The talk by Dr Neil Faulkner on 23 February 2008 will take place at in the Lecture Theatre at The Collection, Lincoln from 7pm. (See event poster - click here)
Neil will be speaking on ‘Tanks, Zepps and Training Trenches: the archaeology of Britain at War 1914 to 1918.’ His talk will encompass the archaeology of conflict - what is it, why is it different and why does it matter? Why was the First World War different to those that had gone before? Also, projects by other groups, e.g. No Man’s Land work on training trenches, as well as GWAG’s own projects e.g. the First Blitz.
Neil will be joined by Richard Pullen MA, who will be speaking about the Development of the Tank, and recent fieldwork carried out in and around Lincoln. Richard lives in Lincoln and is local and Great War historian, archaeologist, historian, founder member of the Friends of the Lincoln Tank and author – including ‘Landships of Lincoln’.
This will be followed on Sunday 24 February by the Open Day at The Royal Naval Club on Coulson Road in Lincoln. The Friends of the Lincoln Tank, along with GWAG will be putting on a display of the history and development of the Tank in Lincolnshire, together with model WW1 Tanks and an exhibition of WW1 artefacts. Locals are being encouraged to come along with their own stories, family memories or mementos to help fill in the gaps in our knowledge.
Angie Hibbitt - 6 January 2008
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Friday, 4 January 2008
Bulletin 8 (Jan 2008) Lincoln Open Day
date has now been set for the aforementioned ‘Open Day’ in Lincoln. It will be held on Sunday 24 February 2008 at the Royal Naval Club on Coulson Road in Lincoln.
This venue has been specially chosen due to its close proximity to the site of the William Fosters Factory and the testing grounds at Poppletons Field.
The main intentions of the Open Day are to raise public awareness of the local development of the Tank, by having displays of the History of the Factory and the Tanks, as well as encouraging people to come and talk about any memories they may have, or stories that may have been passed down through the family. There will be members of the Friends of the Lincoln Tank on hand to record these oral accounts.
Dr Neil Faulkner will also be at the event, to discuss the project both in Lincoln and in Europe.
Neil will also be giving a presentation in Lincoln on Saturday 23 February 2008
Further details to follow in in due course
This venue has been specially chosen due to its close proximity to the site of the William Fosters Factory and the testing grounds at Poppletons Field.
The main intentions of the Open Day are to raise public awareness of the local development of the Tank, by having displays of the History of the Factory and the Tanks, as well as encouraging people to come and talk about any memories they may have, or stories that may have been passed down through the family. There will be members of the Friends of the Lincoln Tank on hand to record these oral accounts.
Dr Neil Faulkner will also be at the event, to discuss the project both in Lincoln and in Europe.
Neil will also be giving a presentation in Lincoln on Saturday 23 February 2008
Further details to follow in in due course
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Bulletin 7 (August 2007) The First Blitz Project - One Tree Hill
The First Blitz Project - One Tree Hill
GWAG carried out an evaluation at the site of a WW1 Gun Emplacement at One Tree Hill, South London over the weekend of 25 and 26 August 2007. The Gun Emplacement itself was cleared, recorded and photographed. Metal detector and geophysical surveys were carried out to identify areas of potential archaeological interest and a small number of test pits were excavated. Provisional results have shown the Emplacement to be in fair condition. The test pits revealed much consolidation of land and park landscaping, together with evidence of the supply of services
to the site. A rough concreted surface was also located.
The weekend had been widely publicised which resulted in a good deal of local interest and a number of the visitors were able to add their own memories or knowledge of the area. Local historians now have further information on the site to follow up, and their research will be used in conjunction with GWAG’s findings to develop the project further.
The First Tank Project
GWAG has been working closely with the Friends of the Lincoln Tank, to arrange fieldwork
and desk top study in Lincoln.
A geophysical survey was carried out during August 2007 at Burton Park, near Lincoln, which is where the early prototype tanks, including Mother, were tested.
It is intended that an ‘Open Day’ be held at premises in the area of the site of William Fosters Factory for members of the public to bring along any finds they may have found in gardens of
houses built in the area of Poppletons Field, or to talk about memories or family stories they may have about the construction of the tank, or of the foundry where the tanks were built.
Angie Hibbitt
GWAG carried out an evaluation at the site of a WW1 Gun Emplacement at One Tree Hill, South London over the weekend of 25 and 26 August 2007. The Gun Emplacement itself was cleared, recorded and photographed. Metal detector and geophysical surveys were carried out to identify areas of potential archaeological interest and a small number of test pits were excavated. Provisional results have shown the Emplacement to be in fair condition. The test pits revealed much consolidation of land and park landscaping, together with evidence of the supply of services
to the site. A rough concreted surface was also located.
The weekend had been widely publicised which resulted in a good deal of local interest and a number of the visitors were able to add their own memories or knowledge of the area. Local historians now have further information on the site to follow up, and their research will be used in conjunction with GWAG’s findings to develop the project further.
The First Tank Project
GWAG has been working closely with the Friends of the Lincoln Tank, to arrange fieldwork
and desk top study in Lincoln.
A geophysical survey was carried out during August 2007 at Burton Park, near Lincoln, which is where the early prototype tanks, including Mother, were tested.
It is intended that an ‘Open Day’ be held at premises in the area of the site of William Fosters Factory for members of the public to bring along any finds they may have found in gardens of
houses built in the area of Poppletons Field, or to talk about memories or family stories they may have about the construction of the tank, or of the foundry where the tanks were built.
Angie Hibbitt
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Bulletin 6 (July 2007) First Blitz Project/GARP website launched
A proposed ‘First Blitz’ project based around the One Tree Hill gun emplacement in South London
During the First World War, London was the target of the first strategic bombing campaign in history. Raids by German airships and aeroplanes were met by the development of a comprehensive home-defence system based on wireless direction-finding stations, observation posts, searchlights, anti-aircraft guns, and dedicated fighter squadrons. The conflict has been relatively little studied. Many archive sources have not been researched. Little oral history work has been done. Most material remains are unrecorded. Of the 20,469 sites recorded in the Defence of Britain Project, for example, only 322 are of First World War date, only 44 relate to the air war, and of these, half are airfields, with only one searchlight and six anti-aircraft gun emplacements recorded for the whole country.
The Great War Archaeology Group’s pilot ‘First Blitz Project’ in June 2006, carried out in association with BBC Timewatch, demonstrated the potential. Our outer study area, centred on the Lea Valley, extended 40km east-west across West Essex and East Hertfordshire, and 40km northwards from the Thames. In this area alone, our desktop research identified 33 former anti-aircraft gun emplacements and 19 searchlight emplacements. Detailed survey, clearance and excavation at the Monkhams Hall gun emplacement north of Waltham Abbey revealed an observation post and an ammunition store as well as the gun platform itself. The project also demonstrated how archaeological fieldwork can act as a focus for oral history. TheBBC recorded interviews with several people who remembered the air-raids as children, including one who had been present at the bombing of Upper North Street School in Poplar on 13 June 1917, when 18 five-year-olds were killed in the infant classroom.
In relation to these events, we are close to the centenary and on the cusp of living memory. There is a strong and urgent case for investigating, recording, preserving and presenting the material remains of the First World War in Britain. A community project centred on the surviving anti-aircraft gun platform at One Tree Hill would make a valuable contribution to this.
We are planning a preliminary survey, on the weekend of 25-26 August, using field reconnaissance, geophysics, metal-detecting, and limited surface clearance toidentify and record obvious features. We will link this with archive research, especially of old maps, and an oral history project, where we will use the focus of archaeological activity, advertised in advance, to encourage local people with memories of the site to come forward. We will welcome visitors and would be set up to explain what we were doing and why.
This will be a preliminary and evaluative investigation with a view: a) to furtherwork on the site, possibly, if appropriate, including small excavation trenches; and b) to developing a wider project using archives, memories and material remains to explore the character and impact of the air-raids in the area. If such a project developed, we would be keen to facilitate maximum community involvement, including local schools.
GARP dedicated website launched
The Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP) now has it’s own dedicated website. Originally it was part of this website, but has proved to be so popular it has had to move! On the GARP website you can find out about this pioneering project which is now into it’s second season of fieldwork in Jordan (November 2007). There is also information about T.E Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) and other related articles and links.
Visit the website at: www.jordan1914-18archaeology.org
The First Tank Project
Work is continuing on the First Tank Project at a steady pace. August 2007 will see a geophysical survey carried out at one of the early testing grounds to the north-west of Lincoln, to see if any ditches or other features remain. A desk-based study of early maps and original architects drawings of William Foster’s Wellington Factory in Lincoln (where the first tanks were built) is proving interesting. Other related buildings in and around Lincoln are also being studied.
Dr Neil Faulkner and David Hibbitt PIFA - Great War Archaeology Group
During the First World War, London was the target of the first strategic bombing campaign in history. Raids by German airships and aeroplanes were met by the development of a comprehensive home-defence system based on wireless direction-finding stations, observation posts, searchlights, anti-aircraft guns, and dedicated fighter squadrons. The conflict has been relatively little studied. Many archive sources have not been researched. Little oral history work has been done. Most material remains are unrecorded. Of the 20,469 sites recorded in the Defence of Britain Project, for example, only 322 are of First World War date, only 44 relate to the air war, and of these, half are airfields, with only one searchlight and six anti-aircraft gun emplacements recorded for the whole country.
The Great War Archaeology Group’s pilot ‘First Blitz Project’ in June 2006, carried out in association with BBC Timewatch, demonstrated the potential. Our outer study area, centred on the Lea Valley, extended 40km east-west across West Essex and East Hertfordshire, and 40km northwards from the Thames. In this area alone, our desktop research identified 33 former anti-aircraft gun emplacements and 19 searchlight emplacements. Detailed survey, clearance and excavation at the Monkhams Hall gun emplacement north of Waltham Abbey revealed an observation post and an ammunition store as well as the gun platform itself. The project also demonstrated how archaeological fieldwork can act as a focus for oral history. TheBBC recorded interviews with several people who remembered the air-raids as children, including one who had been present at the bombing of Upper North Street School in Poplar on 13 June 1917, when 18 five-year-olds were killed in the infant classroom.
In relation to these events, we are close to the centenary and on the cusp of living memory. There is a strong and urgent case for investigating, recording, preserving and presenting the material remains of the First World War in Britain. A community project centred on the surviving anti-aircraft gun platform at One Tree Hill would make a valuable contribution to this.
We are planning a preliminary survey, on the weekend of 25-26 August, using field reconnaissance, geophysics, metal-detecting, and limited surface clearance toidentify and record obvious features. We will link this with archive research, especially of old maps, and an oral history project, where we will use the focus of archaeological activity, advertised in advance, to encourage local people with memories of the site to come forward. We will welcome visitors and would be set up to explain what we were doing and why.
This will be a preliminary and evaluative investigation with a view: a) to furtherwork on the site, possibly, if appropriate, including small excavation trenches; and b) to developing a wider project using archives, memories and material remains to explore the character and impact of the air-raids in the area. If such a project developed, we would be keen to facilitate maximum community involvement, including local schools.
GARP dedicated website launched
The Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP) now has it’s own dedicated website. Originally it was part of this website, but has proved to be so popular it has had to move! On the GARP website you can find out about this pioneering project which is now into it’s second season of fieldwork in Jordan (November 2007). There is also information about T.E Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) and other related articles and links.
Visit the website at: www.jordan1914-18archaeology.org
The First Tank Project
Work is continuing on the First Tank Project at a steady pace. August 2007 will see a geophysical survey carried out at one of the early testing grounds to the north-west of Lincoln, to see if any ditches or other features remain. A desk-based study of early maps and original architects drawings of William Foster’s Wellington Factory in Lincoln (where the first tanks were built) is proving interesting. Other related buildings in and around Lincoln are also being studied.
Dr Neil Faulkner and David Hibbitt PIFA - Great War Archaeology Group
Saturday, 17 March 2007
Bulletin 5 (March 2007)Great Arab Revolt/First BLitz/First Tank Project
Great Arab Revolt
A team of almost 30 commenced work in South Jordan in November, as planned.
Work was carried out over a period of two weeks, at two sites – Ma’an and Bat’n Al Ghul.
For more information and photographs – see Projects
First Blitz
GWAG was featured on the BBC2 Timewatch programme ‘ Zeppelin – The First Blitz’ at the beginning of February.
Two further summaries are now available together with photographs – see Projects
First Tank Project
GWAG’s latest project took a step closer to fruition following a meeting in Lincoln on 28 February 2007 which included GWAG, The Friends Of The Lincoln Tank, and the City Archaeologist. This will be a combined venture to involved the excavation of a Tank on the Western Front and field work in the City of Lincoln where the Tank was developed and initially manufactured.
For more information – see Projects.
A team of almost 30 commenced work in South Jordan in November, as planned.
Work was carried out over a period of two weeks, at two sites – Ma’an and Bat’n Al Ghul.
For more information and photographs – see Projects
First Blitz
GWAG was featured on the BBC2 Timewatch programme ‘ Zeppelin – The First Blitz’ at the beginning of February.
Two further summaries are now available together with photographs – see Projects
First Tank Project
GWAG’s latest project took a step closer to fruition following a meeting in Lincoln on 28 February 2007 which included GWAG, The Friends Of The Lincoln Tank, and the City Archaeologist. This will be a combined venture to involved the excavation of a Tank on the Western Front and field work in the City of Lincoln where the Tank was developed and initially manufactured.
For more information – see Projects.
Friday, 14 July 2006
Bulletin 4 (July 2006) First Blitz
Summaries of three of the projects are now available to download from the First Blitz section of the Projects page on gwag.org. Also there are two upcoming related articles due for publication - Dr Neil Faulkner writes about the history of the Zeppelin with special focus on the L31 in the BBC History magazine and there will be an article in Current Archaeology about the Theberton site.
Monday, 21 November 2005
Bulletin 3 (November 2005)First Blitz/Timewatch/Great Arab Revolt Project
First Blitz
Work has progressed steadily on the First Blitz project. In early September a team headed up by Ali Baldry and David Thorpe, with the help of metal detectorists Anne Smith and friends, we were able to do the initial detector survey of the Zeppelin crash site in Potters Bar. Some quite encouraging finds lead us to believe we have located the crash site and a more comprehensive survey is planned for the New Year. Elsewhere, Jim Lewis and Duncan Ward have continued their research into various elements of the project. Jim has been particularly focusing on the Marconi Listening Post he has located in North-West Norfolk, and we hope to get permission to do some work there in the New Year, whilst Duncan has been desperately trying to find an actual bomb site caused by the Zeppelins.
Timewatch Announcement
Following on from the above, GWAG has received exciting news. BBC2’s Timewatch programme has commissioned Neil and David to make a documentary special on the air war of London in 1915/16. The programme will focus on the story of the L31 zeppelin raids undertaken by the renowned German commander Mathé. Archaeological sites to be excavated for the programme will include an Anti-Aircraft and searchlight battery close to Waltham Abbey in Essex, as well as a Royal Flying Corps airfield near Epping and the zeppelin crash site in Potters Bar. Zeppelin bomb sites are currently being investigated (We need your help with this! Does anyone have any knowledge of a prospective bomb site that could be dug?).
Jordan and the Great Arab Revolt
As outlined in Bulletin 2 the ongoing project in Jordan is now a certainty. We have obtained exclusive permission from the Jordanian department of Antiquities to carry out a long term research, identification and excavation of all the Hashemite Kingdom’s First World War sites over a projected ten year period. In addition to this, David recently had tea with Prince Hassan of the Jordanian royal family at the Princes’ London home! He has offered any and all help, and would like to not only be a consultant to the project, but a primary resource as well. He is even interested in helping GWAG to write the first comprehensive English language account of the great Arab revolt.
The Land Rover!
GWAG have bought a long wheel base Land Rover! This has been fetchingly re-painted in racing green and will soon have the GWAG logo stenciled on the doors and roof.
Contact
As always, if anyone would like to get in contact, either to help, offer information or just to say hello then please use the contact details in the Contact Us section.
Work has progressed steadily on the First Blitz project. In early September a team headed up by Ali Baldry and David Thorpe, with the help of metal detectorists Anne Smith and friends, we were able to do the initial detector survey of the Zeppelin crash site in Potters Bar. Some quite encouraging finds lead us to believe we have located the crash site and a more comprehensive survey is planned for the New Year. Elsewhere, Jim Lewis and Duncan Ward have continued their research into various elements of the project. Jim has been particularly focusing on the Marconi Listening Post he has located in North-West Norfolk, and we hope to get permission to do some work there in the New Year, whilst Duncan has been desperately trying to find an actual bomb site caused by the Zeppelins.
Timewatch Announcement
Following on from the above, GWAG has received exciting news. BBC2’s Timewatch programme has commissioned Neil and David to make a documentary special on the air war of London in 1915/16. The programme will focus on the story of the L31 zeppelin raids undertaken by the renowned German commander Mathé. Archaeological sites to be excavated for the programme will include an Anti-Aircraft and searchlight battery close to Waltham Abbey in Essex, as well as a Royal Flying Corps airfield near Epping and the zeppelin crash site in Potters Bar. Zeppelin bomb sites are currently being investigated (We need your help with this! Does anyone have any knowledge of a prospective bomb site that could be dug?).
Jordan and the Great Arab Revolt
As outlined in Bulletin 2 the ongoing project in Jordan is now a certainty. We have obtained exclusive permission from the Jordanian department of Antiquities to carry out a long term research, identification and excavation of all the Hashemite Kingdom’s First World War sites over a projected ten year period. In addition to this, David recently had tea with Prince Hassan of the Jordanian royal family at the Princes’ London home! He has offered any and all help, and would like to not only be a consultant to the project, but a primary resource as well. He is even interested in helping GWAG to write the first comprehensive English language account of the great Arab revolt.
The Land Rover!
GWAG have bought a long wheel base Land Rover! This has been fetchingly re-painted in racing green and will soon have the GWAG logo stenciled on the doors and roof.
Contact
As always, if anyone would like to get in contact, either to help, offer information or just to say hello then please use the contact details in the Contact Us section.
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