Medieval History
The achievements of York's community archaeologists are being celebrated in a book being launched by York Archaeological Trust this week.
Hunting for History highlights the achievements of the Greater York Community Archaeology Project, created from the York Archaeological Forum, a meeting open to anyone involved or interested in the archaeology of York. Over the past five years, the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported a community archaeologist post in York, hosted by York Archaeological Trust, to increase archaeological activity within the local community.
The community archaeologist, Dr Jon Kenny, has helped York's community "history hunters" to enjoy, explore, record and conserve the archaeology of York and surrounding areas.
The book highlights some of the important finds made by community archaeologists including a rare 14th century gold coin, found while excavating a medieval rubbish pit at York Archaeological Trust's Hungate site, and a Neolithic polished stone axe found at Myton-on-Swale.
Dr Kenny explained, "Modern archaeology isn't just about digging holes in the ground in the hope of finding ancient remains; it's about everything from recording intriguing humps and bumps in fields to identifying ancient hedgerows; researching local history through old documents; the detailed surveying of existing buildings to uncover their real history; and recording living people's memories as oral history.
"It's been about local people making discoveries that mean something to them. Without these community archaeologists and local historians, the important finds might never have been made."
The York Archaeology Trust celebrated the book launch with an event at Jorvik Viking Centre on Monday for those who have been instrumental in the community projects.
The trust is an independent charity, founded in 1972, which investigates the past for the benefit of present communities and future generations. For more information or to find out how to obtain a copy of the book visit www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk or call 01904 663000.
Source: Community Newswire
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Medieval History
York Archaeological Trust launches book about community archaeologists
Hunting for History highlights the achievements of the Greater York Community Archaeology Project, created from the York Archaeological Forum, a meeting open to anyone involved or interested in the archaeology of York. Over the past five years, the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported a community archaeologist post in York, hosted by York Archaeological Trust, to increase archaeological activity within the local community.
The community archaeologist, Dr Jon Kenny, has helped York's community "history hunters" to enjoy, explore, record and conserve the archaeology of York and surrounding areas.
The book highlights some of the important finds made by community archaeologists including a rare 14th century gold coin, found while excavating a medieval rubbish pit at York Archaeological Trust's Hungate site, and a Neolithic polished stone axe found at Myton-on-Swale.
Dr Kenny explained, "Modern archaeology isn't just about digging holes in the ground in the hope of finding ancient remains; it's about everything from recording intriguing humps and bumps in fields to identifying ancient hedgerows; researching local history through old documents; the detailed surveying of existing buildings to uncover their real history; and recording living people's memories as oral history.
"It's been about local people making discoveries that mean something to them. Without these community archaeologists and local historians, the important finds might never have been made."
The York Archaeology Trust celebrated the book launch with an event at Jorvik Viking Centre on Monday for those who have been instrumental in the community projects.
The trust is an independent charity, founded in 1972, which investigates the past for the benefit of present communities and future generations. For more information or to find out how to obtain a copy of the book visit www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk or call 01904 663000.
Source: Community Newswire
- Medieval Bones Found At York Building Site
Police have been called to a York building site after workmen uncovered human remains believed to come from a medieval cemetery. Fragments of human bones, which were found under a home in the Lawrence Street area, are thought to have come from a cemetery...
- Remains Of Gawthorpe Hall Discovered In Yorkshire
Archaeologists from the University of York are revealing intriguing traces ? hidden for more than two centuries ? of the forerunner of one of Yorkshire?s great country houses. In the shadow of Harewood House, a team of undergraduate students is carrying...
- Face Of Viking Woman Reconstructed
Researchers at the University of Dundee have helped recreate the face of a Viking woman who lived in medieval York. The reconstruction is now being displaced at the JORVIK Viking Centre. York Archaeological Trust, owner of JORVIK, has used the most advanced...
- 25th Jorvik Viking Centre Annual Festival
The Jorvik Viking Centre in the English city of York will be holding its 25th Annual Festival from February 13th to 21st, 2010. In a press release, the Jorvik Viking Centre, calls on those interested to "join in the action as hundreds of Vikings from...
- Paper Opening
I still have an opening for a paper in one of the sessions sponsored by Christianity and Culture (Centre for Medieval Studies, York) on 'The Community of Saints II: The Later Medieval Church'. This session is linked to an ongoing project to produce...