Archaeology Allsorts

The theme for Archaeology Allsorts 2024 was 'Higham Ferrers Castle'. The exhibition in Chichele College showed some of the research which has been carried out over the years and a selection of photographs from the recent geophysical survey of the castle site. The survey carried out by Museum of London Archaeology (MoLA) and Steve Parry of Finham Heritage was made possible by a generous grant from the Castle Studies Trust. Go to the blog on www.castlestudiestrust.org to read the article 'Higham Ferrers - a Royal Town'. There were family activities available, a display of medieval pottery, finds identification, and on Saturday Olwen gave a tour of the Castle site.

Image: Visitors study some of the maps on show

After a three year break caused by the Covid lockdowns Archaeology Allsorts was back in Chichele College in Higham Ferrers. The theme for 2023 was Getting Creative with Clay and the exhibition incuded pottery found all over Northamptonshire and Olwen's replica Samian bowls made in Lezoux, France this year. There was a display of artisan crafts, finds identification and visitors had the opportunity to make their own Roman lamps. 

Image: Roman lamps and clay pendants made by visitors to Archaeology Allsorts

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) hold a Festival of Archaeology in the Summer every year and hundreds of events take place delivered by community groups, heritage organisations, universities and commercial units helping over half a million people to engage in archaeology, explore stories of place and connect with the environment around them. HiFARS hold an event called Archaeology Allsorts representing Higham Ferrers and this stretch of the Nene Valley.

Image: An interesting pipe bowl brought along for identification

HiFARS held its annual Archaeology Allsorts event in Chichele College, Higham Ferrers, on the last weekend in July. Thanks to Mike Curtis of Lost Pages Bookstore, and Irthlingborough Archaeological Society for taking part, and to everyone who brought their finds along for identification by the archaeologists.

Image: Olwen, Mark and Mike examine some pottery sherds brought along for identification

Archaeology Allsorts was held in Chichele College at the end of July in 2017. HiFARS had organised lots of activities for families and Finds Officer Mark was kept busy with the finds identification as several local detectorists had brought along many mystery objects.

Image: Olwen and Loyd examine an unusual square drain brought along to Allsorts

Archaeology Allsorts was held in the Higham Ferrers Town Hall on the Market Square in 2016. Pottery demonstrations were held throughout the day, showing coil pot construction and working with coloured slips. There were also lots of other activities for families including mosaic making.

Image: Young visitors designing Roman beakers

Archaeology Allsorts was held in the Town Hall in 2015. There were displays of pottery excavated locally, finds identification and pot washing for the children. Olwen also led a tour of the castle site in Higham Ferrers.

Image: Visitors looking at Victorian finds and flints put together by Finds Officer Mark

In 2014 Archaeology Allsorts was held in the Rangers Cabin at Stanwick Lakes. Julie Cassidy, Finds Liaison Officer for Northamptonshire, was there to identify all the finds that were brought along. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is run by the British Museum to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. The scheme employs about 50 members of staff and most counties have a dedicated Finds Liaison Officer (FLO).

Image: Julie and visitor Steve admire the neolithic stone axe brought in for identification

Julie Cassidy, Finds Liaison Officer, was on hand for finds identification and Northamptonshire Archaeological Society joined the HiFARS event with a display of local finds and to share their expertise with the many visitors. Re-enactor Roman Traders set up a camp in the beautiful garden of Chichele College.

 Image: Fiona, one of the Roman traders demonstrating leatherwork 

HiFARS displayed Roman finds in Chichele College for Archaeology Allsorts in 2012, and invited local people along with their own finds for identification. The NAS and Jane Baille from Prebendal Manor took part with displays, and Olwen also gave guided tours of the Castle Field.

Image: A tree in the Castle Field planted in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of Edward VIII