Sarah Phillips's blog

VISITORS are being invited into Wakefield Cathedral to view exciting archaeological finds including ancient tombs, medieval church walls and other signs that worship has taken place on the site for over a thousand years.

Archaeologists started excavation work inside the Grade 1 listed building as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment scheme, Project 2013.

They are removing burials from inside the nave to allow a new floor to be installed and their work has already revealed 13 burials most of which date from the 18^th or 19^th century but they have also found two medieval stone graves, two probable early walls and a shard of pottery, which is currently being dated.

Archaeological tours will run at 12.30 and 12.45pm on 25^th, 28^{th ,} 30^th May, 31^st May, and Friday 1^st June. Those booked in for 8^th June will be phoned individually and offered one of the alternative dates.

The cathedral building is over 800 years old and dates back to the 12th century - but it is thought that there was a church on the site before that and some of the archaeological finds suggest that too.

The Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, said ‘there are some exciting finds – especially the older stone graves - as it reminds us that worship has been on this site for a thousand years and more.’

Andy Norton, Project Manager for Wessex Archaeology, said ‘until recently it was common for people to be buried next to or even inside churches and cathedrals. When churches were extended they could be built on top of earlier graves. The new floor for the Cathedral nave will be at a lower level than the current one and would have damaged any graves there.’

The Chairman of Wessex Archaeology, Robert Key, a former MP and a Lay member of the Synod of the Church of England added ‘it is important that our places of worship, which are often wonderful historic buildings are renewed for modern times.

But we have to respect our heritage and also make sure that no damage is done to the remains of the people who were buried here hundreds of years ago. All the burials will be carefully recorded and removed before the remains are reinterred.’

TO BOOK A TOUR contact Karn Dyson at the Cathedral on 01924 373923 or email: karn.dyson@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk

Project 2013 is run by Wakefield Cathedral and is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wessex Archaeology were invited by the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) to attend a Ministerial meeting in Shoreham and present the newly launched Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD).

On Monday 30^th April 2012 the Rt Hon Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Fisheries, officially opened the new Sussex IFCA offices and drew attention to the new Protocol. Following a briefing about the Protocol by Dr Nikki Cook of Wessex Archaeology, the Minister was keen that the FIPAD project should be operating throughout other IFCA areas, which was very encouraging. Mr Benyon heard about the importance of the objects reported so far and saw the display and promotional materials that Wessex Archaeology has prepared.

Minister for Fisheries introduced to FIPAD © SIFCA

The meeting coincided with the AGM of the Sussex IFCA, and there was the opportunity to promote the FIPAD project amongst its members, including representatives from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), sea-anglers, fishermen and local councillors. The enthusiastic support and interest in the newly launched Fishing Protocol will hopefully result in some exciting  archaeological discoveries being reported in the coming months.

The FIPAD project (www.fipad.org ) is being run by Wessex Archaeology on behalf of English Heritage and in collaboration with Sussex IFCA.

Sussex fishermen can now report archaeological finds through the Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD) online form.

On April 1^st 2012, Wessex Archaeology launched the FIPAD on behalf of English Heritage.  Working in collaboration with the Sussex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) the Protocol is a pilot project to help fishermen report any archaeological finds they come across during their work. The aim is that the protocol will eventually run nationally.

The UK’s fishing fleets are responsible for some of the most important archaeological discoveries of the past 40 years, with anything from Palaeolithic flints to modern shipwrecks snagged or dredged up in fishing gear.

The online form is one of several hassle-free ways to report a find. You can report a find by either:

• Clicking the Report Now button on the FIPAD website (www.fipad.org )
• Printing out a Report Form and posting it to the “Fishing Protocol Team”
• Telephoning 01722 326867 and ask for the “Fishing Protocol Team”
• Reporting your find directly to a FIPAD Contact at your land port. Click here for a list of FIPAD Contacts.

The FIPAD website (www.fipad.org) also offers downloadable resources, which provide information on identifying archaeological finds, how to report them and what to do with a find after its discovery. Click here to visit our Resource page.

Medieval carved stone statue

This stone statue, possibly medieval in date, was reported during the preliminary development of the project.  A lobster fisherman discovered it in Chichester Harbour. The statue will soon be laser-scanned by a team at Bournemouth University, which may help date and identify the piece, as there are the faint traces of lettering across the bottom of the figurine. 

The Fishing Protocol Team are at hand to deal with any reports and will make sure new discoveries are highlighted on the FIPAD website.  If you have questions or queries contact the team by email or phone.

Since spring 2003 Wessex Archaeology has delivered English Heritage’s Contract for Archaeological Services in Relation to the Protection of Wreck Act 1973.  English Heritage has  decided to extend the contract by an additional year taking our marine archaeologists back out into the field for the summer.

The principle aim of the contract is to supply advice to English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw, and the Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland to enable them to advise their respective Secretary of State, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland Ministers, as appropriate, about issues of designation and licensing under the Protection of Wreck Act1973.

This involves fieldwork to monitor, record and investigate designated wrecks, and assess sites that may require designation.  We are looking forward to another year of working with the heritage agencies, licensee teams and other stakeholders.

Wreck designated under the Protection of Wreck Act

As the team ventures out once again, we will explore some of the fieldwork undertaken last year in a series of blogs.  Keep an eye out for upcoming news to find out more.

This weekend members of the CBA will start a gruelling walk along the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money and support for the CBA (www.britarch.co.uk).

The CBA is an educational charity working in the UK to involve people in archaeology.  The organisations activities are wide ranging and they are responsible for many great initiatives, such as the Festival of British Archaeology and Young Archaeologists Club (YAC).  The organisation acts as a voice in the interest of the UK’s heritage and does a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the appreciation and care of the historic environment for the benefit of all.

Suzie Thomas (former CBA staff) and Sarah Dhanjal (YAC Branch leader) will start a ten-day walk along the entire length of the historic monument Hadrian’s wall. They will be joined in sections by Vicky Coates (YAC Membership Co-ordinator) and Mike Heyworth (CBA Director) aiming to arrive at their final destination on Tuesday the 1^st of May.

The purpose of the walk is to raise money and membership for both the CBA and the YAC.  In particularly the aim is to raise enough money to ensure the continuation of the Young Archaeologist Club.  This club is a brilliant opportunity for children across the country to get hands-on opportunities to discover more about the past.  Volunteers, including staff from Wessex Archaeology, run the individual clubs. They give up their time because they believe that this is a brilliant way to encourage new generations to appreciate and look after our heritage.  The funding will among other things provide support to the volunteers to continue these activities, as well as continue the YAC magazine and website.

You can help support the CBA in the following ways

• To donate money for the walk at their JustGiving webpage, click here.
• To become a member of the CBA, click here.
• To become a member of YAC, click here.

Follow Sarah and Suzie’s progress on their Facebook page.

CBA Community Archaeology Bursary placement at Wessex Archaeology

The CBA also runs the Community Archaeology Bursaries Project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future programme, with additional support from English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland.

Wessex Archaeology recently received a bursary to employ Angus Forshaw, who will be trained as a community archaeologist, developing skills and experience in working with the public through our educational and community activities.  Keep an eye out on our blog to find out what Angus gets up to in the coming year.

On the 1st April Wessex Archaeology launched a pilot Fishing Industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (FIPAD) on behalf of English Heritage.  This Protocol will allow fishermen to record archaeological finds made while fishing within the Sussex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Area (SIFCA).
    
Described by many as the “eyes and ears of the ocean”, the UK’s fishing fleets are responsible for some of the most important archaeological discoveries of the past 40 years, with anything from Palaeolithic flints to modern shipwrecks snagged or dredged up in fishing gear.

The wreck of HMS A1, Britain's first commissioned submarine © Crown Copyright, taken by Wessex Archaeology
These discoveries provide important information for archaeologists and help us understand Britain’s maritime heritage.

“When you look at the UK’s long and colourful maritime history and the statistics for ship losses over the years, you realise that our marine archaeological resource could potentially be enormous. We hear about new wreck sites everyday, and it is no surprise that we are getting more and more reports from fishermen about net fastenings and artefacts being brought up in fishing gear. Each new find gives us a fresh insight into our history.”

Dr. Simon Davidson, Maritime Archaeologist, WA

But it’s not all about shipwrecks, discoveries made by fishermen have revealed submerged ancient landscapes. An example is provided by oyster fisherman Michael White, who assembled nearly 300 artefacts including prehistoric flint tools while dredging in the Solent. The collection, which ranges from stone age axe heads to metal tools from the bronze age, has been described by Channel 4's Time Team archaeologist Phil Harding as “extraordinary”.

"All of these discoveries have helped us reconstruct how the landscape was used before the English Channel flooded it 10,000 years ago. If it hadn't been for Michael collecting all this material and telling us about it, we may never have encountered it – and our knowledge of the prehistoric Solent would be all the poorer."

Phil Harding, Time Team

About 400 fishing boats sail from the nine Sussex ports and so the potential for finds is high. With this in mind, the protocol is designed to make reporting a discovery as straightforward as possible.  You can report finds

• through local contacts in the fishing industry. Click here to link to the FIPAD contact list.
• by calling or emailing Wessex Archaeology’s Fishing Protocol Team, or
• using the FIPAD’s Online Report Form.

Visit the FIPAD website www.fipad.org and find out more about the project.

Wessex Archaeology’s Graphics Team attended a preview for the exciting new SeaCity Museum on Wednesday.  The museum, which showcases some of the city’s unique historic collections, opens on April 10th when visitors will be able to explore three exhibitions; ‘Southampton’s Titanic Story’, ‘Southampton, Gateway to the World’ and in the special exhibition gallery, ‘Titanic the Legend’

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Wessex’s Senior Illustrator Karen Nichols has created five Computer Generated Images for the ‘Gateway to the World’ exhibition. The images are part of a timeline in the gallery which recounts the stories of the people who left from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 250,000 years.

At the museum

There are exciting cutting-edge, interactive, displays alongside the artefacts and a visit is thoroughly recommended. 

Interactive tables and moving stained glass windows!

Moving images

Wessex Archaeology has a long association with Southampton. The most famous of our many excavations there is the one at St Mary’s Football Stadium, where the Anglo-Saxon gold brooches (on display in the gallery) were found.. The findings were published in 2005; The Origins of Mid-Saxon Southampton by Vaughan Birbeck with Roland J. C. Smith, Phil Andrews and Nick Stoodley.

Anglo-Saxon brroch

Last week, one of our Learning and Access officers, Sarah Phillips, visited ss Great Britain in Bristol.

The purpose of the visit was to find out how the ship’s educational work developed and grew.  Today the ss Great Britain is a popular visitor attraction for schools and the public and a valuable resource for learning about Britain’s maritime history.

ss Great Britain

The famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the ss Great Britain. The ship was a world first when she was launched in Bristol in 1843, a technological marvel in ship design. The ship had a wide variety of roles in her life, from luxury transatlantic passenger liner to transporting Welsh coal. 

During the early 20th century, she was damaged and ended up in the Falkland Islands.  In 1970, she was brought back home and this marked the start of an amazing project to conserve and restore the ship back to her former glory.

Today, the ss Great Britain resides in the Bristol docks.  You can explore the ship, which tells the story of what life was like for passengers when it transported people rather than coal. 

We got the opportunity to go aboard, and enjoyed investigating the nooks and crannies of the ship, including the stables!  The grand dining room looked like it came straight from an Agatha Christie novel. The visit was extremely useful and Wessex Archaeology thanks the staff at ss Great Britain for taking the time to show them around.

If you are looking for research material, you can also visit the ss Great Britain’s recently opened Brunel Institute, which hosts a fascinating archive and library covering maritime history, archaeology and of course the work of the famous engineer Brunel.

To find out more visit the ss Great Britain’s website, or read about our excavations in advance of the new conservation and education centre in 2007.