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

Visit the substantial remains of a strong and important motte and bailey castle dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, with surrounding walls, ditches and earthworks.

With its majestic Norman nave and glorious 13th century chapter house, this is a great little stop to get the kids' imaginations going. 

It's what you wish to make of it, but a valuable stop whether taken as educational, religious or whimsical.

A Neolithic chambered tomb with an enigmatic 'false entrance'.

This barrow, also known as Rodmarton Long Barrow, is of early Neolithic date (4000–3500 BC).

It seems that the site was used for burials well after the Neolithic period as Roman pottery and coins of Claudius Gothicus (AD 168–70) have been found.

Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre is one of the very few thatched museums in the UK. The building, a typical example of a 'marine cottage orné' and Grade II listed, dates from 1811.

The museum opened in 1967. It aims, for educational and general interest to exhibit artefacts and information about the history and development of Budleigh Salterton and the Lower Otter Valley. 

Discover how the town of Belper was turned into the world’s first factory community in this great mill and museum that is free to visit for under 16s. Family friendly hands on activities and exhibits.

It is recognised as one of the most important buildings from the Industrial Revolution in the whole world!

Most of the Society’s archive is housed, by kind permission of the family of the Boer War hero, General Sir Redvers Buller, at their home, the historic Downes, on the edge of the town. Access to this is by appointment only and material is usually brought to the museum in High Street for examination.

A partly reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound, 37 metres (120 ft) long, atmospherically sited overlooking the Severn Valley. 'Hetty Pegler' was its 17th century landowner.

The most important prehistoric site of the East Midlands, Arbor Low is a Neolithic henge monument atmospherically set amid high moorland.

Within an earthen bank and ditch, a circle of some 50 white limestone slabs, all now fallen, surrounds a central stone ‘cove’ – a feature found only in major sacred sites. Nearby is enigmatic Gib Hill, a large burial mound. 

A truly children-friendly museum with loads of drop in artsy and fun sessions plus interactive elements in all their exhibits. Trails, toddler sessions and plenty more to keep kids happy and interested. Free, too!

With plenty for the kids and a new archaeology gallery, the North Lincs Museum has a lot to offer!

World-famous Stone Circle

A world-famous stone circle and on-site museum at the heart of a prehistoric landscape. 

With its huge circular bank and ditch and inner circle of great standing stones, covering an area of over 28 acres, Avebury forms one of the most impressive prehistoric sites in Britain.

One of the most important prehistoric archaeological collections in Britain, housed in the Stables Gallery, and including many artefacts from the World Heritage Site (WHS) monuments. The admission fee includes access to both the Stables and Barn Galleries. The Barn Gallery (belonging to the National Trust) tells the story of the WHS, its monuments, and the people associated with it.

The museum collection on display reveals an island community changing over the years to both external and internal pressures. Alderney has a fascinating history starting with extensive Stone, Bronze and Iron Age activity, with object evidence of historically important Roman activity at Longy.

Airborne Assault is the Regimental Museum of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces and tells the stories of the soldiers who go to war from the air.

The Roman Baths is a favourite for children and their teachers to find out about the Romans and Roman Britain, and children can work with original Roman material..

A wonderful place for watery fun

Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons is one of the most mentioned sites in Welsh folklore. It is a site of international conservation importance.

A large and impressive Neolithic henge, much better preserved than neighbouring King Arthur's Round Table. Its banks stand up to 3 metres (10 feet) high, and unusually are constructed of pebbles collected from the nearby river.

Near the centre is a single standing stone: old drawings suggest that it was one of a group  here, four more having been removed from the entranceway. 

An excavated section, part cut into rock, of the ramparts of the huge Iron Age trading and power-centre of the Brigantes, the most important tribe in pre- Roman northern Britain. Some 4 miles (61⁄2 kilometres) long, the defences enclosed an area of 766 acres (310 hectares). Following Roman conquest, the Brigantian centre moved to Aldborough Roman Site.

Enter a world where 235 million years of history is brought to life. From majestic mammoths to Saxon invaders, visitors to the Hull and East Riding museum of archaeology can look forward to an experience that is unique, educational and fun.

For an interesting day out visit Aldborough Roman site among the northern most urban centres in the Roman Empire.

Three Bronze Age burial mounds, once part of a much larger 'barrow cemetery', including two bowl barrows, and the largest and finest disc barrow in Hampshire.

The barrows here, originally part of a larger group, stand on a ridge and may have acted as territorial markers. This group is a particularly important prehistoric monument as it survives so well.

The quiet north Gower coast with its extensive saltmarsh and dunes

North Gower is a tranquil place, for quiet enjoyment, bird watching and walking. Much of the north coast is a large expanse of saltmarsh, which is an ever-changing landscape of mudflats and tidal ditches. Along with Whiteford Burrows, it is an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.

Well preserved Neolithic long barrow

An excellent example of a Neolithic long barrow, located on Salisbury Plain, a few miles from Stonehenge. This was our first purely archaeological purchase.

We've come a long way! Our museum is quite small but contains a wealth of exhibits relating to the history of the village and its inhabitants. We have a large collection of documents relating to the population over the years and our curator is happy to help visitors seeking family information.

Awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site

This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the river Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.

The National Dinosaur Museum houses the southern hemisphere's largest permanent display of prehistoric items. The museum's exhibition shows the evolution of life, especially dinosaurs.

The museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory. Each year, 100,000 people come through its doors.

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British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland

hotel corridor

A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.

Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.

The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.