Peterborough Archaeology

Peterborough Cathedral - Back From the Flames
2019-09-02 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The talk is about Peterborough Cathedral’s recovery from the 2001 fire and the job of cleaning and restoration.
Speaker: Nicholas Drewett
Nick Drewett was Head Verger of Peterborough Cathedral for 24 years before retiring 4 years ago.
FREE for FRAG Members

Anglo-Saxon Fenland
2019-10-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
Archaeologies and histories of the fens of eastern England, continue to suggest, explicitly or by implication, that the early medieval fenland was dominated by the activities of north-west European colonists in a largely empty landscape. Using existing and new evidence and arguments, Prof Oosthuizen offers another interpretation.
Her research helps build an understanding of how people such as the Gyrwe (from near Peterborough) were organised within the Fen basin and how they made use of the land.
Speaker: Susan Oosthuizen, PhD FSA FRHistS, Emeritus Professor of Medieval Archaeology, University of Cambridge

FREE for FRAG Members

EXCAVATION: Fane Road - POSTPONED
2019-10-18 - 2019-10-21 | Fane Road Allotments, PE4 6SW
FANE ROAD ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP (FRAG) – EVALUATION EXCAVATION
POSTPONED
This weekend dig has been postponed as we have not yet fully satisfied the requirements of the Peterborough city archaeologist
A large Roman villa was discovered in 2011 prior to construction of new houses between Itter Crescent and Fane Road. The Heritage Lottery funded ‘Romans of Fane Road’ excavation was undertaken in 2014. Since then FRAG has undertaken further archaeological excavations on the Fane Road Allotment Site to ascertain the full extent of the building.
FRAG Members Only
(though members of FR Allotment Association, and JIGSAW affiliated groups may also participate)

Secret Peterborough
2019-11-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
Peterborough’s history stretches back many centuries and much is well documented. In this talk local historians June and Vernon Bull explore some of the lesser-known episodes and characters in the city’s past. Expect tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away historical buildings.
Speakers: June and Vernon Bull
Local historians, June and Vernon Bull have published several books about Peterborough history. “Secret Peterborough” is their most recent.
FREE for FRAG Members

Peakirk Unwrapped: The Archaeology of a Fen-edge Settlement
2019-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
Peakirk is known for its association with St Pega, who reputedly founded a hermitage there and gave the settlement its place-name [‘Pega’s church’]. Whilst Peakirk’s history is sporadically-documented from the eleventh-century onwards, archaeological evidence indicates that the area first was colonised by Neolithic folk and that there was almost-continuous activity in the heart of the present village from the Romano-British period onwards.
This talk unveils Peakirk’s story through a combination of archaeology, architecture, topography, maps, photographs and written sources. It also features the work of PAST [Peakirk Archaeological Survey Team], an independent, self-funding group, whose recent projects have included re-plotting the route of the Roman watercourse, the Car Dyke, dispelling the ‘tradition’ of a Romano-British villa, rediscovering ‘lost’ buildings and revealing more about Peakirk’s diverse and secret heritage.
Speaker: Dr Avril Lumley Prior
FREE for FRAG Members
Dr Avril Lumley Prior developed an interest in Anglo-Saxon history during her childhood in Sunderland. After accepting a teaching post in Peterborough, in 1970, she transferred her attention from Northumbrian to Mercian studies. Upon her early retirement in 1995, Avril attained an MA and a PhD on historically-based subjects, both at Leicester University. She is currently conducting research in and around Peakirk and regularly presents and publishes her findings. With her husband, Greg, she is a founder member of PAST [Peakirk Archaeological Survey Team].

Georgian Peterborough
2020-01-06 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The Georgian period is a neglected part of Peterborough’s past, overshadowed by nearby Stamford’s 18th century streets. This talk reveals how Peterborough was not quite the backwater we might expect and looks at some of our surviving and missing Georgian buildings. Hear some of our stories from this period – how we ended up on a ‘Grand Tour’, attracted one of the country’s best-known artists and why bells saved a local MPs life…
Speaker: Stuart Orme, Curator/Museum Manager, The Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon
FREE for FRAG Members

EXCAVATION - Alconbury Weston - Season 3
2020-01-30 - 2020-03-08
There’s another opportunity for FRAG members to join an excavation being organised by The Sawtry History Society. The dig follows field walking and geophys which suggest Iron Age and Roman settlement at the site.
This year there are 15 days of site activity between 30th January and 8th March. Volunteers from FRAG are welcome.
Excavation Details
Sawtry-Application-Form
Please note that this is not a FRAG organised event but is available to members through our affiliation to the JIGSAW network of Cambridgshire archaeology groups.

From Neolithic to Saxon: Evolution of a North Cambridgeshire Landscape
2020-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The A14 improvement project triggered one of the most extensive ever archaeological excavations. MOLA Headland Infrastructure employed some 250 archaeologists to dig more than 40 separate excavation areas spanning 350 hectares, uncovering new information about how the landscape was used over 6,000 years, and about the origins of the villages and towns along the route.
Prehistoric henge monuments, barrows and cremation cemeteries. Iron Age farms. A Roman supply depot and multiple kilns. Saxon settlements including timber buildings. The list of finds is huge. With the investigation phase completed, post excavation analysis is proceeding on multiple fronts. This talk will provide an update on the what this unique project can tell us about the evolution of the north Cambridgeshire landscape from Neolithic to Saxon times.
Speaker: Tony Walsh, Project Manager, Headland Archaeology
FREE for FRAG Members
News about the project

Warboys - An Important Iron Age Settlement
2020-03-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
A 7 month project by Oxford Archaeology East has revealed continuous occupation from the Iron Age to late Roman and beyond. The 4 hectare site off Farriers Way in the village Warboys was being investigated in advance of housing development by Bellway Homes.
The earliest finds include eight roundhouses, some of which date back to about 100BC. Evidence of Roman rural industry included a 4.6m corn dryer and kilns. There were also Saxon pottery and beads indicating further evolution of the settlement before it gave way to agriculture.
“Our archaeological investigations at Farriers Way have revealed a hugely important, and a hitherto unknown, settlement that was occupied from the Iron Age, around 2,500 years ago, and throughout the entire Roman period. What makes this site really significant however, is that we have evidence of early Saxon occupation mingled with the latest Roman remains, making this a rare example of the Roman to Saxon transition in the East of England.”
Speaker: Steve Graham, Project Officer, Oxford Archaeology
FREE for FRAG Members

Open Mic & Annual General Meeting - CANCELLED
2020-04-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
SORRY – POSTPONED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS
A chance for FRAG members to share recent or favourite archaeology stories. Places visited. Objects found. Digs, Museums, Exhibitions etc, etc. Each “talk” will be 5 to 10 minutes. This part of the evening will last for about an hour.
If you would like to volunteer for a slot please let a committee member know – or email enquiries@peterborougharchaeology.org
FREE for FRAG Members
The FRAG Annual General Meeting will follow at about 8pm. All are welcome to attend and help shape the development of the group.
AGENDA FOR AGM – to follow

WALK – Norman Cross Prison - CANCELLED
2020-05-16
SORRY – POSTPONED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS
Norman Cross Prison was constructed in early 1797 to house prisoners of the Napoleonic wars. It formed part of a network of military “depots” and with a capacity of nearly 7,000 it had a major impact on our sleepy, local towns and villages.
The 15 hectare site is to the east of the Great North Road (and now the A1) at Norman Cross, 5 miles from Peterborough and close to Stilton, Folksworth and Yaxley. A few fragments of the prison can still be seen, along with a field of lumps and bumps, and a memorial to the 1,770 prisoners who died there before it closed in 1814.
Paul Chamberlain is a leading authority on the prison. He will explain its history and point out surviving features in the landscape.
The walk/talk will take place on Saturday morning.
REGISTRATION WILL BE NECESSARY – DETAILS TO FOLLOW

The History & Archaeology of Peterborough Cathedral Square - CANCELLED
2020-06-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
SORRY – POSTPONED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS
Remember the many months of disruption to central Peterborough when the Cathedral Square fountains were installed.
The improvement project by Peterborough City Council initiated in 2008 involved the re-laying of much of the street and pavement surfaces as well as the demolition of the unsightly 1960s “Norwich Union building” which had been home to the post office. This work provided a unique opportunity for archaeologists to observe what lies beneath the modern surfaces. An initial evaluation was undertaken in late 2008 followed by excavation and observation through to August 2010.
The archaeology project was undertaken by Northampton Archaeology (now MOLA) and helped flesh out our understanding of 900 years of Peterborough history.
Speaker: Stephen Morris, MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology)
FREE for FRAG Members
More Information about Cathedral Square

VISIT: Chester Farm - A Roman walled town near Wellingborough - CANCELLED
2020-06-20
SORRY – POSTPONED DUE TO CORONA VIRUS
We will visit Chester Farm near Wellingborough where archaeologists have discovered a Roman walled town. There is also evidence from the Mesolithic, Iron Age and Medieval periods. The project has struggled to achieve the planned visitor centre but FRAG will have a personal introduction to the site. It may also be possible to visit the archaeological excavation planned for June 2020.
Leader: Sarah Bridges, Archives and Heritage Services Manager, Northamptonshire County Council
FREE for FRAG Members
The visit will take place on Saturday morning.
Registration will be required – details to follow
(Participants will need to make their own way to the site)

The Relationship between the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds and the Town
2021-01-23 | ON-LINE
NON-FRAG EVENT
Abstract: This online talk will examine how, focussed on the shrine of St Edmund, the abbey and town developed from their Anglo-Saxon origins into the Norman period. It will consider the archaeological evidence for the growth of the built environment as wealth was generated and expansion took place, in this period of cultural change.
Biography: Dr Abby Antrobus is a Senior Archaeological Officer at Suffolk County Council where she provides advice on the archaeological implications of development across Suffolk, particularly in the county’s towns. Her doctoral thesis was on the development of Bury St Edmunds.

Revealing Rock Art in Kilmartin Glen
2021-01-25 17:30 - 19:00 | ON-LINE
NON – FRAG EVENT
The Origins of Achnabreck: Revealing Rock Art in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland
About the talk: Achnabreck is a massive rock outcrop and one of the most extensive rock art sites in Britain. It is part of a major group of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments located in Kilmartin Glen on the west coast of Scotland. Photogrammetric analysis has brought to light hundreds of previously unrecorded carvings displaying unusual designs which have parallels in Irish passage tomb art. Many of these carvings were cut across by the later addition of cup and ring markings. Evidence for superimposition is rare at open-air rock art sites, revealing fresh insights into the origins and interpretation of Achnabreck.
About Aaron: Aaron Watson investigates Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments and has undertaken fieldwork at rock art sites across Scotland and the north of England. He is an Interpretation and Engagement Manager at Kilmartin Museum in Argyll and an Honorary Research Fellow in Archaeology at Durham University.

VISIT: Guided Walk around Fotheringhay
2021-06-26 11:00
Learn about the historic village of Fotheringhay from local archaeologist, Dr Stephen Upex.
The story of Fotheringhay can be seen in its buildings and local landscape. This guided walk will also help you understand the clues to look for when exploring the history of other locations.
This outdoor event will involve a gentle stroll lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Walking will be predominantly on pavements but may include rough tracks and grass. Numbers will be limited to 25. Following the walk we hope there may be an opportunity, for those who wish, to enjoy an outdoor pub lunch at the Falcon. All participants need to pre-register.
FRAG members will be given priority until 16th June. Thereafter it will be first come, first served for all.
Free for FRAG Members
£5 for Non Members
SORRY – THERE ARE NO MORE PLACES AVAILABLE
Dr Stephen Upex has written on a wide variety of topics related to British landscape history and archaeology and his interests range from prehistoric settlement, Roman and Saxon farming to medieval open fields systems. He has excavated widely and wrote a book on the Romans in the East of England. A new book on the Romans in the Peterborough area is due to be published soon. Stephen lectures at the University of Cambridge, is a member of the Chartered Institute for Field Archaeologists and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Open Mic & FRAG AGM
2021-09-06 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
We re-start our regular programme of talks with this event postponed from April 2020. The evening will be in two parts. First we need to catch up with the brief formalities of our Annual General Meeting then we have an “Open Mic” session delivered by FRAG members.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
All are welcome to attend and help shape the development of the group. The AGM is likely to last less than 30 mins.
Agenda
Minutes of Last AGM (2019)

OPEN MIC
This is a chance for FRAG members to share recent or favourite archaeology stories. Places visited. Objects found. Digs, Museums, Exhibitions etc, etc. Each “talk” will be 5 to 10 minutes. This part of the evening will last for about an hour.
A number of members have offered to talk on topics of their choice. Expect to learn more about:

Dating English houses from exterior features
The Archaeology of Bulgaria
The medieval Manor House of Longthorpe
Roman Face Pots

FREE for FRAG Members

VISIT: Sawtry Abbey
2021-09-12 10:30
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS NOW CLOSED
Sawtry Abbey was a Cistercian monastery consecrated in 1238. The abbey never achieved great prominence but it was visited by Kings, and in 1536 Catherine of Aragon’s body rested there when her funeral cortege broke its journey from Kimbolton Castle to Peterborough.
During the visit you will be able to relate the remaining lumps and bumps in the landscape to the original design of the abbey. You will also learn about the origins and spread of the Cistercian Order.
This outdoor event will involve a stroll lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Walking will be on tracks and an uneven, largely over-grown field. The presence of cattle mean dogs and under-16s cannot join the visit. There are no toilet facilities. All participants need to pre-register. Numbers will be capped
Registration will open on Saturday 21st August. FRAG members will be given priority until 28th August. Thereafter it will be first come, first served for all. Register using the form below.
Free for FRAG Members
£5 for Non Members (to be collected at the event)
Since 2016 a project by the Sawtry History Society has been undertaking research including a resistivity survey to verify earlier records of the abbey. The project has been led by Kevin Redgate and Phil Hill who will be our guides for this visit.
You can find out more background about the abbey both on the Peterborough Archaeology website – and on the Sawtry Archaeology website where there are a series of “leaflets” available.

EXCAVATION: Fane Road Roman Villa
2021-10-08 - 2021-10-12
EXCAVATION: Fane Road Allotments – Roman Villa
A large Roman villa was discovered in 2011 prior to construction of new houses between Itter Crescent and Fane Road. The Heritage Lottery funded ‘Romans of Fane Road’ excavation was undertaken in 2014. Since then FRAG has undertaken further archaeological excavations on the Fane Road Allotment Site to ascertain the full extent of the building.
This will be our first chance to return to the features partially revealed in our May 2019 excavation.
FRAG Members Only
(though members of FR Allotment Association, and JIGSAW affiliated groups may also participate)
If you are interested to participate please download the application form and submit to fieldofficer@peterborougharchaeology.org. Kevin Redgate will be in touch.
Venue
Fane Road Allotments, Fane Road, Peterborough. Access will be via the gate off the footpath on the Itter Park side of the allotments.
Dates & Times
Friday 8th October to Tuesday 12th October from 8.00am to 4.30pm daily.
Excavation Strategy
Firstly, to determine the east and north extents of the wall revealed in the May 19 excavation in order to identify any returns (north or south) and/or any intermediate wall junctions.
Secondly, attempt to locate the east Iron-Age boundary ditch revealed by the 2012 commercial excavation to extend into the allotments east of the track that terminates on the north fence-line.
Further Information
Application
All participants must complete the application form and have their attendance confirmed.
Download Application Form

Peterborough Historic Environment Record
2021-11-01 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The HER (Historic Environment Record) contains all available information on known scheduled and unscheduled archaeological remains within Peterborough Unitary Authority. Peterborough HER digitally maintains three types of record, namely monuments of all periods (from finds’ spots to earthworks), events (investigative fieldwork such as excavations or surveys) and sources/archives.
The HER database is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in researching local archaeology and history. The ways in which it is maintained and accessed has been evolving in recent years.
Rebecca Casa-Hatton will explain how the HER is used by the planning department of the council – and how it can help both professional and amateur archaeologists.
Speaker: Dr Rebecca Casa-Hatton, City of Peterborough Archaeologist
FREE for FRAG Members

Must Farm - The Big Picture
2021-12-06 19:00 | Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre, Hallfields Lane, Peterborough, PE4 7YH
The excavation of 3 late Bronze Age roundhouses took place in 2015 and 2016. Now that the post excavation work is complete and the monographs in the pipeline, project director Mark Knight is able to tell the full narrative. How were long-established settlements being affected by rising water levels? How did the Must Farm settlement come to be there? How were the people living? How was the settlement destroyed? What parallels can we see in southern Britain – and in continental Europe?
It was in the summer of 1999 that decaying timbers were discovered protruding out of the southern face of the brick pit at Must Farm, between Peterborough and Whittlesey. Investigations in 2004 and 2006 revealed the site to be late Bronze Age (1300-800BC) and to comprise a succession of large timber structures spanning an ancient watercourse. A fleet of eight beautifully preserved prehistoric log-boats were amongst the earlier finds. It was in 2016 that the site hit the headlines and was dubbed “Britain’s Pompeii”. Certainly, the excavation of 3 stilted roundhouses which burnt down soon after construction – with much of their timbers and contents preserved in the mud below – has greatly extended our knowledge of everyday life at that time.
Speaker – Mark Knight, Senior Project Officer, Cambridge Archaeological Unit
FREE for FRAG Members
NB Please note this is NOT AT OUR USUAL VENUE!
(But it’s not far away, there should be plenty of parking, and it’s a larger room)
Please maintain social distancing where possible and wear a face covering if you wish
Google Maps – Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre

The Water Newton Treasure
2022-02-07 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The Water Newton Treasure – Religion or Ritual?
A hoard of 9 silver vessels and 19 plaques was discovered in 1975. The hoard was found on the site of the walled Roman town of Durobrivae and is now housed in the British Museum. What exactly is the Water Newton treasure?
It dates from no later than the fourth century AD and many of the objects include Christian symbols. The hoard is widely regarded as the earliest known group of Christian silver.
Phil Hill will explain where and how the hoard was found – and what it tells us about both Durobrivae and early Christianity in Britain.
You can find an introductory overview on our website.
Speaker: Phil Hill, FRAG Site Officer and Assistant Supervisor with Oxford Archaeology East
FREE for FRAG Members

Hill Top, Alconbury - Resistivity Survey
2022-02-18 - 2022-02-21
There is an opportunity to help with a further resistivity survey near Alconbury. Sawtry History Society has an ongoing project to define the location and extent of a possible Romano-British settlement.
Visit the Sawtry Archaeology website for more details and an application form if you wish to take part.
https://sawtryarchaeology.wixsite.com/my-site/17-1
FRAG members will be welcomed, even those who do not have prior experience.

Priors Hall Romano-Celtic Site, Corby
2022-03-07 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
CURRENT ARCHAEOLOGY – PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2022
This talk presents the results of the nationally significant archaeological excavations undertaken by Oxford Archaeology East on the estate of a large Roman villa near Corby. The incredible well-preserved remains included a Romano-British building, a temple-mausoleum converted to a tile factory, pottery and lime manufacture and much more. It ranks amongst the most exciting and important Late Romano-British archaeology encountered from Roman Britain.
Speaker: Paddy Lambert, Oxford Archaeology East
Paddy specialises in the history and material culture of the Roman world, with special interests in cultural syncretism and epigraphy. He has worked extensively on Roman sites across the UK and in Europe, including an extensive Roman villa in the south west.
FREE for FRAG members
This project was announced as the Current Archaeology Project of the Year on 25th February

Lost Villages of Peterborough & AGM
2022-04-04 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The evening will commence with the FRAG Annual General Meeting. This is expected to be brief given that we held a deferred meeting for prior years in September 2021.
We will then move on to our talk, The Lost Villages of Peterborough.
This lecture shows changes to the villages that have been swallowed up within the built-up area of Peterborough.
As Peterborough has expanded so it has engulfed many small villages (such as Orton Waterville pictured above). This talk will help you picture the very different character and landscape of the area which has relatively recently been displaced.
Speakers: June and Vernon Bull
June and Vernon are keen local historians and founder members of the Peterborough Local History Society. They are enthusiastic collectors of old postcards of Peterborough and have amassed a collection of nearly 3,500 originals from the late Victorian period to the early 1960s. Since 1988 they have published a series of Peterborough picture postcard books, as well as other local history titles.
FREE for FRAG members

FRAG AGM – Documents
Minutes of last AGM
Agenda for AGM on Monday 4th April 2022
Please note that although the current officers are all willing to remain in post we would very much welcome the addition of new members to the committee. Please let us know at the meeting or separately by email if you are interested in helping with the organisation of the group.
enquiries@peterborougharchaeology.org

Peterborough Cathedral
2022-05-09 19:00 | Paston and Gunthorpe Community Centre, Hallfields Lane, Peterborough, PE4 7YH
History of Peterborough Cathedral
This Introduction to Peterborough Cathedral will provide an overview of the institution and building which has been at the heart of Peterborough since a monastery was first founded here in 655AD.
The Cathedral is an icon for the city, its historic core, and a living place of worship. This talk looks at the remarkable history of the Cathedral and its site.
Speaker: Stuart Orme, Curator of the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon and former Director of Operations at Peterborough Cathedral
FREE for FRAG Members

DIG: Itter Crescent Villa - POSTPONED
2022-05-25 - 2022-05-29 | Fane Road Allotments, PE4 6SW
EXCAVATION: Fane Road Allotments – Itter Crescent Roman Villa
EXCAVATION POSTPONED
We have not been granted the necessary permission by Peterborough City Council to undertake this dig. This is particularly disappointing since we had an agreed outline plan for our investigations, the work is undertaken in a structured and professional manner, and we seek to maximise community awareness and involvement.
A large Roman villa was discovered in 2011 prior to construction of new houses between Itter Crescent and Fane Road. There was a community dig in 2014 and since then FRAG has undertaken further archaeological excavations on the Fane Road Allotment Site to ascertain the full extent of the buildings.
A brief excavation (Wed 25th to Sunday 29th May) will continue to explore the walls unearthed during recent digs.
The community excavation gave clues as to the layout of the southern elements of the impressive villa but detailed interpretation of the remains is still uncertain.
You don’t need to have experience, and you don’t need to commit for the full duration. You do need to register in advance by completing the online application form.
FRAG Members Only
(though members of Fane Road Allotment Association, and JIGSAW affiliated groups may also participate)

VISIT: Milton Hall Mosaic
2022-06-18 10:30
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL
FRAG has arranged a rare opportunity to view the Roman mosaic which was discovered in 1821 during excavations in Castor. The mosaic was re-laid in the ante-room to the dairy at Milton Hall. At that time local antiquarian, Edmund Artis, was working as House Steward for 4th Earl Fitzwilliam.
We will be accompanied by Dr Stephen Upex who will provide background on local mosaics, Roman villas, and the role of Edmund Artis in their discovery.
Physical space is tight so the maximum number of attendees will be 25. The outline plan is for the us to meet at about 10.30am, with the option after for a pub lunch.
FREE for FRAG Members – £5 for Non members
To register your interest in joining the visit please complete the application form. Rex Gibson will be in touch with joining instructions by email.
Until 18th May priority will be given to applicants who are FRAG members. If we need to limit numbers this will be on a first come first served basis.
Payment for non members will be collected on the day.
Dr Stephen Upex has written on a wide variety of topics related to British landscape history and archaeology. He has excavated widely and led the 2019 investigation at Durobrivae . Books include the recently published, Romans in the Nene Valley. Stephen lectures at the University of Cambridge, is a member of the Chartered Institute for Field Archaeologists and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

The Uluburun Shipwreck
2022-06-27 19:00 | Parkway Sports Club, Maskew Avenue, Peterborough, PE1 2AS
The Uluburun Shipwreck and Late Bronze Age Mediterranean trade.
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM 6TH JUNE TO 27TH JUNE
Following his popular talk about pre-historic Bahrain in 2019, Michael Olney returns to throw light on a 3,300 year old shipwreck discovered off the coast of Uluburun, south west Turkey.
The astonishing late 14th century BC shipwreck discovered near Kas by a sponge diver in 1982 has provided a unique insight into the extent and richness of Late Bronze Age trade networks in the Mediterranean.
The wreck was excavated over eleven consecutive campaigns of three to four months, conducted by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, totalling 22,413 dives between 1984 and 1992.
It is among the oldest ships ever discovered and contained one of the wealthiest and largest known assemblages of Late Bronze Age items found in the Mediterranean which have been traced back to at least seven different cultures, including Mycenaean, Syro-Palestinian, Cypriot, Egyptian, Kassite, Assyrian and Nubian.
Fully laden cargo of around 20 tons yielded more than 18,000 spectacular artefacts. The main cargo was of raw materials including approximately 10 tons of primarily Cypriot copper in the form of 354 ‘oxhide’ ingots; 175 of the earliest known intact disc-shaped ingots of glass which were coloured with cobalt blue, turquoise, and a unique lavender; A ton of terebinth resin contained in around 150 Canaanite jars, logs of Egyptian ebony, ostrich eggshells, elephant tusks, hippopotamus teeth, seashells, and tortoise shells.
There were also luxurious finished goods on board; Egyptian objects of gold, electrum, silver, and stone; Canaanite jewellery; thousands of beads made of glass, agate, carnelian, quartz, faience, and amber; and finely crafted figurines and a scarab bearing the cartouche of Queen Nefertiti.
Other artefacts included ivory cosmetics containers, a trumpet carved from a hippopotamus incisor, bronze tools and weapons, lead net and line sinkers, netting needles for repairing nets, fishhooks, a harpoon, a bronze trident, and wooden writing boards and Cypriot fine- and coarse-ware ceramics.
Artefacts that were personal possessions of the crew members, such as tools, oil lamps, and writing boards, suggest that the crew were Canaanite and/or Cypriot, although at least two were Mycenaean.
The proveniences of the artefacts suggest that the Late Bronze Age Aegean was part of an established international trade network in which ships sailed the Mediterranean on a circular route from Syro-Palestine to Cyprus, onto the Aegean, and occasionally as far west as Sardinia, then back home via North Africa and Egypt.

Speaker: Michael W Olney
Michael read Archaeology and Ancient History of Western Asia at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL.
FREE for FRAG Members

DIG: Nassington 2022
2022-08-13 - 2022-08-27
A MidNAG Event
MidNAG are returning to the Roman barn investigated through geophysics and excavation since 2016.
Volunteers are welcome.
To participate you need to complete the MidNAG application form:
https://www.midnag.org.uk/events.html
Many FRAG members have previously dug at Nassington. You can find out a bit more from some of the previous “dig diaries”.
Nassington 2016
Nassington 2017
Nassington 2018
Nassington 2019
