Archaeology in Gloucestershire 2025

Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society

A Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society Symposium

Corinium Museum

Join the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society on Sat 5 July for a day of lectures exploring new archaeological research and discoveries in Gloucestershire.Throughout the day, expert speakers from local archaeological companies, the Portable Antiquities Scheme, Historic England and Universities will share their latest research into an exciting range of archaeological sites. There will also be a chance to explore archaeological stalls promoting the work of local groups during the break.This year, the Symposium will also include a keynote session dedicated to the memory of Professor Tim Darvill, one of the foremost archaeologists and prehistorians of his generation.Archaeology in Gloucestershire 2025 is a hybrid event that will be run at the Corinium Museum and be live-streamed via Zoom. Please select whether you require an ‘online’ or an ‘in-person’ ticket when you book.Please note: In person attendance costs £16 per person plus a booking fee of £2.04 and online attendance costs £6 per person plus a booking fee of £1.21. Lunch is not included in this price but refreshments will be provided during breaks in the morning and afternoon.

Agenda

Arrival and Welcome 

Prehistoric Gloucestershire to Prehistoric Britain: the contribution of Tim Darvill . Tim was one of the foremost archaeologists and prehistorians of his generation. Widely known for his association with Stonehenge, he published on prehistoric Britain and the excavations he led in England, Wales, and the Isle of Man.
 
Tim’s interest in the archaeology of Gloucestershire started as a schoolboy and continued throughout his career. This lecture will embark from Tim’s work in Gloucestershire, tracing some themes that extend over the country as a whole. 

Speaker: Richard Bradley, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at Reading and Honorary Research Associated at Oxford


Keynote Address

BREAK  (with refreshments)

Since Henry Hurst's  'Kingsholm' in 1985 it was decided to publish all the excavations after that date as 'Kingsholm II' to be released in 2005. This never happened. The Kingsholm Legacy Project has sought to undertake that task, add any other interventions, be they builder's trenches or communication lines, and the more recent excavations, providing a base for any future research or more general enquiries. This talk focuses on our work on the possible lines of the defences. Speaker: Tim Copeland, GlosArch.

The Kingsholm Legacy Project: the case for the defences

Agricultural activity at Hunts Grove: from the Bronze Age  to the medieval period. Archaeological investigations have been ongoing at Hunts Grove, Gloucestershire for over 20 years. The most recent phase of excavations uncovered evidence of continued occupation from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and medieval periods, spanning over 4000 years. When examined alongside previous discoveries on the site, these works give a valuable insight into the repeated inhabitancy of the Severn Vale. Speaker: Amy Evans, Project Supervisor, Cotswold Archaeology



Agricultural activity at Hunts Grove

LUNCH (not provided)

The medieval church of Holy Trinity Minchinhampton was largely rebuilt in 1842, but retains some exceptional Decorated Gothic architecture whilst there are later contributions by William Burges and FC Eden. A major reordering of the church was accompanied by extensive archaeological excavation, and the publication of a book chronicling the fascinating history of the church. The story of the church is told using evidence drawn from the standing remains, archaeological excavations, and documentary sources including churchwardens’ accounts, eyewitness accounts, illustrations and plans.  Speaker: Chiz Harward, Senior Archaeologist Urban Archaeology 



Holy Trinity Minchinhampton, excavation, research  and publication

The talk will explore the earliest years of Roman Cirencester. The traditional story is that the first Roman presence in Cirencester was by the army who established a fort here. When the fort was abandoned, the town was created.  But a critical look at the evidence suggests the story might not be so clear cut as is often suggested. Speaker: Neil Holbrook, Chief Executive, Cotswold Archaeology


The origins of Roman Cirencester

Two Roman cavalry swords were discovered by a metal detectorist in a field in Gloucestershire in 2023. This rare find was reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and a research excavation led by Cotswold Archaeology and Historic England followed. This final session brings together everyone involved to discuss the discovery, analysis and excavation of this nationally significant hoard and the Iron Age/Roman settlement they were buried within. There will also be a chance to see the swords on display at Corinium Museum after the Symposium.                                                                                
Speakers:
Glenn Manning, metal detectorist
Kurt Adams, Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme
Peter Busby, Project Officer, Cotswold Archaeology
Ian Barnes, Senior Archaeologist, Historic England
