28 July 2018

Bristol’s brilliant archaeology festival

Join museum archaeologists and a whole host of local societies, re-enactors and field archaeologists for a fun-packed day full of tours, demonstrations, displays and archaeological activities.

Become an archaeologist for the day and explore objects and displays from some of Bristol’s most recent archaeological sites, take a tour to archaeologist Amelia Edward’s grave or Blaise Castle, meet medieval and Saxon re-enactors, find out about the work of local societies and see a mini exhibition of paintings showing Roman Sea Mills.

Younger archaeologists can get hands on and have a go at our ‘mini-excavation’, dressing up, Iron Age face painting, a medieval feast and plenty of family friendly craft sessions.

The line up:

  • Abona paintings – Local artist Chris Molan displays historical illustrations including reconstructions of the Roman town of Abona and Bristol Castle.
  • Avon Archaeology Ltd – Find out about recent excavations and find out how drones are used in archaeology.
  • Battle Archery Ltd – Learn how to use a bow and arrow and see how many targets you can hit on our pop up archery range.
  • Blaise Community Gardens – Meet our local gardeners to learn about herbs and food from the past, make and taste dips, hummus and honey and make herb bouquets and pouches.
  • Bristol & Avon Archaeological Society – Find out about Bristol’s archaeology and the work of your local archaeological society.
  • Bristol Cathedral –Become a medieval monk and illuminate a manuscript letter, make a scented herb pouch or create a medieval puppet.
  • The Churches Conservation Trust – Make your own unique mark on history and create a medieval inspired badge or practise writing it using quill and ink before sealing with wax.
  • Clifton Antiquarian Club – Find out about the club’s talks, field trips or excavation opportunities and discover how the Clifton Antiquarians inspire and engage young archaeologists and families.
  • Cotswold Archaeology – Learn about our exciting recent excavations, identify some unusual medieval finds including a real poo and have a go at making medieval soaps.
  • Costume – Try Iron Age, Roman and Medieval costumes on with the Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives.
  • Egypt Society of Bristol and KEMET KLUB – Find out about the activities of your local Egypt Societies or take a guided tour to Victorian pioneer Egyptologist Amelia Edwards’ grave.
  • Marion Brown – Make a bracelet Viking-style using the ancient art of trollen weaving.
  • Medieval feast – Discover what tasty treats were served at a medieval feast with the Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives.
  • Friends of Blaise – Take an archaeologically inspired tour of the Blaise Estate and a trip to the Blaise Castle Folly.
  • Historic England – Explore how Historic England cares for Blaise’s Iron Age and Roman archaeology.
  • Medieval Music – Meet our medieval musician, discover his collection of instruments and listen to his tuneful music.
  • The National Trust – Discover what life was like in the Iron Age and have a go at grinding grain and turning flax to string.
  • Portable Antiquities Scheme – Bring your finds to be identified by our friendly Finds Officer and make an Iron Age coin.
  • The Travelling History Company – Find out about archaeological outreach and bespoke excursions into the historic and prehistoric landscape suitable for primary schools, secondary schools and home educators.
  • University of Bristol – Meet staff and students from the University, see and smell various Roman foods before guessing which Roman recipes are ‘fact or fiction’ and get experimental to find out how bread and butter were made in ancient times.
  • Wessex Archaeology – Join our friendly archaeologists to find out about their latest projects before having a go at a ‘mini excavation’, making a prehistoric urn and take part in our quiz for a chance to win some smashing archaeology books for all ages!
  • Ye Company of Chivalry – Discover what life was like in a medieval camp, find out about the arms and amour used by a military company but watch out for the cannon…
  • The Young Archaeologist Club – Find out what the Young Archaeologist Club have been up to, have your face painted like an Iron Age warrior and make a prehistoric pot to take away.
  • Westencynn – Explore our Saxon encampment and discover the skills of woodcarving, calligraphy, spinning, dyeing, weaving, naalbinding and leatherwork or play the Viking board game hnafeltafl.