South Warwickshire excavations reveal what life was like in the county 2,500 years ago
History and archaeology enthusiasts in Warwickshire are being invited to attend a talk next month focussing on ‘one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region’.
The talk will be led by Dr Kate Waddington of Archaeology Warwickshire, and will explore the discoveries from the Whitchurch excavations.
The talk, which is called “Recent Insights from the Whitchurch Excavations,” will take place at St John’s House in Warwick on Thursday March 5, from 6.30 pm to 8pm.
Excavated between 2006 and 2009, the Whitchurch site, which is near Kineton and Shipston, in the south of the county, is an Iron Age ‘midden’ – a vast settlement mound rich in pottery, animal bone and rare metalwork – dating to around 800 to 500 BC.
Dr Waddington said “Our evidence suggests it was a focal point for feasting, ceremony and experimentation with new technologies at a time of profound social change at the end of the Bronze Age and the dawn of the Iron Age. We are excited to share the highlights from this significant dig.”
The highlights include:
- One of the most northerly known midden sites in Britain
- Discoveries of miniature bronze axe heads
- New insights into metalworking, social networks and large-scale community gatherings
During the talk, Dr Waddington will explain how the Whitchurch discoveries are reshaping the understanding of social and cultural transformation in the West Midlands during this pivotal period in prehistory.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and tickets cost £10 and include tea and coffee.
Booking in advance is recommended and can be done by going to: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice