitable for?
Archaeology can be adjusted to suit all ages!
Costs?
This will depend on the nature of the archaeological activity - some things can be done for free, but some pursuits will require an expert/access to private grounds etc, and will therefore probably have costs to them.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Some archaeological activities can involve sensitive/fragile materials, so it's important that the students involved respect instructions.
How do we include?
Archaeology should be an activity all students can get involved with regardless of ability, but if you have concerns make sure to contact the venue directly.
Doing it abroad?
Archaeology can be practiced all over the world, but you may need to look closely to find a venue that can cater for your group in foreign countries.
Main website:
Visit http://new.archaeologyuk.org for the Council of British Archaeology, and check out individual venue websites for more specific information.
Venues with this Activity
A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea. The Kingston Russell circle is believed to date back to the later Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, some 4,000 years ago.
A 144 acre country park sandwiched between the villages of Harrold and Odell 10mls NW of Bedford. It features 2 picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse with wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths round the main lake and outdoor play areas.
here are small play areas at each end and opportunities to view plants and animals as you stroll round.
Rockbourne is near Fordingbridge in a picturesque and peaceful part of Hampshire close to the New Forest. The Roman villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known villa in the area. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the 5th century AD. The villa includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops.
The Museum is run by Mortehoe Heritage Trust, a registered charity managed by local people. It is situated in the heart of the cliff-top village of Mortehoe, 1.5 miles north of Woolacombe on the coastal road. Entry is through the village Car Park opposite Mortehoe Post Office.
Covering as much as 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Welsh hills, this is an important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology.
This traditional Highland crofting estate is a diverse mix of Scotland?s most beautiful landscapes. It encompasses croft and farm land, woodland, moorland, villages, coastline, saltmarsh, lochs and offshore islands, and offers stunning views across the water to the mountains of Skye and Applecross.
Beautiful lakeside park offering, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, wakeboarding, cycle hire, fishing, miniature railway, mini golf and playground! Wow!
There are beginner and improver tuition sessions available for every kind of activity, plus taster days and other options so you can try your hand at several new skills before deciding which to pursue with full gusto!
One of the finest surviving medieval halls which contains the legendary Round Table.
Round Table
The Round Table has been famous for centuries for its links with the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Queen Eleanor's Garden
A re-creation of an enclosed medieval garden.
Schools
Coldrum Longbarrow is the least-damaged megalithic longbarrow in Kent and takes its name from the now demolished Coldrum Lodge Farm.
One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather.
Raglan, with its great multi-angular towers, handsome majesty and Tudor-styling, is unlike any other castle in Wales.
The Natural History Museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology.
Mar Lodge Estate occupies nearly 7% of the Cairngorms National Park, covers some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland, including four of the five highest mountains in the UK.
Discover Godolphin, rich in archaeology and wildlife. Travel back in time as you wander around the 16th-century garden, one of the most important historic gardens in Europe.
Explore the evolution of the English garden and take a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park.
From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping landscapes and woodland walks – Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses. Explore over 90 acres showcasing French, Dutch, Italian and English styles side by side.
The Dodman is the highest headland on the south Cornish coast. Offering spectacular views, this area is also of great archaeological interest.
A massive Iron Age earthwork, nearly 666m long and over 6m high, encloses the headland. Over 2,000 years ago, this earthwork could have housed a series of dwellings, known collectively as a promontory fort or cliff castle.
The story of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian life is told by our costumed staff and volunteers in a unique living and working museum which hosts over 300,000 objects.
Nestling in 300 acres of countryside, Beamish boasts a railway station, a farm, a mill, a colliery village and police and fire stations.
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.
Chester Farm is an archaeologically and historically important site covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.
The site is not currently open to the public so please do not visit unless by appointment.
This Norman church, which was built in the 12th century, is situated at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork. The pairing of the henge and the church symbolises the transition from pagan to Christian worship, and is an unusual combination of a church within a Neolithic Henge.
Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle is one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands.
Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea, north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs.
The mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills, which provide the backdrop to the city's skyline. The rich, varied archaeological landscape is home to a host of wildlife. There are walking trails along a variety of terrain: through heath, on stone tracks, along boardwalks and road surface.
Once part of the Longleat estate, the hill was entrusted to us by the 6th Marquess of Bath. Ascend the hill to enjoy extensive views of West Wiltshire and Somerset, or to experience uninterrupted views of the sky from this locally famous UFO hotspot.
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