Past Thinking

In the UK, the week of 15 to 23 July is National Archaeology Week. Organised by the Council for British Archaeology, there will be archaeologically themed events happening across the country.

It is an important event, as it helps people find out more about the heritage of where they live, aiding a sense of place; something I feel very strongly about.

National Archaeology Week also helps keep the profile of archaeology in the public eye, an essential aspect of this event. Without public support, much of our heritage would be lost or forgotten.

Here is the official press release:

Dig deep in National Archaeology Week!

Take part in exciting archaeological activities at more than 300 archaeologically inspired events during National Archaeology Week from 15 to 23 July 2006.

This is an opportunity to dig into the past to gain archaeological skills, learn about artefacts, investigate local buildings and landscapes and witness interpretations of the past. Delve into all periods of British archaeology from Stone Age Surrey to World War II Worcestershire in a celebration of archaeological heritage.

During National Archaeology Week 2006 you can assist with excavations, attend talks and exhibitions and enjoy local walks. Participate in family fun days around the country, including a variety of activities from building a Neolithic long barrow and building your own Stonehenge to creating Roman death masks and firing rockets at the Royal Gunpowder Mills!

Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and its Young Archaeologists’ Club - and supported by English Heritage - National Archaeology Week is the ideal opportunity to investigate and enjoy archaeology. Make sure you find out about events happening near you!

For the latest information about events, please visit:
www.britarch.ac.uk/naw/

What will I be doing for National Archaeology Week? I’ll be dressed as a medieval peasant, of course! Well, just for a day. I’ll be helping people to learn about the food and medicine of ordinary people in the middle ages. If I look convincing enough, I may well post a photo… ;-)

Summer Solstice sunrise at the potential site for The Circle in the West.

We didn’t go to the summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge this year. Instead, at 4am, we were standing at the potential site for The Circle in the West, a new monument planned to be a full size homage to Stonehenge, built from stone.

At about 4.20am, Colin Shearing located the centre of the circle, and we used RTK GPS (a very accurate satellite positioning system) to locate some of the basic features that are present at Stonehenge, laying out some of the key alignments and the position of the heelstone.

If this project comes to fruition, then it will be an impressive place indeed.

Happy Solstice!

Update: Tehm has written a very eloquent description of the morning - far better than I could have done!

Update 2: Pete Glastonbury has written a great piece about the project, complete with a panorama of the proposed site.