South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 13/07/2012

We are supporting the British Festival of Archaeology with five events in South Gloucestershire which includes a grand finale at Winterbourne Barn featuring a range of historic re-enactments and archaeological activities you can have a go at, such as building recording and flint knapping.  

Paul Driscoll, the council’s community archaeology officer and part-time archaeology tutor at the University of Bristol, said: “South Gloucestershire has a rich and varied archaeological heritage, even if it is as not well known as other places. From Iron Age hill forts to Roman towns, Saxon churches, medieval barns, Tudor courtier mansions, industrial brassworks, collieries and WWII defences, South Gloucestershire has a wealth of archaeological sites on offer.  

"And whether you’ve found some beautiful pottery in your garden or dusted off some old photographs of South Glos which were hidden away in your loft, you can upload images of your finds to our facebook page www.southglos.gov.uk/facebook and join in our festival of archaeology."  

So if you want to learn more about your local heritage and the special archaeology the area has to offer, bring the family along to the following events:  

Lower Hazel Excavations at Lower Hazel, Olveston
Wednesday 18 July and Wednesday 25 July, 10am-4pm
Come and participate in excavations at a post-medieval chapel. 

Thornbury’s Historic Landscape at Sheiling School, Thornbury
Sunday 22 July, 10.30am or 2pm
Guided walk around the estate with a visit to an excavation 

Archaeology Days at Yate Heritage Centre, Yate
Wednesday 25 July; Thursday 26 July & Friday 27 July (all) 10.30am-4.30pm
Archaeological events taking place at Yate Heritage Centre include Roman History Day, Potions and Plagues and a discover Archaeology Day. 

Archaeology of Acton Court at Acton Court, Iron Acton
Sunday 29 July, 2pm
Take a guided tour of Acton Court, the house, grounds and archaeology (cost £8/6 concessions)

Archaeology Day at Winterbourne Barn, Winterbourne
Sunday 29 July, 10am-4pm
Fantastic day of archaeology including metal working demonstration, historic re-enactment, kids activities, walks and tours, practical archaeology and even have a go at flint knapping. 

Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/facebook to discover more about your local heritage or go to www.southglos.gov.uk/festarch for more details about the festival.