Day three consisted of analysing the data to discover whether there were any lipids hiding inside the matrix of the pot and subsequently quantify these. This was done using Gas Chromatography, utilising a high-tech piece of equipment which takes a minute amount of the samples, heats them in a very thin metal tube, and then separates the molecules based on boiling point. This process takes 18 minutes, with the hexane being the first thing to burn off, leaving just the lipids, which are grouped by carbon chain length. These carbon chains ranged from C14 to C22, with some larger molecules such as glycerols and triglycerols being identified as well. These results signify that the pottery found on the site was being used for storing animal proteins (this could be meats or dairy products), as well as indicating the presence of fatty acids. More analysis of this initial data is needed to find out more about the specifics of this data, for example to discover whether the animal products being stored were meat or dairy, and in the case of meat, finding out what animal group was being consumed. Hopefully this further analysis will be complete soon – stay tuned for updates!

Located in central Sydney, opposite the beautiful Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is a great place to visit when in one of Australia’s vibrant cities. I have been lucky enough to study abroad in Sydney, so in this blog, I will lead you through the layout and key exhibits in the Australian Museum and explore some differences in archaeology between Australia and Britain.

Layout

The museum itself is a grand structure, with sandstone walls and various decorative elements in a neo-classical style. There are 7 floors, one of which is a basement with a theatre and one is a group entrance. The rest – Levels 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 – are filled with exhibits. Let’s explore them…

As we entered through the glass walkway, we were faced with the reception desk and the giftshop opposite. The ground floor has multiple stairways, one of which leads to the Westpac Long Gallery which spans the 1^st and 2^nd level. This is a showcase of a variety of artefacts, including native species of birds, Egyptian mummies and tomb artefacts and Aboriginal stories. Aptly named the ‘200 Treasures’ exhibit, this section is definitely a crowd pleaser, especially for indecisive groups!

On the 1^st floor, we also see the Minerals Gallery. Here, you can marvel at the stunning rocks and minerals from around the world. It was incredible to see the range of specimens and many of the descriptions included details of how and where they were found, how fragile or strong they are and what they are used for. Here, we also discovered minerals native to Australia. I also managed to find some that I had seen in Bristol Museum!

On the 2^nd floor, we explored the Surviving Australia exhibit, the Dinosaur Gallery and the Burra learning space (more on these later). These sections were particularly popular with families. There was also a café on this floor.

Overall, the layout of the museum allowed easy transition between the sections. There were ramps to connect the rooms, which allowed access by wheelchairs and prams.

Key exhibits

Some key exhibitions that I found particularly interesting were on the 2^nd floor. First, Surviving Australia, an exhibit on various creatures in Australia. What I found interesting was that it was essentially myth busting. I found out that many of the Australian creepy crawlies I was scared of were actually harmless and incredibly rare! There was also a display on megafauna, the large animals that lived during the Pleistocene period. The museum contains some fossils and even skeletal remains of these creatures.

Another important section was the Burra learning space. This was a space for children to explore First Nations values and knowledge. Sensory interaction was a key part, where kids could listen to Aboriginal people explain the importance of Country and interacting with creatures. Learn about what Country is here.

The dinosaur exhibit was, for me, the most exciting. As you can see in the image on the left, there were plenty of dinosaur skeletons to explore. At the back of the room, there was an exhibit on modern research into the biology of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This also included researchers attempting surgery on a scale model!

Archaeology in Australia

I have been able to explore the similarities and differences in archaeology in both Britian and Australia (specifically Sydney) through my studies in university and through networking events. One key aspect of archaeology in Australia is the consideration for         Indigenous culture. Aboriginal traditions and knowledge of the land are incredibly important and should be honoured respectfully and with understanding. I was able to attend a few networking events where I could speak to industry professionals. Here, I understood the importance of heritage conservation. This has growing importance as some legislation is being passed with less consideration for preserving. Alongside this, my class studies have helped me to understand the impacts of archaeological projects on the environment and how this affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Sydney is a growing city and archaeology is a key part of construction, in new buildings and apartments, for example. Heritage consultants will be called to assess the sites, so they should be able to identify the traditions of the Aboriginal communities, include them in decision making and assess the impact of the project on Aboriginal land. This does slightly contrast to archaeology in northern Queensland, which is less urban orientated and more focused on prehistoric archaeology. In the events I attended, the heritage professionals explained that the inclusion of Aboriginal voices are important to ensure minimal impact and hopefully no destruction to historic sites. Some of the projects they have worked on include the excavations at Central Station, the Parramatta Light Rail route and other construction projects around the city.

Whilst some of these skills are not directly transferrable to British archaeology, they are translatable. Collaboration with communities and understanding the importance of personal traditions are key to effective projects. British archaeology seems to be more academic and based in material culture. This is not a bad thing, but perhaps we can incorporate some community-based work in terms of more outreach and education projects. In addition to this, we can also place more importance in oral histories. These can help us understand the personal levels to the rich history around us.

Conclusion

Overall, I have found my experience as a student abroad to be incredibly useful in understanding archaeology in a new context. To add to this, I have been able to engage with heritage professionals of companies such as GML Heritage, Extent Heritage and Regal Heritage, which has allowed me to understand the industry in Australia. The Australian Museum has been a key part being able to explore Aboriginal artefacts, as well as the traditions and values behind them. This has deepened my awareness of cultural diversity in Sydney.

Whether you are a tourist, dinosaur fanatic or simply curious about the history of the city, I would highly recommend the Australian Museum as a must-visit spot for all ages!

Resources

Australian Museum (n.d.) Australian Museum, website: https://australian.museum/

Extent Heritage (n.d.) Extent Heritage, website: https://www.extentheritage.com.au/

GML Heritage (n.d.) GML Heritage, website: https://www.gml.com.au/news/video-archaeology-at-parramatta-light-rail/

Regal Heritage (n.d.) Regal Heritage, website: https://www.regalheritage.com.au/

Author: Divya Rajesh (2nd Year Arch&Anth student on Semester Abroad)

Today, two students went on an excursion around the site and surrounding areas to explore the foliage and nature associated with the Lower Hazel site. The goal being to gain insight into the extent of edible plants and naturally occurring useful resources that would likely have been present at the time of historic activity on the site.

The first and most abundant plant that was noticed was the multitude of wild garlic, also known as Ramsons. This not only proves to be an aesthetically pleasing plant, covering much of the surrounding ground, but also exudes a unique and interesting aroma that fills the site. The leaves of this plant can be used as nutritious vegetable that adds much flavor along with the milder bulbs. This could have been used in the site to add sustenance to food. Perhaps important to add is the fact that this plant is venomous to most pests, which allows for such healthy and extensive growth. John, the site owner advised us to leave a figwort plant to grow, in one of the trenches. The presence of this plant suggests that it is common in the area. The young leaves can be consumed fresh, and can also be boiled to make a herbal tea with many medicinal benefits. However it is speculated whether this plant was used in this manner during the 9th-12th centuries.

Standing tall amongst the rest of the plants is the elder tree, looking down upon the trowlers below, better known for its properties of producing elder flower; a popular drink, its sweet taste makes it a popular choice amongst those of us whom have an appetite for drinking the sweet sweet ambrosia of the gods, giving our short mortal lives a taste of something awe inspiring.

A less imposing plant that can be found around the dig site is the Dandelion, meaning lions teeth in Latin, though looking unassuming this name perhaps gives a better interpretation into the plant which is even known for growing through concrete. Though perhaps you would know this plant better as the common garden flower the dandelion. All of this plant is edible up from the flower right down to the roots, down to the roots. However due to its bitter taste it can be preferable to drink it instead as tea.

For those of us whom have spent time taking out the yearly accumulation of dirt from between the stone walls, perhaps for a mere 5 seconds to take a photo encapsulating the image in time for all eternity, will have come across the serenely white bulb, a refreshing change of color amongst the dirt, dirty stone and dirty moss in which we spend all day staring at. These bulbs do not only add a refreshing change of color but also taste brilliant, they are a species of onion and can be fried.  However with these innocent plants you should also verge on a side of caution, for unassuming consumers. Bluebells can also be found amongst the foliage, the bulbs of these however, though very similar, are very dangerous. Luckily they can be told apart by the smell.

Many may have painful memories of the next one, remembering more youthful days of snotty noses running to their parents crying, feeling the bitter regret of wearing shorts as they show the white bumps which have appeared on your leg. Luckily however the common remedy of dock leaves are often found near by the stinging nettle, unluckily however this plant provides little more than placebo for the bitter sting. Though these plants may be more painful than most they are in fact completely edible. And have been enjoyed in stinging nettle soup or tea. There are however differences between the male and female seeds of the nettle. The seeds can be picked off the nettle and eaten should the season allow for those pioneers who are brave enough to forefront the bitter memories of childhood stings, only the truly adventurous who have a natural curiosity in consuming those in which surround them will succeed here. Female seeds are far bigger and often less droopy than their male counterparts, often making them preferable when deciding between choice of consumption. Perhaps we can all draw something from these nettles, though perhaps they are just nettles.

But at this point I know what you are thinking. In my vast array of plants mentioned so far, I have not told you nearly enough for a salad, well, have no fear reader I have got you covered. In addition to newly grown figwort leaves and dandelion leaves I shall give you a third leaf to make your salad complete. The garlic mustard leaf which can be commonly found around the lower Hazel site, can be an excellent addition to your garden salad. These leaves are very edible.

By Theo and Ivo (2nd Year Undergraduates)

Here at Hartygrove, we are kicking off this year’s dig at full force! Despite the torrential rain on Wednesday, spirits are high and some interesting finds are starting to emerge. Our student archaeologists, as well as some volunteers, have been de-weeding and are beginning to dig deeper into the ruins of the Norman hunting lodge. Whilst everyone was hard at work, the social media team decided to interview some of our resident archaeologists to learn more about both them and the site.

Dr Helen Fewlass – Lecturer

What initially got you into archaeology?

I did my undergraduate degree at Bristol in Archaeological and Anthropological Science, which involved collaboration between the Arch and Anth, Chemistry, and Earth Science departments. I was always interested in palaeoanthropology, but learning about the scientific parts of archaeology such as isotopes and artefact dating was also really interesting.

What is your specific area of interest?

I am a radiocarbon and proteomics specialist, which involves working with ancient proteins from bones, pottery, teeth, etc. Different methods are useful for different things, ranging from species identification to radiocarbon dating from collagen. I am involved in research using these methods to learn more about the arrival of Homo Sapiens in Europe, and the overlap they had with Neanderthals.

What is the coolest artefact you’ve ever found?

During my PhD, I got to do research on a Bulgarian cave site. The sequencing and stratigraphy was very cool, dating to the mid to upper palaeolithic and encompassing human remains from both late Neanderthals and the earliest Homo Sapiens ever discovered in Europe. This was obviously a hugely significant discovery which pushed back the date of the arrival of the first Homo Sapiens in Europe by thousands of years.

Funniest story from an archaeological dig?

Modern contamination is a big issue when radiocarbon dating aDNA because it can impact the accuracy of the dating. I had to tell archaeologists to stop licking bones on site because it was contaminating the samples!

What are you looking forward to on this dig?

I mainly work in the lab doing processing and data collection rather than on site digging things up, so it’s nice being in a trench instead. It really makes you remember the effort that goes into the excavation of artefacts.

Any tips for people wanting to get into archaeology?

My main tip is to just get as much experience as possible- either in the lab or on site.

Aaron Girdlestone – MPhil Student and Hartygrove Connoisseur

What initially got you into archaeology?

I grew up watching Time Team and visiting historical sites like castles with my grandparents. Later on I volunteered at Thornbury museum where I met Roger, and from there started digging.

What is your specific area of interest?

I am specifically interested in the Romano-British period, especially the ways in which the different cultures worked together and settled within Britain. I am a pottery specialist and am really interested in the pottery of this site, which we have found a lot of already.

What is the coolest artefact you’ve ever found?

When I was digging in a Roman town in Italy, I found a piece of Roman tile which had holes in it which I recognized  as the imprint of a hobnail boot from my reenactments. However, it was unusually small, and we identified it as being a child’s. A Roman tile itself is interesting, but the human impact makes it fascinating to me. I much prefer finds like this to gold or silver!

Funniest story from an archaeological dig?

I was digging in a Roman town near Peterborough where rabbits were burrowing all around. We used this as a reason to check no archaeology was damaged! One day I was standing with my colleague and turned to point at something but when I turned back he had completely disappeared- it turned out he fell straight through a rabbit burrow he was standing over!

What are you looking forward to on this dig?

This year I am really looking forward to answering the questions about the earlier parts of the site and discovering the things that may have been here before the main part of the site. It would be great to identify more of the burnt remains of the original building and identify why and when there was a fire.

Any tips for people wanting to get into archaeology?

Absolutely do what you are passionate about. If you have a passion for archaeology, go for it! I recommend volunteering before you start an archaeology course at university to get experience in the field. It is a great way to apply the theoretical knowledge from university to something you’ve already done.

Nick Fitzgerald – PhD Student

What initially got you into archaeology?

I’ve been into the past for ages and ages which sparked an initial interest. I have a degree in ancient history, but whilst studying it I became more interested in looking at material remains and doing more practical things.

What is your specific area of interest?

My special interest is prehistory, specifically the Neolithic and Bronze Age. I study burnt mounds from fire-cracked rocks occurring in bogs. They don’t sound interesting but are super helpful and interesting as they have the potential to tell us a lot about what is happening in the time period.

What is the coolest artefact you’ve ever found?                                                                     

When working at Skomer Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, I found a flint scraper. There was only one other stone tool found on that island, which pushes the time period for occupation back significantly.

Funniest story from an archaeological dig?

Skomer Island is an active seabird colony, with lots of burrows from puffins and shearwaters. We didn’t get much done that dig – I had to drag my survey partner away from the puffins because she got so invested in them! We’ve also had loads of toads in the walls here at Lower Hazel.

What are you looking forward to on this dig?

This dig is a great opportunity to get outside and do fieldwork. Lots of archaeology doesn’t happen outside. I do a lot of work with GIS and also in the lab analysing pottery residue, so it is nice to be out and about digging again.

Any tips for people wanting to get into archaeology?

Everything is relevant. I used to work in a brewery, and the basic chemistry used there is relevant in archaeological lab work!

So whilst we here at Hartygrove continue praying for sunnier weather next week, we hope you find inspiration in these stories and advice from our experts!

Love Hannah, Ysi and Priya

As part of the South West Anarchy Research Project, we are investigating modern forms of resistance and future heritage preservation in Bristol. In relation to this, we have been working with the Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft who recently held a mural painting event which was attended by some of our UoB Student Volunteer Team! Here is an account from one of our lovely students.

‘On Sunday 29th October I partook in the painting of a large mural in St. Werburgh’s, on the side of the M32 going into Bristol. When I arrived, I noticed the warm atmosphere, as volunteers greeted and helped one another, working together to promote the cause of the Bristol Fair Renting Campaign. Their kindness and egalitarian approach stand in stark contrast to what they fight against: the merciless rental system. I enjoyed my time on this clear skied day, the work was physically demanding but felt meditative, soothing, and important.

As I painted, I noticed there were clusters of snails that had congregated in the cracks and crevices of the mural wall. Nestled into these humble territories they were out of way of human beings… or so they thought. This was clearly a hot destination for the snails, and it appeared they had been there for a while. Furthermore, there were at least 10 in each corner, a clear occupation. Yet, I picked them off and relocated them to a less hospitable spot on the ground. Some I left in position and painted around, but my action had still altered their communities irreversibly.

As I continued to paint, I became preoccupied by these snails; by the power I held over them and the consideration of whether to paint around them, and sacrifice the quality of my painting, or to displace them from their homes. Snails are constantly being stomped on by human beings. They are repeatedly being chucked off their homes, having their natural habitats destroyed, and having their last means of refuge: their shells, broken by us. To snails, these recurrent waves of destruction must be an unavoidable feature of their lives in the Anthropocene. Lightning strikes from the powers above them. I thought that this was an apt analogy for how it feels to be a private renter.

The Bristol Fair Renting Campaign manifesto shares different accounts of the experiences of renters in Bristol. What permeates all these accounts is an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness in the face of landlords and renting agencies. Since 2011, rent prices in Bristol have increased by 52% (Bristol Fair Renting Campaign, 2021). Most young people in Bristol know how dire the situation is. We all know people who have been treated in shocking and illegal ways. We all live in unsatisfactory conditions with poorly maintained houses and persistent damp and mould. We all pay far too much to live in these conditions. This alone constitutes shocking mistreatment of people. However, the inability to change these circumstances is what renders renting in Bristol truly bleak. When rooms are falling apart, when essential appliances break, when conditions pose health risks for occupants, there is no assurance that the problems will be fixed. In many cases, emails are ignored for months and in most cases, problems are never addressed. In my rental, we can see where the patches of mould on the walls were previously painted over. The landlord refuses to fix the root cause, only superficially fixing the problem. Nonetheless, ours and many other property’s rents will go up in price next year as we are forced to pay increasingly steep prices for terrible housing.

Thinking back to the snails, if we were to consider the drastic influence our actions have on their lives, then perhaps we would alter our behavior to be kinder and more considerate. Bristol Fair Renting campaign are calling for this change in attitude; for landlords and agencies to stop stomping on private renters. They demand stricter regulations on landlords and a rent cap to secure safe and affordable housing for private renters in Bristol. Their striking mural is visible from the M32 as you enter Bristol, sending a clear message that the people of Bristol are coming together to resist cruel rental system in the city.’ – Matilda Wright, University of Bristol.

 

The period now known to us as the Anarchy (1135-1153) is interesting in terms of coinage – as people were constantly switching allegiances from Stephen to Matilda and Matilda to Stephen, there is evidence of both sides minting coins throughout England.

A recent discovery of a coin purse near Wymondham in Norfolk containing two coins dating to Henry II and III’s reigns, and ‘two pennies, three cut halfpennies and two cut quarters of pennies from Stephen’s reign’.

To read the full article on the BBC News, see link below:

King Stephen medieval penny hoard found near Wymondham – BBC News

On Saturday, the South West Anarchy Research project was lucky enough to attend the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society’s annual symposium, generously hosted by MShed in Bristol! The theme of this years talks were ‘Community Archaeology’.

The day began at 10:00am (earlier for us as we had a stall to set up!) with the arrival of lots of wonderful BGAS members, and the morning session was introduced and chaired by Graham Barton, the Hon. Secretary for BGAS. Between 10:40am and 13:00pm, we were able to listen to 4 wonderful talks – interspliced with tea and biscuits of course!

The first talk by Timothy Darvill of Bournemouth University gave us an insight into recent excavations at the Sisters Long Barrow in Gloucestershire, followed by an update on the work being undertaken by GlosArch on Cleve Common, given by Phil Cox, GlosArch’s secretary.

After a quick coffee and hobnob, we were treated to a talk by Neil Holdbrook, Chief Executive of Cotswold Archaeology, on recent excavations of an incredible Roman tile kiln in Minety. This was followed by the final talk of the morning session, by Kurt Adams, the Finds Liason Officer for Gloucestershire and Avon. Kurt gave us an insight into the discovery and excavation of three coin hoards from Wickwar.

After questions and a lovely lunch at MShed’s cafe, the afternoon session began, with talks from Martin Papworth of the National Trust, on Chedworth Roman Villa mosaics, Tony Roberts, the director of Archaeoscan on new sites in Gloucestershire revealed by Public Access Archaeology and, of course, more tea and biscuits!

After this short break, SWARP’s own Dr. Stuart Prior gave a talk on the project – covering our excavations at Hartygrove, and in Royal Fort Gardens, and how the community have been and will continue to be integral!

As the theme was Archaeology in the Community, we were there to tell people about SWARP – it was a pleasure to be there with some of our finds, and information about us, and we had lots of wonderful people sign up to volunteer with us in the near future!

A huge thank you to BGAS, and MShed, we had a blast!

South West Anarchy Research Project’s archaeology field school 2024 is now open for applications!

The summer school is open to international students with or without previous site-based experience. Our expert faculty staff will help you to develop your excavation, post-excavation analytical, anthropological, and archaeological skills. Together we will uncover an exciting and important moment in British history.

More details can be found on the Field School website.

New Academic Year!

After another brilliant season of student training and summer school excavations at our Hartygrove site, we are all looking forward to welcoming new students in the coming weeks, and welcoming back our 2nd and 3rd years. We can’t wait to hear about the Archaeological digs abroad that lots of our existing students embarked upon this summer, and to welcome fresh faces into the department!

We also welcomed a wonderful cohort of students about to embark on their final year of A-Level study, to the University of Bristol’s Open Day that was held on Saturday. It was brilliant to have so many young people come and talk to us about the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology courses, and we hope to see many of them in September 2024!

What’s on in September!

Over the summer, our SWARP team have continued to work hard on the project, getting some exciting things underway!

Bristol’s Graffiti Heritage

Our first self guided graffiti recording workshop was a great success, with over 70 sites of graffiti, street art and murals being mapped in Bristol’s Ashely Ward. Our next step is to repeat this process for Bristol’s Central Ward, and then shortlist sites to be surveyed and photographed at regular intervals. Our aim here is to record street art, graffiti and murals in Bristol to contribute to the preservation of them as cultural heritage sites. We also want to make sure that we respect the inherent nature of this element of heritage, so instead of recording every site once, we will revisit sites that are ever-changing in terms of the graffiti and street art. Stay tuned on our social media platforms for developments!

Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology – Come along!

We will be attending the Bristol’s Brilliant Archaeology Festival, on Saturday 16th September 2023 @ Blaise Estate. This event is free and will be an amazing day of archaeology, history and heritage for all the family!

Volunteer with us!

As always, if you would like to volunteer on the South West Anarchy Research Project, please get in contact via email with our Project Officer Matilda at matilda.jones@bristol.ac.uk. Everyone is welcome!

‘It’s such a cool spot to be able to excavate. I really enjoyed finding the pottery and fitting the pieces together. We have gained a lot of experience!‘ – Thea, Norway

‘This was an unforgettable challenge in my University studies, and my favourite part was working as a team!’ – Iris, Hong Kong

‘Usually children say they want to be an astronaut or a princess or whatever when they grow up, so I wasn’t taken seriously when I said I wanted to be an archaeologist but look at me now! I was really serious!’ – Selene, Switzerland

‘A precious opportunity! I have been given the opportunity to experience real archaeology which I don’t get at home so this is very precious.’ – Neil, Hong Kong

‘This has been an opportunity to confirm my enjoyment of archaeology!’ – Colin, Canada

‘I have loved the instructors, they are very informative, and of course my course mates!’ – Gary, Hong Kong

‘I have found this whole experience very educational and to get actual digging experience is amazing. I have learned that even the smallest things can be the most useful.’ – Jimmy, Hong Kong