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 spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs

A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, good surfing, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Gemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.

Discover a hidden world beneath your feet underneath the streets of Nottingham

Explore our original and historic site with sandstone caves with our actor led tours or wander through at your own pace with our fantastic audio tour.

A medieval townhouse, located on the doorstep of York Minster

Once home to the Lord Mayor of York, the building was long-forgotten and was scheduled for demolition until York Archaeological Trust restored it to its former glory, giving you the chance to experience what it would be like to live over five hundred years ago.

Schools

The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK.

Two Kings, One Day

Visit the location of the Battle of Bosworth. Re-live this famous turning point in British history - the death of a King and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty!

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre tells the dramatic story of the Battle of Bosworth on 22nd August 1485, which marked a major turning point in English history.

Coventry has had three Cathedrals in the past 1,000 years: the 12th century Priory Church of St Mary, the medieval Parish Church Cathedral of St Michael and the modern Coventry Cathedral, also named for St Michael. Coventry’s fortunes and story are closely associated to the story of its Cathedrals - a story of death and rebirth.

Bring the new National Curriculum to life with a trip to Celtic Harmony Camp!

The new history curriculum for KS2 calls for the study of prehistory from Stone Age to Iron Age and a focus on local history in KS1. 

Learn ancient skills in an authentic landscape, from building ancient structures to blacksmithing and fire-making.

Mysterious Guardian of the South Downs

Until the 19th century the Long Man was only visible in certain light conditions and after a light fall of snow, but in 1874 it was marked out in yellow bricks.

Housed in the local library, this collection of local history material contains archaeological finds of national importance. Includes a small and varied collection of British and foreign firearms, swords and daggers, shot and powder flasks and a few pieces of armour. 

Bassetlaw Museum was created in 1983. Over the following years its collections have quickly grown due to generous donations by local people. The collections include local history, archaeology, decorative and fine art, agriculture, costume and textiles.

Beadlam Roman Villa is a Roman villa situated on the east bank of the river Riccal in the North Yorkshire district of Ryedale between Helmsley and the village of Beadlam. The Scheduled Ancient Monument is the remains of a large Romano-British farm built in the third and fourth centuries AD.

Thornborough Henges are three neolithic sites where standing stones were sited. They are amongst the most important such sites in Britain and are aligned in the same off-centre alignment seen at other triple-circles in England.

A dynamic community-run museum on one of Shetland’s remoter islands. Displays on crofting and the sea are complemented by early film and storytelling recordings, and interactive multimedia displays bring to life the island’s natural and cultural history.

A community museum addressing many aspects of local history, including crofiting, fishing, Viking occupation, blackhouses, trades and crafts, archaeology and finds, and the Lewis Chessmen, with extensive genealogical information. 

The Kildonan Centre in South Uist is a heritage and cultural amenity which includes a museum, a 

Little is known of the early history of this Northern Scottish town but there is ample evidence in the surrounding countryside of Neolithic/Bronze Age settlement and the shelters and defences of succeeding Ages. However, it was the Vikings that gave Wick its name (from the old Norse vik = bay).

Situated in the High Street in the heart of the historic town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, The West Highland Museum’s collections tell the story of the region and its history. Our most renowned and unusual collection relates to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause.

The Tarbat Discovery Centre is a museum, learning and activity centre dedicated to displaying and preserving the heritage of the Tarbat peninsula. Housed in the refurbished Old Parish Church, it is the site of the only Pictish monastic settlement excavated in Scotland to date.

HISTORYLINKS is dedicated to the history of Dornoch and the surrounding area. It is the only VisitScotland 5 Star Museum in the Highlands and one of seven museums in Scotland to have gained this prestigious award. The permanent exhibition includes the Cathedral, feuding clans and Scotland’s last witch.

The museum takes you on a journey through time showing how local people lived and worked in Gairloch through the ages.
● Marvel at how stone age and bronze age people existed with relatively limited technology and (to us) primitive utensils.
● Fathom the mysteries of a Pictish symbol stone.

The Centre provides a focus for the work of Dunbeath Preservation Trust: Registered museum; archaeological exhibition, Neil M Gunn literary landscape, engaging approach to landscape interpretation through art installations, photography and unique floor map.

Caithness Horizons Collection comprises approximately 8,050 artefacts relating to the following subjects/themes:

Archaeology: This Collection mostly consists of archaeological material from Caithness, although there is a small Collection of material from elsewhere in Scotland and from other countries

Come and explore the Viking Heritage of Caithness. Discover the pre-Viking kingdom of the Catti and follow the progress of the Norse settlers from their Scandinavian homes to Shetland, Orkney and Caithness.

The galleries integrate Shetland’s museum and archives collections for the first time to tell Shetland’s story in the most complete and accessible way. 

We have a wide range of tours, talks, films, workshops, trails and resources that will help you discover more about Shetland’s Past.

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