Dr Neil Faulkner and Dr Keith Robinson
Sunday 26 July – Friday 31 July
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and techniques of modern conflict archaeology through the investigation of Sedgeford Aerodrome – a home defence and training airfield in the First World War, and a decoy airfield in the Second. Combining taught sessions, desktop research, and guided fieldwork, students will experience the full range of methods involved in the study of modern industrialised warfare. These will include: the use of archives, maps, old photos, and the internet; survey work using GPS-recording, geophysics, and metal-detecting; standing-building recording; and carefully targeted excavation. We will also cover the relationship between material remains in the landscape and memories, commemorations, family and local histories, and political and moral issues.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Monday, 2 March 2009
Bulletin 25 (March 2009) Investigating the Wireless Listening Station at Hunstanton
Documentary and photographic evidence exists of the Wireless Listening Station at Hunstanton, which was used to overhear the radio transmissions between the German Zeppelins and their home bases. The Station was one of a number along the east coast, providing vital information on the movement of these bombers.
Although we have the above evidence, the exact location of the listening hut and associated aerials is not known for certain.
Photographs and postcards show that the aerials should have been placed high on the cliffs at Hunstanton, between the lighthouse and the coastguard look out station. Sadly this area is subject to erosion, and some of the remaining evidence may have already fallen into the sea, so time is of the essence to try and records that which remains.
Angie Hibbitt liaised closely with the local authority, who were exceptionally positive and helpful, and a date was set to carry out a geophysical resistance survey in the area where we believe the aerials to have been sited. Chris Mackie contacted the local media who interviewed both him and Dave Hibbitt and kindly publicised the survey and the story of the listening post. Almost immediately, members of the public started to contact Chris, with many pieces of very useful information.
On the day of the survey, Hunstanton was wreathed in a wet cold sea mist obscuring most of the survey site. However, geophysicists are a hardy bunch and the survey was carried out, with the assistance of GWAG members, Charlie Middleton, and Chris Mackie, clip board in hand, who chatted to the numerous visitors, both casual and in response to the media pieces.
The day was a success – with the surveyors, Grid Nine, reporting anomalies that could be associated with the masts, and thus be of potential archaeological significance for the project. Huge amounts of information were received from members of the public, and as a result, we will be returning in the near future to survey a second area, in an attempt to locate the site of the listening huts themselves.
Although we have the above evidence, the exact location of the listening hut and associated aerials is not known for certain.
Photographs and postcards show that the aerials should have been placed high on the cliffs at Hunstanton, between the lighthouse and the coastguard look out station. Sadly this area is subject to erosion, and some of the remaining evidence may have already fallen into the sea, so time is of the essence to try and records that which remains.
Angie Hibbitt liaised closely with the local authority, who were exceptionally positive and helpful, and a date was set to carry out a geophysical resistance survey in the area where we believe the aerials to have been sited. Chris Mackie contacted the local media who interviewed both him and Dave Hibbitt and kindly publicised the survey and the story of the listening post. Almost immediately, members of the public started to contact Chris, with many pieces of very useful information.
On the day of the survey, Hunstanton was wreathed in a wet cold sea mist obscuring most of the survey site. However, geophysicists are a hardy bunch and the survey was carried out, with the assistance of GWAG members, Charlie Middleton, and Chris Mackie, clip board in hand, who chatted to the numerous visitors, both casual and in response to the media pieces.
The day was a success – with the surveyors, Grid Nine, reporting anomalies that could be associated with the masts, and thus be of potential archaeological significance for the project. Huge amounts of information were received from members of the public, and as a result, we will be returning in the near future to survey a second area, in an attempt to locate the site of the listening huts themselves.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Bulletin 24 (Feb 2009)GARP IN PUBLICATIONS
Julian Evan-Hart has recently had an illustrated GARP related article published in the current issue of Treasure Hunting magazine.
This is an enthralling account of some of the finds and other activities of the Great Arab Revolt Project 2008 Season, which took place in Jordan in November last year.
In his usual entertaining and enthusiastic style Jules has managed to capture the excitement and variety of the trip, and he eloquently describes how it melds the technologies of metal detecting and internet research together with the academic aims of the project. It is a thoroughly good read and highly recommended. Also as can be seen below three rogues appear on the cover of the magazine, which is the March issue and is in the shops now. (Available in larger branches of W.H. Smiths)
Also about to be published is the latest issue of Current World Archaeology which will include a GARP article and extracts from this years blog.
CWA - "the UK's no 1 world archaeology magazine" - (ok the UK's only world archaeology magazine) - is available in Foyles/Borders/by subscription - next issue is out late March.
This is an enthralling account of some of the finds and other activities of the Great Arab Revolt Project 2008 Season, which took place in Jordan in November last year.
In his usual entertaining and enthusiastic style Jules has managed to capture the excitement and variety of the trip, and he eloquently describes how it melds the technologies of metal detecting and internet research together with the academic aims of the project. It is a thoroughly good read and highly recommended. Also as can be seen below three rogues appear on the cover of the magazine, which is the March issue and is in the shops now. (Available in larger branches of W.H. Smiths)
Also about to be published is the latest issue of Current World Archaeology which will include a GARP article and extracts from this years blog.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Bulletin 23 (September 2008) ONE TREE HILL. HONOR OAK PARK, LEWISHAM, LONDON
GWAG first visited Honor Oak Park in August 2007, following liaison with Friends of One Tree Hill, to investigate site of a WW1 gun emplacement and its environs. The activities that weekend consisted of cleaning up and recording the gun emplacement, carrying out geophysical and metal detector surveys and excavating a small number of test pits. Although there were tantalising glimpses of possible evidence of Great War occupation, it was felt that further investigation was necessary to try to locate structures and activity associated with the emplacement.
GWAG therefore returned for a further weekend of work in September 2008.
The Friends of One Tree Hill and GWAG both recognised the vital importance of oral history as well as archaeological investigation into this popular recreational area and the weekends investigation was publicised widely in the local area, to attract visitors, in particular those with memories or stories to tell.
A further metal detector survey was conducted, as well as a visual check of the morphology of the site, and a number of areas for excavation were identified.
Trench 1 was sited to the south of the emplacement in a grassy area devoid of shrubbery. A roughly laid metalled surface was located, which continued under the modern path. A plinth of rough stone was set onto this surface, next to an area of clay. When the trench was extended to ascertain the southerly extent of the surface an area of intense burning was located, along with a large number of finds including complete half pint milk bottles, pottery, glass, and metal objects including three cast iron objects, one of which appears to a grate and other two the sides of a stove. Nearby a cast iron tray was located.
Trench 2 was located to the east of the site. Evidence for the edge of the metalled surface was located, but nothing in the way of finds.
Trench 3 was sited adjacent to the gun emplacement to identify the relationship of the steps to the emplacement with ‘crazy paving’ leading south east. The metalled surface was located here as well, and appeared to be contemporary with the emplacement and its steps.
Trench 4 was placed in the area of the only thistles on the site, in an attempt to locate a possible latrine. This was not fully excavated due to time constraints, and only a continuation of the metalled surface was identified, with a possible edge to the south.
It is clear that the area generally to the south of the gun emplacement was metalled in what appears to be hasty manner. Although there were few datable finds from period being investigated, the archaeological evidence together with the known history of the site suggests that this surface was placed over an extensive area to facilitate the building and manning of the gun emplacement.
The full report for this site will follow.
GWAG would like to thank the friends of One Tree Hill for their support and assistance with this project.
GWAG therefore returned for a further weekend of work in September 2008.
Trench 1 showing metalled surface and plinth
The Friends of One Tree Hill and GWAG both recognised the vital importance of oral history as well as archaeological investigation into this popular recreational area and the weekends investigation was publicised widely in the local area, to attract visitors, in particular those with memories or stories to tell.
A further metal detector survey was conducted, as well as a visual check of the morphology of the site, and a number of areas for excavation were identified.
Trench 1 was sited to the south of the emplacement in a grassy area devoid of shrubbery. A roughly laid metalled surface was located, which continued under the modern path. A plinth of rough stone was set onto this surface, next to an area of clay. When the trench was extended to ascertain the southerly extent of the surface an area of intense burning was located, along with a large number of finds including complete half pint milk bottles, pottery, glass, and metal objects including three cast iron objects, one of which appears to a grate and other two the sides of a stove. Nearby a cast iron tray was located.
Trench 2 was located to the east of the site. Evidence for the edge of the metalled surface was located, but nothing in the way of finds.
Trench 3 was sited adjacent to the gun emplacement to identify the relationship of the steps to the emplacement with ‘crazy paving’ leading south east. The metalled surface was located here as well, and appeared to be contemporary with the emplacement and its steps.
Trench 3 Ian H clears thistles to find more metalling
Trench 4 was placed in the area of the only thistles on the site, in an attempt to locate a possible latrine. This was not fully excavated due to time constraints, and only a continuation of the metalled surface was identified, with a possible edge to the south.
It is clear that the area generally to the south of the gun emplacement was metalled in what appears to be hasty manner. Although there were few datable finds from period being investigated, the archaeological evidence together with the known history of the site suggests that this surface was placed over an extensive area to facilitate the building and manning of the gun emplacement.
The full report for this site will follow.
GWAG would like to thank the friends of One Tree Hill for their support and assistance with this project.
A Gallery of pictures associated with this year's work is available here
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Bulletin 22(September 2008)One Tree Hill revisited
GWAG members together with the Friends of One Tree Hill resumed exploratory work at the Honor Oak site yesterday. The main visible feature of the World War One gun emplacement was further investigated as was the nearby land, with a view to locating ancillary structures which may have been associated with the emplacement.
Two surface trenches were begun revealing some evidence of what might have been a path or track up to the gun. The work continues today and there will be a further report shortly.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Bulletin 21 (August 2008)The Archaeology of the First of the 20th-Century's Great Conflicts
A day school to be held at Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford.
'Our knowledge and understanding of the First World War is considerable and yet much remains hidden. As we rapidly approach a time when there will be no surviving veterans of the conflict, the Great War through its archaeology offers a relatively new phenomenon that utilises familiar methodologies as well as innovative approaches to gain a better understanding of the war. This day school draws together a number of leading experts on Great War archaeology to examine a broad range of themes - from the sands of the desert war to the mud of Flanders and the material traces of those who fought'
Saturday 28 February 2009
Speakers include -
Dr Nicholas Saunders - 'Trench Art: Material Culture and the Antrhopological Dimensions of Great War Archaeology'
Richard Osgood & Martin Brown - 'We shall Certainly Change The Geography: Soldiers, civilians and the battle of Messines'
Peter Chassead - 'Imaging Golgotha - Aerial Photpgrahs and Trench Maps of the Western Front'
Dr Neil Faulkener - 'Trains Trenches and Tents: the Archaeology of Lawrence of Arabia's War'
Jon Price - 'Rise and Deride This Sepulchre of Crime: The Role of Archaeology and the Missing Dead of the Great War'
Fee options
With full lunch - £50
With baguette lunch - £42.50
Without lunch - £40
For further information - www.conted.co.ax.uk
'Our knowledge and understanding of the First World War is considerable and yet much remains hidden. As we rapidly approach a time when there will be no surviving veterans of the conflict, the Great War through its archaeology offers a relatively new phenomenon that utilises familiar methodologies as well as innovative approaches to gain a better understanding of the war. This day school draws together a number of leading experts on Great War archaeology to examine a broad range of themes - from the sands of the desert war to the mud of Flanders and the material traces of those who fought'
Saturday 28 February 2009
Speakers include -
Dr Nicholas Saunders - 'Trench Art: Material Culture and the Antrhopological Dimensions of Great War Archaeology'
Richard Osgood & Martin Brown - 'We shall Certainly Change The Geography: Soldiers, civilians and the battle of Messines'
Peter Chassead - 'Imaging Golgotha - Aerial Photpgrahs and Trench Maps of the Western Front'
Dr Neil Faulkener - 'Trains Trenches and Tents: the Archaeology of Lawrence of Arabia's War'
Jon Price - 'Rise and Deride This Sepulchre of Crime: The Role of Archaeology and the Missing Dead of the Great War'
Fee options
With full lunch - £50
With baguette lunch - £42.50
Without lunch - £40
For further information - www.conted.co.ax.uk
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Bulletin 20 (July 2008)New GWAG Web Site launched
The GWAG Web Site has undergone a complete revamp making it far quicker to load and easier to navigate. Also more images on every page give a better overview of the range of work of the group.
Take a look here
Also for information David Thorpe, one of our Directors, is having spinal surgery/reconstruction at Kings College Hospital in south London on 30th June and expects to spend only a few days incarcerated before embarking on 3 weeks of boredom in Tunbridge Wells. "Only Billy Piper in Belle De Jour will have spent so much time on her back! Several months more are then to be enjoyed. All, and all is INCLUSIVE, visitors are welcome. Books and chat very much encouraged. David is damned determined to be fit and as obstreperous as normal by GARP Season 3 in November. Sadly, the scars will be small (as are many other things...) Dx"
Finally, Have you seen the other European Great War Archaeology web sites in our links list on the right? Have a look at the Plugstreet Project and No Mans Land Info for information about related archaeological work going on in Belgium and Northern France.
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