and free for Under 16s! As work commences on our Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries project some of our galleries are now closed.
However, there's still lots to discover in the Museum about Wiltshire, including Bronze Age, Iron Age and the Romans! Plus more recent history and two exhibitions - something for all the family.
The galleries currently closed are Neolithic, Henge and Saxon. The Medieval Gallery is only available by prior arrangement.
Friday, 21 December 2012
Fossils and Archaeology
Exhibitions for all the family - Fantastic Fossils - for children for all ages, and stunning photographs of Wiltshire's archaeology in Ancient Wiltshire, photographs by Pete Glastonbury.
As some of our galleries are presently closed as work starts on our Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries project entry to the Museum is HALF PRICE - and children under 16 get in for FREE!
As some of our galleries are presently closed as work starts on our Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries project entry to the Museum is HALF PRICE - and children under 16 get in for FREE!
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Christmas Opening Times
OPEN Saturday 22 December, Sunday 30 December and Tuesday 1 January - check website for times.
The Museum will be closed from Sunday 23 December to Saturday 29 December (inclusive).
The Archive & Library will be closed from Saturday 22 December to Tuesday 1 January (inclusive).
Normal opening hours resume Wednesday 2 January.
Please note:
The Museum opening hours are being changed slightly to allow work on our Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries project to be undertaken:
Admission to the Museum during this period is HALF PRICE (children under 16 FREE).
The Museum will be closed from Sunday 23 December to Saturday 29 December (inclusive).
The Archive & Library will be closed from Saturday 22 December to Tuesday 1 January (inclusive).
Normal opening hours resume Wednesday 2 January.
Please note:
The Museum opening hours are being changed slightly to allow work on our Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries project to be undertaken:
- From Monday 31 December the Museum will CLOSE on Mondays, until Easter, i.e. open Monday 25 March.
- From Tuesday 8 January 2013 the Museum and Archive & Library will open at 11am. This is a permanent change.
Admission to the Museum during this period is HALF PRICE (children under 16 FREE).
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group
Evening Social - Thursday 20 December at 7pm. Come along, meet the experts and find out more about the excavations at Yatesbury PoW camp.
Experts from the team will also discuss some of the various finds - from aeroplane parts, to German POW buttons and even some Roman and Medieval finds!
Please bring drink and nibbles if you want.
Membership of the Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group is available free to members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.
For more information about WANHS - click here.
To find our more about the WAFG - click here, or visit their Facebook page.
Cost: Free - new members welcome
Experts from the team will also discuss some of the various finds - from aeroplane parts, to German POW buttons and even some Roman and Medieval finds!
Please bring drink and nibbles if you want.
Membership of the Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group is available free to members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.
For more information about WANHS - click here.
To find our more about the WAFG - click here, or visit their Facebook page.
Cost: Free - new members welcome
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Young WANHS Christmas Party
This Saturday - come and find out about a Victorian Christmas and create Victorian
style decorations, as well as beautiful glass tree ornaments using a
mosaic and painting techniques.
Parents and younger and older brothers and sisters are welcome to join in the fun.
Young WANHS is a Saturday morning club for 7 to 14 year olds interested in archaeology and history.
The club is held on the second Saturday of the month from 10.15am to 12.15pm and pre-booking is essential.
Parents and younger and older brothers and sisters are welcome to join in the fun.
If you would like more information about the club or activities, please contact the Education Officer.
Booking is Essential.
Contact the Education Officer on 01380 727369, or send an e-mail .
Cost: £4 per child, per session
Saturday, 8 December 2012
half-price admission
from 10 December until the New Year. Take advantage of this special half-price admission offer and visit the Museum to see our Fantastic Fossils Fun exhibition or the wonderful pictures of Wiltshire's heritage by Pete Glastonbury, plus much more....
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Ghost Walk for Christmas
with John Girvan,
Thursday, 13 December, 7.30 pm. An after dark tour of the scary places of the town!
This event, organised and led by John Girvan, will tour some of the ghostly spots of the town.
Meeting place for the walks is Devizes Market Place.
Further information available from 01380 721759 (day) or 01380 725018 (evening) or visit www.devizestours.co.uk
Booking Essential. Either
- Telephone 01380 727369
- Email wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk, or
- Book online (includes a 50p booking fee),
Wiltshire's Prisons, a lunchtime talk by John Girvan.
Wednesday, 12 December, 2012.
Find out more about the lockups, cells, prisons and houses of correction in the county. This is sure to be a captivating talk with both pictures and artefacts, including a scale model of Devizes Prison.
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes - bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.
Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning.
Booking not required - just come along on the day. Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)
Find out more about the lockups, cells, prisons and houses of correction in the county. This is sure to be a captivating talk with both pictures and artefacts, including a scale model of Devizes Prison.
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes - bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.
Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning.
Booking not required - just come along on the day. Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)
Ela of Lacock and other Wiltshire Nuns
Saturday, 08 December, 2012, 2.30pm, by Dr Virginia Bainbridge.
Find out more about Ela, Countess of Salisbury who founded Lacock Abbey in 1229.
Dr Virginia Bainbridge is the Editor of the Victoria County History for Wiltshire, engaged on ensuring that the detailed history of every parish in the county is covered in the splendid red volumes of the VCH.
Booking Recommended. Either contact the Museum:
* Tel: 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday)
* Send an e-mail, or
* Book on-line via our website - http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/index.php?Action=2&thID=784&prev=1
Please note, we reserve the right to automatically cancel bookings 7 days before the lecture if payment has not been received.
Saturday afternoon lectures start at 2.30pm and last approx. one hour.
Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning. Cost: £6 (£3.50 WANHS members)
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Out of date evening tours email
It appears that a new item dating back to April has been sent by email to a number of subscribers to our blog. It offered walking tours of Alton Barnes and Alton Priors between April and July. We did not generate this email, and it appears to have been sent in error. Our apologies.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
John Girvan's Night at the Museum - Friday 23 November
An evening of mysterious, spooky, weird and wonderful objects and stories at the Museum, with John Girvan. On Friday 23 November we have a family event from 7pm to 9pm, for children 8-14 years old, and parents are welcome to stay.
This is not a ghost hunt - but bring a torch! Refreshments are provided.
Tickets cost £10 (adults free on family event) - available from the Museum shop. Book early - limited numbers.
This is not a ghost hunt - but bring a torch! Refreshments are provided.
Tickets cost £10 (adults free on family event) - available from the Museum shop. Book early - limited numbers.
The Museum's Art Collection
A lunchtime talk on Wednesday 14 November by Bill Perry.
The Museum holds an extensive art collection, but little of it can be displayed. Come along and find out about some of the 8,000 plus prints and paintings in our collection. All the works are of Wiltshire places and scenes dating from the 17th century, many of which no longer exist.
This lecture, by the former Chairman of the Society, will discuss and illustrate as many of the important and interesting pictures in the collection as there is time for.
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.
Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning.
Booking is not required - just come along
Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)
The Museum holds an extensive art collection, but little of it can be displayed. Come along and find out about some of the 8,000 plus prints and paintings in our collection. All the works are of Wiltshire places and scenes dating from the 17th century, many of which no longer exist.
This lecture, by the former Chairman of the Society, will discuss and illustrate as many of the important and interesting pictures in the collection as there is time for.
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.
Our Lecture Hall is accessible via a lift if required, has a hearing loop and air conditioning.
Booking is not required - just come along
Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Stories from the Dark Earth: Meet the Ancestors - Revisited
by Julian Richards. Sat 10 Nov. SOLD OUT
Julian
will be updating some of the fascinating stories from his popular Meet the Ancestors TV Series. He will discuss what has happened to the site
and the discoveries over the last 10-12 years (yes it’s that long since the
original series) as well as investigating how our perceptions of those periods
have changed in this time. So there a
bigger picture to be painted rather than just the updated stories of the
individual sites.
Julian
says "It has been huge fun, travelling from Orkney to East Anglia,
Yorkshire and the Cotswolds as well as closer to home in Dorset and Winchester.
I have enjoyed meeting up with the
archaeologists and specialists that we worked with before, comparing how their
work has changed and how much older we all look!"
Cost £6 (£3.50 for WANHS members). Starts 2.30pm.
Please note: advance bookings may be cancelled 14 days
before the lecture if payment has not been received.
The Mammoth Draw Family Day
Sunday 4 November 11am to 4pm. FREE ENTRY. Activities for all the family ....
Come along and be inspired to explore new ways of drawing from dinosaurs to woolly mammoths!
Add your artwork to our 'Paleolithic cave wall', create a sea monster collage, fossil imprints and fun foamy t-Rex.
Part of the 'Big Draw' - the campaign for drawing.
Pre-booking not required.
Come along and be inspired to explore new ways of drawing from dinosaurs to woolly mammoths!
Add your artwork to our 'Paleolithic cave wall', create a sea monster collage, fossil imprints and fun foamy t-Rex.
Part of the 'Big Draw' - the campaign for drawing.
Pre-booking not required.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Free entry to the Museum over Half Term
It is all happening at the Museum! Two exhibitions, holiday activities and a Family Day. We are also offering a special free entry over the half term - until our Mammoth Draw Family Day on 4 November. But remember, entry to the Museum for children is always free!
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Archaeology Field Group
Find out about the plans of the Archaeology Field Group for fieldwork and excavation over the next few months from the AFG web page.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Lunchtime Talk - Wednesday 10th
Snippets from the Society's History: an insight into WANHS Past by Diann Barnett. This is sure to be a fascinating talk - even if you're not a member of WANHS (the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society) which was formed in 1853 and owns the Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your sandwiches - we will provide tea/coffee. Pre-booking not available. Tickets cost £4 (£3 for WANHS members).
Lunchtime talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your sandwiches - we will provide tea/coffee. Pre-booking not available. Tickets cost £4 (£3 for WANHS members).
Early closing - Saturday 6 October
The Museum will close at 2pm on Saturday 6 October to allow staff and volunteers to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, which owns and runs the Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
If you are a member of WANHS you are welcome to attend (you should've received your agenda a few weeks ago). The meeting starts at 2.30pm and is held at Devizes Town Hall.
If you are a member of WANHS you are welcome to attend (you should've received your agenda a few weeks ago). The meeting starts at 2.30pm and is held at Devizes Town Hall.
Friday, 28 September 2012
Saturday 28 September - late opening
On Saturday 28 September, we will be opening at 1pm. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Metal Detecting - Saving Wiltshire's Heritage
The lunchtime talk this month will be given by Dave Crisp, finder of the Frome Hoard and member of the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club.
He will touch on the items found by metal detectorists, conservation, the recording of items with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the new 1996 Treasure law (which applies to everybody) and why they believe they are helping to save our heritage.
This talk complements the Museum’s current exhibition Detecting Wiltshire’s Past: An exhibition of finds by the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club, recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Lunchtime Talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch - we will provide tea/coffee.
The talks take place in the Museum's Lecture Hall which is air-conditioned, has a hearing loop system and can be accessed via a lift.
Booking is not required - just come along on the day - Cost: £4 (£3 WANHS members)
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Stonehenge Family Activity
Monday 6 August - 10.15am to 12.15pm. Visit Stonehenge for a family activity filled walk around the landscape led by the National Trust.
Explore the monuments, barrows and wildlife with archaeological and nature related activities along the way.
Booking essential. Tickets cost £2 per child. Visit our webpage for more information.
Explore the monuments, barrows and wildlife with archaeological and nature related activities along the way.
Booking essential. Tickets cost £2 per child. Visit our webpage for more information.
Summer Holiday Activities for kids
Throughout the summer activities for children are taking place. Lots of themes to choose from - Step Back in Time, Greek Olympics, Glass mosaics, under the sea and paper making and book craft. There will also be a special Textile Day (for over 8s only) when you can make a rag rug, do some cross stitch, make felt or silk painting. For further details visit the website - http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/index.php?Action=3&catID=8.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
The Medieval Beginnings of Devizes: Demolishing a Myth
An evening lecture by Tim Tatton Brown on Thursday 26 July at 7.30pm.
The story of how the town grew and prospered was first told over 100 years ago but Tim has reviewed the evidence to tell a very different story.
More information on our website
Tickets cost £8 and are available from the Museum shop.
The story of how the town grew and prospered was first told over 100 years ago but Tim has reviewed the evidence to tell a very different story.
More information on our website
Tickets cost £8 and are available from the Museum shop.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Wednesday 11th 'Uncovering your Ancestors at the Science Museum Library and Archives'
A lunchtime talk by Doug Stimson and John Underwood.
The main focus of the
talk will be how the Science Museum’s Library and Archive
collections might be of use to
the family historian. It will be illustrated with examples of “normal” individuals researched from the Museum's collections - Charlotte Wilsdon (a nurse who
worked alongside Florence Nightingale in the Crimea) and William Dakin (a coffee
roaster from St. Pauls in London from the 1850’s).
Since relocating to
Wroughton the Science Museum are keen to attract new audiences to their collections and
the family history angle is one such way to do this.
Although family history is the
main focus of the talk there will also be a look at the library and archives in general
as well as some of the other “treasures” of our collection.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
The Siege of Devizes and the Battle of Roundway Down
A story of intrigue, secret agents, cowardice and incredible bravery in 17th century Devizes! An evening lecture by Robin Hodges, as part of our Story of Devizes exhibition. Lecture sponsored by Wansbrough Solicitors.
Thursday 12 July, 7.30pm at Devizes Town Hall. Tickets £8 available from the Museum.
Thursday 12 July, 7.30pm at Devizes Town Hall. Tickets £8 available from the Museum.
CIVIL WAR FAMILY DAY
Join in the fun on our Civil War themed Family Day on Sunday 15 July, part of the Festival of British Archaeology.
Come face to face with Civil War soldiers (from the Sealed Knot), take part in a pike drill and try Roundhead armour. You can also try your hand at 17th century craft activities such as face pots, herb bags and windmill toys. There will also be fun archaeological activities and quizzes, a display of finds by the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club and activities led by the National Trust (object handling and an opportunity to make a Bronze Age dagger based on a dagger found in Bush Barrow, overlooking Stonehenge. Refreshments will be available.
All from 11am to 4pm. £4 adults, FREE for children (there may be a small extra charge for some activities to cover the cost of materials). Pre booking not required - just come along and join in.
Come face to face with Civil War soldiers (from the Sealed Knot), take part in a pike drill and try Roundhead armour. You can also try your hand at 17th century craft activities such as face pots, herb bags and windmill toys. There will also be fun archaeological activities and quizzes, a display of finds by the Trowbridge Metal Detecting Club and activities led by the National Trust (object handling and an opportunity to make a Bronze Age dagger based on a dagger found in Bush Barrow, overlooking Stonehenge. Refreshments will be available.
All from 11am to 4pm. £4 adults, FREE for children (there may be a small extra charge for some activities to cover the cost of materials). Pre booking not required - just come along and join in.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Come and work with us as Visitor Services Officer!
We are advertising the post of Visitor Services Officer - for 28 hours a week. This could be one person, or equally well be a job-share. For more details - follow this link.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Jubilee Weekend opening
We will be open on Saturday (10-5) and Sunday (12-4) this weekend, and will be closed on the Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Plant and General Sale
Saturday 26 May - a fundraising event for the Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
As an independent charity we receive very little public funding and rely on fundraising events such as this to continue the work of the Wiltshire Heritage Museum to preserve the past for the future.
Free entry - come along Saturday between 10am and 2pm and help us by buying a plant or two, purchasing some bric-a-brac, a book or other produce. There will also be a tombola and refreshments.
As an independent charity we receive very little public funding and rely on fundraising events such as this to continue the work of the Wiltshire Heritage Museum to preserve the past for the future.
Free entry - come along Saturday between 10am and 2pm and help us by buying a plant or two, purchasing some bric-a-brac, a book or other produce. There will also be a tombola and refreshments.
Evening Lecture - Devizes before the Town
The Roundway Warrior, Roman Villa and Saxon Princess - Thursday 24 May at 7.30pm.
An evening lecture by David Dawson, Director of Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Come along and find out about the history of Devizes at the time of Avebury and Stonehenge. Hear about some of the latest scientific research and how it sheds new light upon the discovery in 1855 of the Roundway Warrior, buried over 4,000 years ago, evidence for a Roman villa close to Devizes and a Saxon princess buried on Roundway Down.
Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on-line or from the Museum.
An evening lecture by David Dawson, Director of Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Come along and find out about the history of Devizes at the time of Avebury and Stonehenge. Hear about some of the latest scientific research and how it sheds new light upon the discovery in 1855 of the Roundway Warrior, buried over 4,000 years ago, evidence for a Roman villa close to Devizes and a Saxon princess buried on Roundway Down.
Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on-line or from the Museum.
Enjoy a walk in warm evening sunshine!
Local Historian David Carson will be leading guided walks of Alton
Barnes and Alton Priors on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer
months. Unlike a very wet April the May walk promises to be a fine warm spring evening. Why not take the opportunity!
During 'a tale of two villages' learn a host of fascinating facts covering the two churches, what the villages used to look like, the civil war, and eye witness accounts of the machinery riots of 1830.
The walks start from St Mary’s Church in Alton Barnes at 6.30pm and finish about 8.00pm. Car parking is available at St Mary’s Church, Alton Barnes.
Advance booking essential - maximum 20 people per tour. Visit our website to book on-line:
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 27th June
Wednesday 25th July.
COST: £12 adults (under 16’s £8)
During 'a tale of two villages' learn a host of fascinating facts covering the two churches, what the villages used to look like, the civil war, and eye witness accounts of the machinery riots of 1830.
The walks start from St Mary’s Church in Alton Barnes at 6.30pm and finish about 8.00pm. Car parking is available at St Mary’s Church, Alton Barnes.
Advance booking essential - maximum 20 people per tour. Visit our website to book on-line:
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 27th June
Wednesday 25th July.
COST: £12 adults (under 16’s £8)
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Night at the Museum - for Kids!
A spooky evening for 8 to 14 year olds, run by John Girvan. Explore the Museum in the dark with mysterious stories and weird objects. What happens here after all the curators have gone home?! Remember to bring a torch! Popcorn and drinks provided.
Friday 18 May 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Cost £6 per person - maximum 12 children. Book on-line, contact the Museum on 01380 727369 or email wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
Friday 18 May 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Cost £6 per person - maximum 12 children. Book on-line, contact the Museum on 01380 727369 or email wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Devizes before the Town: the Roundway Warrior, Roman Villa and Saxon Princess
Thursday 24 May at 7.30pm. A lecture by David Dawson, Director of Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Come along and find out about the history of Devizes at the time of Avebury and Stonehenge. Hear about some of the latest scientific research and how it sheds new light upon the discovery in 1855 of the Roundway Warrior, buried over 4,000 years ago, evidence for a Roman villa close to Devizes and a Saxon princess buried on Roundway Down.
Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on-line or from the Museum.
Come along and find out about the history of Devizes at the time of Avebury and Stonehenge. Hear about some of the latest scientific research and how it sheds new light upon the discovery in 1855 of the Roundway Warrior, buried over 4,000 years ago, evidence for a Roman villa close to Devizes and a Saxon princess buried on Roundway Down.
Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on-line or from the Museum.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
May lunchtime talk
The Wiltshire Lands bought for an Oxford College is the subject of the May lunchtime talk to be given by Dr Angela Smith on Wednesday 9th May.
The land in question was acquired by Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester as an endowment for the new Corpus Christi College in Oxford, which was founded in 1517.
Lunchtime talks commence at about 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your sandwiches and we will provide tea or coffee.
Tickets cost £4 (£3 WANHS members) but prior booking is not required.
The land in question was acquired by Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester as an endowment for the new Corpus Christi College in Oxford, which was founded in 1517.
Lunchtime talks commence at about 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your sandwiches and we will provide tea or coffee.
Tickets cost £4 (£3 WANHS members) but prior booking is not required.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Evening tours of Alton Barnes and Alton Priors
Local Historian David Carson will be leading guided walks of Alton Barnes and Alton Priors on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer months.
During 'a tale of two villages' learn a host of fascinating facts covering the two churches, what the villages used to look like, the civil war, and eye witness accounts of the machinery riots of 1830.
The walks start from St Mary’s Church in Alton Barnes at 6.30pm and finish about 8.00pm. Car parking is available at St Mary’s Church, Alton Barnes.
Advance booking essential - maximum 20 people per tour. Visit our website to book on-line:
Wednesday 25th April
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 27th June
Wednesday 25th July.
COST: £12 adults (under 16’s £8)
During 'a tale of two villages' learn a host of fascinating facts covering the two churches, what the villages used to look like, the civil war, and eye witness accounts of the machinery riots of 1830.
The walks start from St Mary’s Church in Alton Barnes at 6.30pm and finish about 8.00pm. Car parking is available at St Mary’s Church, Alton Barnes.
Advance booking essential - maximum 20 people per tour. Visit our website to book on-line:
Wednesday 25th April
Wednesday 23rd May
Wednesday 27th June
Wednesday 25th July.
COST: £12 adults (under 16’s £8)
See the Snake's head fritillary at Cricklade
North Meadow in Cricklade is famous for its interesting flora, especially the Snake’s head fritillary, which is best seen in late April. The Nature Conservancy Council has estimated that 80% of the British population of this plant are found here, due to the ancient Lammas Land Management regime, a special type of common land.
Cricklade (motto in loco delicioso – in a delightful place) is the only town in Wiltshire on the Thames and can trace its origins at least as far as the Iron Age. Considered of importance to the Romans, Saxons and Normans, it was the Saxons who created the basic road layout of the present town by raising an earthen rampart around their settlement and building a timber wall in the time of King Alfred.
St Sampson’s Church is an ancient Celtic dedication, and there is evidence of Saxon work in the present church, although the nave is predominantly C13th. Many Norman details remain inside, including some rare heraldic carvings and an Elizabethan altar table.
St Mary’s Church at the north end of the High Street was built on the foundations of a Saxon Chapel, but was extensively restored in the mid C19th. It is now a Catholic Church.
Itinerary:
11.30am - Meet at lay-by near North Meadow
1pm - Lunch (bring a picnic or in Cricklade).
2pm – St Mary’s Church
2.30pm – St Sampson’s Church.
This outing is limited to 25 persons.
COST: £10.00 PER PERSON (including donations to the two churches. Book on-line via our website.
Cricklade (motto in loco delicioso – in a delightful place) is the only town in Wiltshire on the Thames and can trace its origins at least as far as the Iron Age. Considered of importance to the Romans, Saxons and Normans, it was the Saxons who created the basic road layout of the present town by raising an earthen rampart around their settlement and building a timber wall in the time of King Alfred.
St Sampson’s Church is an ancient Celtic dedication, and there is evidence of Saxon work in the present church, although the nave is predominantly C13th. Many Norman details remain inside, including some rare heraldic carvings and an Elizabethan altar table.
St Mary’s Church at the north end of the High Street was built on the foundations of a Saxon Chapel, but was extensively restored in the mid C19th. It is now a Catholic Church.
Itinerary:
11.30am - Meet at lay-by near North Meadow
1pm - Lunch (bring a picnic or in Cricklade).
2pm – St Mary’s Church
2.30pm – St Sampson’s Church.
This outing is limited to 25 persons.
COST: £10.00 PER PERSON (including donations to the two churches. Book on-line via our website.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Britain's Cold War
Our evening lectures series Britain's Cold War: A Disappearing Legacy starts on Wednesday 18 April at 7pm. It's not too late to book a place - go to http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/index.php?Action=2&thID=698&prev=1 - for more details.
The lecture series runs for six weeks and there will be two Saturday outings.
The lecture series runs for six weeks and there will be two Saturday outings.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Stuck what to do with the children at the end of the holidays?
Come along to our 'Portraits of the Past' activity and create textile portraits based on characters from history.
Friday 13th - 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. All ages welcome, although we would ask that children under 8 be accompanied. Pre booking essential. £3.50 per child. Book on-line or contact the Museum shop.
Friday 13th - 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. All ages welcome, although we would ask that children under 8 be accompanied. Pre booking essential. £3.50 per child. Book on-line or contact the Museum shop.
Prehistoric Wiltshire: new gallery at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum
Come along and find out more about our exciting HLF funded project for new Bronze Age galleries at the Museum. Find out what stories we will be able to tell in the new galleries and how our collection will be displayed.
This special Lunchtime Talk, on Thursday 12 April, will be given by our Director, David Dawson. Start time us 1.10pm and is expected to last about 45 minutes.
This special Lunchtime Talk, on Thursday 12 April, will be given by our Director, David Dawson. Start time us 1.10pm and is expected to last about 45 minutes.
What Makes Devizes Special?
An illustrated lunchtime talk by our former Librarian Dr Lorna Haycock.
Wednesday 11 April 2012 starting at 1.10pm - come early as Lorna's talks are always popular. Bring your sandwiches, we will provide tea/coffee.
Wednesday 11 April 2012 starting at 1.10pm - come early as Lorna's talks are always popular. Bring your sandwiches, we will provide tea/coffee.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Imber Open this weekend
Imber will be accessible between 6 and 9 April 2012, the Ministry of Defence have advised.
This is an opportunity to visit the village on Salisbury Plain which was evacuated in 1943 for military training and remains so today. The Grade I Listed church will be open. The church is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust which has spent a considerable sum of money on its repair and conservation. Amongst its treasures are 13th and 15th century wall paintings; also, a 17th century table of changes for bell ringers.
St Giles Church will be open on the following dates and times:
Friday 6 April between 1200hrs and 1700hrs (Good Friday)
Saturday 7 April between 1000hrs and 1700hrs
Sunday 8 April between 1115hrs and 1700hrs (Easter Sunday)
Monday 9 April between 1000hrs and 1700hrs
On Easter Day there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard. This will be open to all children who, on finding a token, will be given a chocolate egg. So bring the children for a fun few hours.
On Easter Monday afternoon a visiting team of bell ringers from Devon will attempt a full peal on the church bells. This will take approximately two and a half hours to complete.
Exhibitions on Imber village and its church will be on view in the church throughout the weekend. Refreshments will be available whilst the church is open.
Only the metalled roads from Warminster, Gore Cross (A360), Heytesbury and Bratton and the track leading to the church should be used. You can see an outline map of how to reach Imber by going to the Find Us page.
All other areas are out of bounds to the general public. Read the latest SPTA Newsletter for detailed safety information regarding the Salisbury Plain Training Area.
This is an opportunity to visit the village on Salisbury Plain which was evacuated in 1943 for military training and remains so today. The Grade I Listed church will be open. The church is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust which has spent a considerable sum of money on its repair and conservation. Amongst its treasures are 13th and 15th century wall paintings; also, a 17th century table of changes for bell ringers.
St Giles Church will be open on the following dates and times:
Friday 6 April between 1200hrs and 1700hrs (Good Friday)
Saturday 7 April between 1000hrs and 1700hrs
Sunday 8 April between 1115hrs and 1700hrs (Easter Sunday)
Monday 9 April between 1000hrs and 1700hrs
On Easter Day there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard. This will be open to all children who, on finding a token, will be given a chocolate egg. So bring the children for a fun few hours.
On Easter Monday afternoon a visiting team of bell ringers from Devon will attempt a full peal on the church bells. This will take approximately two and a half hours to complete.
Exhibitions on Imber village and its church will be on view in the church throughout the weekend. Refreshments will be available whilst the church is open.
Only the metalled roads from Warminster, Gore Cross (A360), Heytesbury and Bratton and the track leading to the church should be used. You can see an outline map of how to reach Imber by going to the Find Us page.
All other areas are out of bounds to the general public. Read the latest SPTA Newsletter for detailed safety information regarding the Salisbury Plain Training Area.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
We are open this Easter weekend
The Museum will be open over the Easter weekend:
Friday 6 April - noon to 4pm
Saturday 7 April - 10am to 5pm
Sunday 8 April - noon to 4pm
Monday 9 April - noon to 4pm.
Normal museum admission charges will apply. There will also be drop-in holiday activities for children on Easter Monday.
Our Archive and Library will be open Friday 6th - noon to 4pm. Please contact us in advance if you woiuld like to view specific material.
Friday 6 April - noon to 4pm
Saturday 7 April - 10am to 5pm
Sunday 8 April - noon to 4pm
Monday 9 April - noon to 4pm.
Normal museum admission charges will apply. There will also be drop-in holiday activities for children on Easter Monday.
Our Archive and Library will be open Friday 6th - noon to 4pm. Please contact us in advance if you woiuld like to view specific material.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Asa Briggs lecture cancelled
We regret to say that today's lecture by Asa Briggs has been cancelled due to illness. We will be contacting those who have bought tickets about refunds. We wish Lord Briggs a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Easter Holiday Activities
Looking for something to do with the children over the Easter school holidays? A number of craft based workshops are taking place at the Museum:
Come along and decorate china plates with spring designs and other Easter themed craft activities on either Tuesday 3 April (for under 8s) or Wednesday 4 April (over 8s).
On Easter Monday (9 April) the whole family can come in and have a go at some spring craft activities - Butterflies, Bugs and Spring Flowers. The drop in session runs from noon to 3.30pm.
There is a very different theme for the final workshop of the school holidays on Friday 13 April - Portraits from the Past is an opportunity to create textile portraits based on characters from history.
More information, including workshop times and charges can be found on our website - or click on the links above.
Come along and decorate china plates with spring designs and other Easter themed craft activities on either Tuesday 3 April (for under 8s) or Wednesday 4 April (over 8s).
On Easter Monday (9 April) the whole family can come in and have a go at some spring craft activities - Butterflies, Bugs and Spring Flowers. The drop in session runs from noon to 3.30pm.
There is a very different theme for the final workshop of the school holidays on Friday 13 April - Portraits from the Past is an opportunity to create textile portraits based on characters from history.
More information, including workshop times and charges can be found on our website - or click on the links above.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
BRITAIN'S COLD WAR: a Disappearing Legacy
A series of evening talks by Bob Clarke, who has been researching the subject for many years. He will explore the continuing legacy of the Cold War, through its monuments, social footprint and argue we should be identifying representative sites now if we are to adequately demonstrate teh 20th century to a 21st century audience - even the recent past matters!
Evening classes start on Wednesday 18 April and run for 6 weeks. There will also be two Saturday outings. More information on our website. Advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Evening classes start on Wednesday 18 April and run for 6 weeks. There will also be two Saturday outings. More information on our website. Advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Fundraising Lecture by Lord Asa Briggs
History and its Neighbours on Saturday 31 March at 2.30pm.
Professor Lord Briggs (Asa Briggs), is perhaps the best-known living historian in Britain and he is giving this fundraising lecture for the Wiltshire Heritage Museum. He gives this description of his lecture:
Historians of all kinds are concerned with perspectives. How and why do they change? In my lecture I will draw on my own experience inside and, just as important, outside universities. I shall also draw on some of the remarkale experiences of your remarkable Society* founded in 1853. I have been as deeply interested in the relationship between local, national and global history as your Society has. I have deliberately chosen the same title for this lecture as I chose for my inaugural lecture as Professor of History at Leeds University in 1955.
Lord Briggs was formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex and Chancellor of the Open University. He is a renowned historian and one of the most respected to write on the Victorian era.
*The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, which owns and adminsters the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, was formed in 1853.
Tickets cost just £10 and you will be helping us to continue to maintain the nationally important collections we hold. We are an independent charity and only 10% of our income comes from public funding. We face an annual deficit in excess of £50,000.
The lecture will be at Devizes Town Hall and tickets can be purchased online, or by contacting the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369.
Professor Lord Briggs (Asa Briggs), is perhaps the best-known living historian in Britain and he is giving this fundraising lecture for the Wiltshire Heritage Museum. He gives this description of his lecture:
Historians of all kinds are concerned with perspectives. How and why do they change? In my lecture I will draw on my own experience inside and, just as important, outside universities. I shall also draw on some of the remarkale experiences of your remarkable Society* founded in 1853. I have been as deeply interested in the relationship between local, national and global history as your Society has. I have deliberately chosen the same title for this lecture as I chose for my inaugural lecture as Professor of History at Leeds University in 1955.
Lord Briggs was formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex and Chancellor of the Open University. He is a renowned historian and one of the most respected to write on the Victorian era.
*The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, which owns and adminsters the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, was formed in 1853.
Tickets cost just £10 and you will be helping us to continue to maintain the nationally important collections we hold. We are an independent charity and only 10% of our income comes from public funding. We face an annual deficit in excess of £50,000.
The lecture will be at Devizes Town Hall and tickets can be purchased online, or by contacting the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369.
The Amesbury Archer - an evening lecture
7pm - Wednesday 14 March: another opportunity to hear this excellent lecture by Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology. Early booking recommended.
Just a few miles from Stonehenge the graves of the Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen date to the 24th century BC and are two of the earliest Bell Beaker graves in Britain.
The Boscombe Bowmen grave contained the collective burial of five adult males, a teenager (probably also male) and one, possibly two, children, together with objects made of flint (including a group of finely made arrowheads), seven Beakers, an antler pendant and a boars’ tusk. The Amesbury Archer was the single burial of a 35-45 year old man, who had lived with impaired mobility because of the absence of his left knee cap. The grave contained an unusually large number and variety of objects, including Beakers, several caches of flint, barbed and tanged arrowheads, bracers, copper knives/daggers, a pair of gold basket ornaments, boar’s tusks and a stone tool for metalworking. A third grave, the so-called ‘Companion’, was found close to that of the Amesbury Archer and was that of a 20-25 year old man. A rare trait in their feet shows that the two men were related.
Andrew Fitzpatrick is head of communications at Wessex Archaeology and leads the Public Engagement Team, responsible for disseminating the company’s archaeological results to as wide an audience as possible. He is a respected authority on Roman and early prehistoric Europe, as well as being one of the country’s leading authorities on the integration of archaeology in highways schemes. He is the author of the recently published Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen: Bell Beaker burials at Boscombe Down, Amesbury, Wiltshire (Wessex Archaeology, 2011).
Booking available online or by contacting the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369.
Just a few miles from Stonehenge the graves of the Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen date to the 24th century BC and are two of the earliest Bell Beaker graves in Britain.
The Boscombe Bowmen grave contained the collective burial of five adult males, a teenager (probably also male) and one, possibly two, children, together with objects made of flint (including a group of finely made arrowheads), seven Beakers, an antler pendant and a boars’ tusk. The Amesbury Archer was the single burial of a 35-45 year old man, who had lived with impaired mobility because of the absence of his left knee cap. The grave contained an unusually large number and variety of objects, including Beakers, several caches of flint, barbed and tanged arrowheads, bracers, copper knives/daggers, a pair of gold basket ornaments, boar’s tusks and a stone tool for metalworking. A third grave, the so-called ‘Companion’, was found close to that of the Amesbury Archer and was that of a 20-25 year old man. A rare trait in their feet shows that the two men were related.
Andrew Fitzpatrick is head of communications at Wessex Archaeology and leads the Public Engagement Team, responsible for disseminating the company’s archaeological results to as wide an audience as possible. He is a respected authority on Roman and early prehistoric Europe, as well as being one of the country’s leading authorities on the integration of archaeology in highways schemes. He is the author of the recently published Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen: Bell Beaker burials at Boscombe Down, Amesbury, Wiltshire (Wessex Archaeology, 2011).
Booking available online or by contacting the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Devizes MP, Claire Perry, pledges to supports Museum
Devizes MP Claire Perry wrote in Thursday's Gazette ...
'Last Thursday I had the great treat of visiting the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes, which contains the best bronze age collection of artefacts in the country ... but receives public funding that is a fraction of that enjoyed by museums in London.
The museum has expansion plans that will strengthen its links with the World Heritage Sites at Stonehenge and Avebury (one of the most atmospheric places int he world) but needs to attract more funding and visitors. I have pledged to do all I can to help this gem of an institution.'
'Last Thursday I had the great treat of visiting the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes, which contains the best bronze age collection of artefacts in the country ... but receives public funding that is a fraction of that enjoyed by museums in London.
The museum has expansion plans that will strengthen its links with the World Heritage Sites at Stonehenge and Avebury (one of the most atmospheric places int he world) but needs to attract more funding and visitors. I have pledged to do all I can to help this gem of an institution.'
Life in Roman Britain
A Young WANHS activity on Saturday 10 March - take part in a drill led by Lucius the Legionary and receive a diploma and learn about life for Roman Soldiers in Britain and make a mosaic to take home.
Young WANHS is a Saturday morning club for 7-14 year olds interested in archaeology, local and natural history. The Club is held every month, usually on the second Saturday, from 10.15am to 12.15pm. Please arrive a little before this so that we have time to book you in.
Cost is £4 and places are limited, so pre-booking is essential - contact us on 01380 727369 (Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm) or contact us via our website
Notes:
(1) To reserve a place payment must be made at time of booking, or 48 hours before the session.
(2) An activity may be cancelled at short notice if insufficient bookings are received. Any payments will be refunded.
Young WANHS is a Saturday morning club for 7-14 year olds interested in archaeology, local and natural history. The Club is held every month, usually on the second Saturday, from 10.15am to 12.15pm. Please arrive a little before this so that we have time to book you in.
Cost is £4 and places are limited, so pre-booking is essential - contact us on 01380 727369 (Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm) or contact us via our website
Notes:
(1) To reserve a place payment must be made at time of booking, or 48 hours before the session.
(2) An activity may be cancelled at short notice if insufficient bookings are received. Any payments will be refunded.
While the Museum sleeps!
John Girvan's Night at the Museum - an evening of mysterious, strange, weird and wonderful objects and stories! 9.30pm until after midnight. Friday 2 March
Using his own objects, and highlighting some held at the Museum, John will lead a guided tour of the building, whilst also telling mysterious, strange or just weird stories about objects he has accumulated over the years. Learn more about the history of the Museum buildings and possibly visit behind the scenes.
John is a blacksmith at the Canal Forge, Devizes and is known as a local historian and creator of the popular Devizes Ghost Walk. He hosts a variety of local guided walks and illustrated talks including the Devizes Heritage Walk. He is also the author of a number of local books, most recently Deeper Under Devizes, and has made a number of television appearances. Visit www.devizestours.co.uk for more details.
Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited to 20. This event is also only for adults as the content is too scary for children.
As this is a late event (start 9.30pm until after midnight) and light levels around the building will be lower than normal, please bring a torch and wear non-slip shoes. For your own safety, please let us know if you have any mobility, health or eyesight problems that we should take into account during the event. If it’s cold we would also recommend you bring a warm jumper or coat! Please note: although some of the stories may be strange and scary, this is not a ghost hunt or an investigation into paranormal activity despite the late hour!
Tickets cost just £10 and booking is essential as numbers are restricted. Contact the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday) or book on-line using via our website - but hurry, only a few places remaining. Refreshments will be available and all proceeds donated to Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Please note, we reserve the right to automatically cancel bookings 14 days before the event if payment has not been received.
Using his own objects, and highlighting some held at the Museum, John will lead a guided tour of the building, whilst also telling mysterious, strange or just weird stories about objects he has accumulated over the years. Learn more about the history of the Museum buildings and possibly visit behind the scenes.
John is a blacksmith at the Canal Forge, Devizes and is known as a local historian and creator of the popular Devizes Ghost Walk. He hosts a variety of local guided walks and illustrated talks including the Devizes Heritage Walk. He is also the author of a number of local books, most recently Deeper Under Devizes, and has made a number of television appearances. Visit www.devizestours.co.uk for more details.
Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited to 20. This event is also only for adults as the content is too scary for children.
As this is a late event (start 9.30pm until after midnight) and light levels around the building will be lower than normal, please bring a torch and wear non-slip shoes. For your own safety, please let us know if you have any mobility, health or eyesight problems that we should take into account during the event. If it’s cold we would also recommend you bring a warm jumper or coat! Please note: although some of the stories may be strange and scary, this is not a ghost hunt or an investigation into paranormal activity despite the late hour!
Tickets cost just £10 and booking is essential as numbers are restricted. Contact the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday) or book on-line using via our website - but hurry, only a few places remaining. Refreshments will be available and all proceeds donated to Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
Please note, we reserve the right to automatically cancel bookings 14 days before the event if payment has not been received.
Romans Lecture by Sam Moorhead
Saturday 25 February, 2.30pm at the Museum.
Sam Moorhead, National Finds Adviser for Iron Age and Roman coins at the British Museum will present The Romans Who Shaped Britain. Tickets cost just £6 (£3.50 for WANHS members) and a few are still available.
Based on his recent book of the same name (with David Stuttard, Thames & Hudson, 2012), this lecture will look at the lives of the generals, governors and emperors – and those they sought to rule – occupying this western outcrop of Rome’s empire. The rich cast of characters includes men and women both noble and venal, courageous and craven. Some of them, such as Caesar and Boudica, may be familiar, other such as Carausius, Magnentius or Valentinus less so. Their lives and actions are set against the backdrop of an evolving landscape, in which Iron Age shrines were being replaced by marble temples, industrial-scale factories and granaries were springing up across the countryside and a triumphal arch towered into the Kent sky to mark Rome’s domination.
Sam was voted Archaeologist of the Year in 2011 by readers of Current Archaeology, and is Honorary Secretary of the Roman Society and a Trustee of the Association for Roman Archaeology. He has published extensively on Roman coins and is co-author, with David Stuttard, of AD 410: The Year that Shook Rome (2010) and 31 BC, Antony, Cleopatra and The Year That Shook Egypt (forthcoming). He is also a long-standing member of WANHS.
Booking is recommended. Contact our Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday) or book on-line via our website.
Please note, we reserve the right to automatically cancel bookings 14 days before the lecture if payment has not been received.
Saturday afternoon lectures start at 2.30pm and last approx. one hour.
Sam Moorhead, National Finds Adviser for Iron Age and Roman coins at the British Museum will present The Romans Who Shaped Britain. Tickets cost just £6 (£3.50 for WANHS members) and a few are still available.
Based on his recent book of the same name (with David Stuttard, Thames & Hudson, 2012), this lecture will look at the lives of the generals, governors and emperors – and those they sought to rule – occupying this western outcrop of Rome’s empire. The rich cast of characters includes men and women both noble and venal, courageous and craven. Some of them, such as Caesar and Boudica, may be familiar, other such as Carausius, Magnentius or Valentinus less so. Their lives and actions are set against the backdrop of an evolving landscape, in which Iron Age shrines were being replaced by marble temples, industrial-scale factories and granaries were springing up across the countryside and a triumphal arch towered into the Kent sky to mark Rome’s domination.
Sam was voted Archaeologist of the Year in 2011 by readers of Current Archaeology, and is Honorary Secretary of the Roman Society and a Trustee of the Association for Roman Archaeology. He has published extensively on Roman coins and is co-author, with David Stuttard, of AD 410: The Year that Shook Rome (2010) and 31 BC, Antony, Cleopatra and The Year That Shook Egypt (forthcoming). He is also a long-standing member of WANHS.
Booking is recommended. Contact our Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369 (10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday) or book on-line via our website.
Please note, we reserve the right to automatically cancel bookings 14 days before the lecture if payment has not been received.
Saturday afternoon lectures start at 2.30pm and last approx. one hour.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Friday 10 Feb - Museum open
The Museum will be open today, but services may be restricted. We will let you know as soon as we can if today's seminar is not going ahead by a blog on the website.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Lunchtime Talk - Awakening the the Blade
A practical approach to the Study of Medieval Sword-Play (a real-life demonstration) by Dr Rob Jones, The Roman Baths Museum, Bath. Wednesday 8 February, start 1.10pm.
Dr Jones is also the author of Bloodied Banners: Martial Display on the Medeival Battlefield (Boydell and Brewer, 2010).
Lunchtime Talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch and we will provide tea/coffee.
Tickets cost £4 (£3 WANHS members) and pre-booking is not necessary.
www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk
Dr Jones is also the author of Bloodied Banners: Martial Display on the Medeival Battlefield (Boydell and Brewer, 2010).
Lunchtime Talks start at 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes. Bring your lunch and we will provide tea/coffee.
Tickets cost £4 (£3 WANHS members) and pre-booking is not necessary.
www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk
How to survive a Nuclear War
Saturday 11 February - a Young WANHS activity.
The 1950’s saw the start of the Cold War between the West (UK, US and Europe) and the East (Russia and the Communist countries). The threat of all-out nuclear war was always there, and this activity will look at the preparations made so that people could survive a nuclear war. See the ‘Protect and Survive’ film that told you what to do in your home, visit a real nuclear bunker in Devizes and try on some special radiological protection gear.
The Young WANHS clubis open to 8 to 14 year olds interested in archaeology, local and natural history. The club meets on the second Saturday of every month from 10.15am to 12.15pm. It's free to join and each session costs just £4 per child.
To book a place contact the Museum - 01380 727369 or wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
With Bob Clarke and David Dawson
www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk
The 1950’s saw the start of the Cold War between the West (UK, US and Europe) and the East (Russia and the Communist countries). The threat of all-out nuclear war was always there, and this activity will look at the preparations made so that people could survive a nuclear war. See the ‘Protect and Survive’ film that told you what to do in your home, visit a real nuclear bunker in Devizes and try on some special radiological protection gear.
The Young WANHS clubis open to 8 to 14 year olds interested in archaeology, local and natural history. The club meets on the second Saturday of every month from 10.15am to 12.15pm. It's free to join and each session costs just £4 per child.
To book a place contact the Museum - 01380 727369 or wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
With Bob Clarke and David Dawson
www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
AFG activity Saturday 4 February
Robert Skinner will talk to the AFG on the subject of the West Woods Environs Project, at Wiltshire Heritage Museum on Saturday 4 February at Wiltshire Heritage Museum, starting at 10.30am.
Following that will be a sorting and recording from the 2011 digs.
Everyone welcome.
See the Moot list below (as at 30 January), there are still gaps, any volunteers? As usual any mistakes in the list, please let me know.
Moot Site, Remarks
1, Bishops Cannings,
2, Alderbury,
3, Amesbury, Done
4, Blagrove,
5, Bradford,
6, Branchbury, Complete – No identification possible
7, Cadworth,
8, Calne, Complete
9, Cawdon,
10, Chippenham, In hand but looking as not poss?
11, Cicementone, In hand
12, Cricklade,
13, Damerham, In hand
14, Dolesfield, Complete – No identification possible
15, Downton, In hand
16, Dunley,
17, Dunworth, Complete
18, Elstub, Done Panorama Req
19, Frustfield, Done
20, Heytesbury, Complete
21, Highworth, Complete
22, Kingsbridge, Complete
23, Kinwardstone,
24, Melksham,
25, Mere, Complete
26, Ramsbury,
27, Rowborough,
28, Scipa, Complete
29, Selkley,
30, Staple,
31, Startley, Inhand
32, Stowford, Complete
33, Studfold,
34, Swanborough, Complete – req writing up
35, Thorngrove, Complete
36, Thornhill, Complete – No identification possible
37, Warminster, Complete
38, Westbury, Complete
39, Whorwellsdown, Complete
40, Wonderditch.
Shaun
Following that will be a sorting and recording from the 2011 digs.
Everyone welcome.
See the Moot list below (as at 30 January), there are still gaps, any volunteers? As usual any mistakes in the list, please let me know.
Moot Site, Remarks
1, Bishops Cannings,
2, Alderbury,
3, Amesbury, Done
4, Blagrove,
5, Bradford,
6, Branchbury, Complete – No identification possible
7, Cadworth,
8, Calne, Complete
9, Cawdon,
10, Chippenham, In hand but looking as not poss?
11, Cicementone, In hand
12, Cricklade,
13, Damerham, In hand
14, Dolesfield, Complete – No identification possible
15, Downton, In hand
16, Dunley,
17, Dunworth, Complete
18, Elstub, Done Panorama Req
19, Frustfield, Done
20, Heytesbury, Complete
21, Highworth, Complete
22, Kingsbridge, Complete
23, Kinwardstone,
24, Melksham,
25, Mere, Complete
26, Ramsbury,
27, Rowborough,
28, Scipa, Complete
29, Selkley,
30, Staple,
31, Startley, Inhand
32, Stowford, Complete
33, Studfold,
34, Swanborough, Complete – req writing up
35, Thorngrove, Complete
36, Thornhill, Complete – No identification possible
37, Warminster, Complete
38, Westbury, Complete
39, Whorwellsdown, Complete
40, Wonderditch.
Shaun
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Museum closed for spring-clean!
The museum will be closed from Monday 29 January to allow us to spring-clean! We will also have the answermachine on for most of the day, so that we can get on with cleaning and tidying. If people have come a long way, then we will do our best to make sure that they can see the museum and find out what is in our archive and library. We will be open at the weekend!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Historic Buildings in Wiltshire
This Saturday - a lecture by Colin Johns at Wiltshire Heritage Museum.
The Restoration of Historic Buildings in Wiltshire is the full title of the lecture by Colin, who is architect and architectural adviser to the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust. Saturday 28 January 2012.
Lectures start at 2.30pm and last approx. one hour. Tickets cost £6 from the Museum (£3.50 for WANHS members. Contact us by e-mail, telephone 01380 727369, or book on-line via our website: www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events.
The Restoration of Historic Buildings in Wiltshire is the full title of the lecture by Colin, who is architect and architectural adviser to the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust. Saturday 28 January 2012.
Lectures start at 2.30pm and last approx. one hour. Tickets cost £6 from the Museum (£3.50 for WANHS members. Contact us by e-mail, telephone 01380 727369, or book on-line via our website: www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Museum Spring-clean
We will be undertaking our Spring-clean in the week of 30 January - 3 February, and the Museum and Library will not be open. As we will be hard at work behind the scenes, the answerphone will also be switched on for much of the time. Although we will not be open, if people have travelled some distance, then we will do our best to help.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Interested in Volunteering?
Want to help at your local Museum and Library? Come along on Tuesday 24 January to find out more.
Volunteers are being sought to help run the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes. We are particularly looking for volunteers to help in the shop/reception at lunchtimes and weekends and to help with events, including refreshments. Other opportunities are also available.
Interested? Want to find out more? Then come along to Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Long Street, Devizes - just a short walk from the Market Place. Tuesday 24 January between 10.30am and 1pm.
If you are interested in helping but unable to attend, then please contact the Assistant Curator and Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Heather Ault via e-mail - h.ault@wiltshireheritage.org.uk or 01380 727369 (Monday to Wednesday).
Volunteers are being sought to help run the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes. We are particularly looking for volunteers to help in the shop/reception at lunchtimes and weekends and to help with events, including refreshments. Other opportunities are also available.
Interested? Want to find out more? Then come along to Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Long Street, Devizes - just a short walk from the Market Place. Tuesday 24 January between 10.30am and 1pm.
If you are interested in helping but unable to attend, then please contact the Assistant Curator and Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Heather Ault via e-mail - h.ault@wiltshireheritage.org.uk or 01380 727369 (Monday to Wednesday).
Monday, 9 January 2012
A wall painting at Highworth Church, Wiltshire
Wednesday 11 January - a Lunchtime talk by Dr Ellie Pridgeon and Roger Rosewell. Starts 1.10pm and last approx. 45 minutes.
Treasures from the Archive: A Wall Painting at Highworth Church (Wiltshire) will describe the recent discovery of the Highworth mural tracing at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, and their subsequent research on Highworth Church.
During recent reorganisation at Wiltshire Heritage Museum, a 19th Century wall painting tracing depicting St Eloy came to light. This is a highly-significant discovery, not least because of the rarity of the tracings, and the fact that they provide a source for the lost 15th Century Highworth wall painting. Ellie and Roger will talk about the original function of the Highworth mural and provide a contextual overview of wall painting in Wiltshire.
Ellie is now Assistant Archivist at the Science Museum (London and Wroughton), but until recently was Archivist and Librarian at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum. She wrote her PhD on medieval wall paintings (2008).
Roger is author of the acclaimed Medieval Wall Paintings in English and Welsh Churches (Boydell and Brewer 2008). He is also editor of the on-line stained-glass journal Vidimus.
The two speakers have recently completed a collaborative article for the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine: Wiltshire Studies on the Highworth wall painting.
Treasures from the Archive: A Wall Painting at Highworth Church (Wiltshire) will describe the recent discovery of the Highworth mural tracing at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, and their subsequent research on Highworth Church.
During recent reorganisation at Wiltshire Heritage Museum, a 19th Century wall painting tracing depicting St Eloy came to light. This is a highly-significant discovery, not least because of the rarity of the tracings, and the fact that they provide a source for the lost 15th Century Highworth wall painting. Ellie and Roger will talk about the original function of the Highworth mural and provide a contextual overview of wall painting in Wiltshire.
Ellie is now Assistant Archivist at the Science Museum (London and Wroughton), but until recently was Archivist and Librarian at the Wiltshire Heritage Museum. She wrote her PhD on medieval wall paintings (2008).
Roger is author of the acclaimed Medieval Wall Paintings in English and Welsh Churches (Boydell and Brewer 2008). He is also editor of the on-line stained-glass journal Vidimus.
The two speakers have recently completed a collaborative article for the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine: Wiltshire Studies on the Highworth wall painting.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Story of Devizes - request for your memories
This Saturday - do you have any stories about Devizes and its history? Do you have any objects that are relevant to the Story of Devizes? Would you like to share your memories, or perhaps tell us why the town is important to you?
Then come along to the Museum between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday 14 January, Thursday 19 January or Thursday 26 January. Pre-booking not necessary - just come along.
If you are interested, but unable to attend any of these sessions, please contact the Assistant Curator, Kerry Nickels, on 01380 727369 or e-mail wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
Further information is available on the Wiltshire Heritage Museum website - Story of Devizes.
Then come along to the Museum between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday 14 January, Thursday 19 January or Thursday 26 January. Pre-booking not necessary - just come along.
If you are interested, but unable to attend any of these sessions, please contact the Assistant Curator, Kerry Nickels, on 01380 727369 or e-mail wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk.
Further information is available on the Wiltshire Heritage Museum website - Story of Devizes.
Finds Sorting - beginners welcome
There is a finds sorting (beginners welcome) at Wiltshire Heritage Museum on Saturday 7 January at 10am. Shaun will also be there starting on the consolidation of the Moots project. All welcome, please pop in.
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