Archaeology Detectives’ Day
11 July, 2008
Event date: Sunday 13, July 2008 at 11:00 THE National Trust’s Calke Abbey will be hosting a family day with a difference on Sunday, July 13, when the Archaeology Detectives’ Day will be unearthed in the Riding School.
The event ties in with National Archaeology Week which will give people the chance to discover the UK’s archaeological heritage in a variety of hands-on ways – quite literally!
Experts will be on hand to identify visitors’ own archaeology finds and help resolve the stories behind the mysterious treasures. This will be a real ‘Antiques Roadshow’ style opportunity for people to share their discoveries with other enthusiasts.
Mini excavation
Children will be able to experience a mini excavation – courtesy of a sand-filled wheelbarrow laden with pottery pieces! Displays of local Ticknall pottery collected by local historians will be on show too.
Tours of the Courtyard will also be conducted to help discover evidence of the Elizabethan building and Priory, and an illustrator will create drawings to show what archaeological sites looked like years ago.
A Roman brooch which was discovered earlier this year whilst work was taking place on the restoration of the Riding School will also be on display for the first time!
Found
The brooch was found while workmen were digging through 20th century material. It is a Polden Hill brooch and is thought to be from 80 – 120AD. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the brooch and uncover how it came to be at Calke!
Alison Thornhill, Learning and Events Officer for Calke Abbey said, “This will be a fun yet educational event suitable for all age groups. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for someone to bring along a really valuable treasure for our experts to identify!”
All of these intriguing events will take place from 11am – 4pm on Sunday, July 13. No bookings are required and there’s no admission fee. Car parking will be charged at the usual rate.
