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Volume 1 : 1969 – 1974

Mar 16
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Newsletter 016 March 1972 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

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Page 1

Owing to the impossibility of holding the last lecture, because of the ”black-out” in Hendon on 15th February, the Treasurer was unable to offer tickets for the eleventh anniversary party on that evening. The SOCIAL EVENING arranged for Friday 10th March from 8 p.m. at 166 Station Road, Hendon, NW4 will, however take place, with electricity or with candles! Tickets for the party are enclosed with this letter. The cost is 45p each, and money will be collected at the door. Do please come; we shall be please to welcome any friends you may wish to bring. Additional tickets, at the same price, are also obtainable at the door. Wine and refreshments are included in the price. The Treasurer has received some raffle prizes in response to last month’s appeal and further gifts would be appreciated. Anyone who is able to help with refreshments is asked to contact the Treasurer, Richard Deacon. Gifts of refreshments will be as welcome as offers of help.

Lectures

As mentioned above, the cancellation of the February 15th meeting is much regretted, and the committee apologises for any inconvenience caused thereby.

The next meeting – 21st March 1972. Mr. Dawson will talk about the excavations of Delftware kilns at Montagu Close, Southwark, S.E.London.

College Farm

It will not be possible to take a party to this farm as Express Dairy have written that no conducted tours are given on Saturdays. The farm is open to the general public during the summer months from June to September. It would be best if members make their own arrangements for a visit, as Express Dairy do not like numbers such as we envisage, going round at one time.

Annual General Meeting

Preliminary notice is given that this will take place on 16th May 1972.

St. Mary’s Churchyard

Members may like to know that an account of the work done by the Society has appeared in the February edition of “Cornerstone”, the St, Mary’s Parish Magazine. Mr. Sammes mentions that the work of deciphering and recording the inscriptions on the memorials is still in progress – volunteers will always be welcome at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. The object of this work is to put on record an index of the people, rich and poor, notable or otherwise, interred or commemorated there, so that historians and others doing genealogical research may have an extension of their information readily available, either through the Central Reference Library at The Burroughs, or the Library of the Society of Genealogists.

Leaflets

Accompanying this newsletter are several leaflets of general interest. The London Archaeologist have sent us leaflets to distribute. We would draw your special attention to the short courses on “The recognition of finds” which will be given at The Institute, Hampstead Garden Suburb, on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9.30, beginning on 26th April for six weeks. As the Society has been instrumental in encouraging Mr. Enderby to arrange these, we do hope that members will make an effort to join.

Hon. Secretary

During the month of March, The Hon Secretary, Mrs. Grafton Green, will be moving house. The new house number will be given. There is no change of road or telephone number.

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BBC Radio 3

From Thursday 13th April, the BBC radio will broadcast weekly a series of 10 programmes “This was their World”, designed specifically to serve and support the study of local history. These broadcasts at 7 p.m. will concentrate on the late Victorian period, toughly the 1870s, thereby taking advantage of the 1871 census returns. Although the series focuses on the late Victorian period, the topics are dealt with in such a way as to be relevant to students with interests in other periods. A case-bound book called “This was their World” has been written by Dr. Alan Rogers to accompany the series. The book covers a somewhat wider period of history and considerably expands the basic material. It is extensively illustrated with photographs, diagrams and maps, and is being published by BBC Publications at about £2.40. Available towards the end of April, copies may be ordered from booksellers or direct from the BBC.

University of London

The Department of Extra-Mural Studies is presenting a course of 11 University extension lessons on Archaeological Field Techniques. Give by two notable lecturers, these will begin on Wednesday 19th April at 6.56-8.45 p.m. at the Extra-Mural Centre, 32 Tavistock Square, W.C.1. Applications should be addressed to the Deputy Director (Ext.), Dept of Extra-Mural Studies, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AD.

Palaeography

Would any members be interested in joining a weekly course next winter, if one could be arranged. Even 18th century documents pose problems of unscrambling variations in Secretary, Chancery and the various hands; the problems are intensified if investigations are being made among Tudor or Medieval papers. Such a course would enlighten us as to the more common abbreviations and contradictions used particularly when writing Latin. Understanding could be gained of such mechanical point as the interchangeability of I and j, u and v or the vagaries of the long s. The Hon. Sec. Would be very pleased to hear from any member willing to take part in such a course; the minimum required is 10 to 12, and it would then be possible to canvass authority to arrange lectures, bearing in mind that something practical is desired, so that the lecturer would bring actual documents for students to work on.

Development Watching

The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society recently began a scheme for Borough Secretaries, the appointment of people or organisations in each London Borough to be responsible for (a) plotting onto 6” Ordinance Survey maps all known archaeological sites and finds in each borough; (b) watching sites which are being developed for evidence of archaeological interest. HADAS was asked to act for the London Borough of Barnet and agreed to do so. During the winter, the organisation of the project has been worked out and now it is ready to go into action. Its importance is underlined by the threat that increasing urban development poses to archaeological evidence (not only house-building, but pipe-laying, road building, etc.). Some 20 members have so far volunteered to be “development watchers”.

Through the helpful co-operation of the Borough, the Society receives regular lists of planning applications and decisions. These are checked for sites that are thought worth watching, and the details sent to the nearest development watcher. The member concerned can inspect plans for the development at the nearest planning office and can find out when work is likely to start. He can then keep in touch with a friendly foreman, visiting the site regularly to watch for any interesting finds. In the event of a major find, The Society hopes to take immediate action, backed by LAMAS. The scheme is in its infancy and may need adapting. We hope many members may like to take part, and anyone prepared to help should get in touch with the Hon. Secretary.

River Walk

Don’t forget the river walk along the course of the Brent on March 25th. Led by Mr. J. Evans, time 2.30 p.m. at the roundabout at Holders Hill Road (240 bus from Golders Green).

Feb 15
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Newsletter 015 February 1972 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

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Page 1

Last February, we celebrated our tenth anniversary by holding a birthday party. We feel this is something which members might like to turn into an annual event. We have therefore arranged a social meeting for Friday 10th March at 166 Station Road, NW4 at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available from the Hon. Treasurer, Richard Deacon, or at the February film show.

This will provide an opportunity for our many new members to get to know each other and the Society. Please come along and help to maker the evening a success. Entertainment will be provided and, by the way, the Treasurer will be most grateful for any member prepared to donate prizes for this occasion.

Lectures

On 18th January, Mr. W. J. Smith gave an interesting lecture about the documents which are to be found in the Greater London Record Office (Middlesex Branch) referring particularly to Hendon, Finchley and Friern Barnet. Some of the extracts he quoted went back to the 16th century. About 35 members attended and there was a lively question time with many members taking part.

On 15th February, there will be a showing of three films.

Detection in Archaeology.

Pembrokeshire – My County: historical and archaeological aspects if this beautiful county.

Turn of the Wheel: a fascinating account of what happens to old trams and traction engines.

These will be shown as usual at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, NW4.

British Museum Tutankhamun Exhibition

WE regret the Programme Committee has not been able to arrange a special HADAS visit to this exhibition, as no special facilities are being offered to adult parties. It is hoped many members will make their own arrangements to see this unique exhibition, the entrance fee to which is 50p (25p for children, bona fide students and old age pensioners). The Exhibition will be open to the public from 30th March to 30th September, 1972 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday inclusive); from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays; and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The lecture being arranged in co-operation with the Hampstead Branch of the Historical Association will be held in late April or early May at Westfield College, Kidderpore Avenue, NW3. The response to our enquiry in the last newsletter indicated that this venue was not too far afield for our members. The lecturer, Mr. James, has only just returned from Egypt and has been unable to confirm the precise date yet. Full details, including bus and train information, in our next newsletter.

Outings

May 20 – Coventry Cathedral and a visit to Stratford.

July 15 – Lesnes Abbey, near Greenwich; then Sittingbourne to see the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum.

The June and September outings are being planned this year with a special archaeological slant – see the enclosed leaflet about them from the Programme Committee.

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River Walk

Members who enjoyed the river walk along Mutton Brook and part of the River Brent in November will be interested to know that Mr. Jeffrey Evans has agreed to lead another walk on March 25th. This time, he proposes to follow the course of the Brent a further stage towards North Finchley. Later, in the spring or summer, he will finish the course of the river to its source near Arkley Windmill.

All members are cordially invited to take part in what should be a very pleasant spring outing. Meet at 2.30 p.m. on 25th March at the roundabout (called Holders Hill Circus) in Holders Hill Road, near the Windmill public house. This is on the 240 bus route from Golders Green.

Guildhall Conference

The 9th Annual Conference of London Archaeologists, sponsored by London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, will be held at Guildhall on 4th March 1972. It is hoped that speakers will include Peter Marsden, Brian Bloice, Nick Farrant, Stan Warren and Dennis Hazelgrove. Usually doors open 1.30 p.m, proceeding begin at 2.00 p.m. Tickets, including tea (members 30p, non-members 45p) obtainable from Miss B. P. Powell. HADAS will have a small exhibit, mounted by Philippa Bernard, Jeremy Clynes and William Morris.

Portrait Survey

Mr. & Mrs. Eyre are no longer responsible for organising this survey, as announced in newsletter No. 14. We hope to make other arrangements for the survey, particularly as a number of members have expressed interest in it. Meanwhile, anyone who wants information should apply to Mrs. Grafton Green.

Street Names Survey

The request by the LAMAS in the last newsletter for help with a street names survey has aroused interest among members. Mr. Jim Banham sent a charming account of a famous footballer “with twinkling feet”, names Vivian Woodward. Mr. Banham believes that Vivian Avenue in Hendon may have been named after Vivian Woodward. Perhaps other members are aware of the background to street names in their vicinity – if so, please let the Editor of the Newsletter, Mrs. Arnott, have a note about them.

The Editor will be delighted to have contributions to the newsletter or to hear about items which members would like to see included.

Forthcoming Events

An exhibition of Venetian glass will be held at Bethnal Green Museum, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 from 15th February to 26th March. It includes samples of glass from the 15th to 18th centuries; alongside the exhibits will be a number of photographs of details from old Master paintings, in which Venetian Glass is depicted in everyday use.

At Church Farm Museum from 12th February to 19th March will be an exhibition called “Schooling and Teaching”. It will include records and illustrations from the Borough Local History Collection as well as material from the older schools in the Borough.

At the same museum from 25th March to 30th April, an exhibition with particular archaeological interest, will be “Discovering the Bible”. Sir Leonard Woolley’s excavations at Ur of the Chaldees and the epic Masada will be included.

Open times at Church Farm Museum: weekdays – 10 – 12.30 and 1.30 to 5.30 except Tuesdays (10-1). Sundays 2.30 – 6.

Finally a brief trailer for a six week course of lectures, starting after Easter at Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, on the identification of artefacts. There will be different lecturers for each lecture, and artefacts will be available for handling. This course has been inspired by HADAS and we hope many members will join it. Further details next month.

Dec 15
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Newsletter 014 December 1971 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

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Page 1

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on 18th January at St. Mary’s Church House when Mr. W. J. Smith will speak about the GLC archives, particularly those documents which may be interesting to research workers in the Borough of Barnet.

The last newsletter mentioned the problem of a December meeting on the third Tuesday of the month, i.e. 21st December, being perilously near to Christmas. At first, consideration was given to bringing the meeting forward by a week, but unfortunately that has proved impossible. The committee has therefore decided to cancel the December meeting altogether and instead to add an extra meeting in the spring. Very opportunely, the Hampstead branch of the Historical Association suggested that we might care to join them in sponsoring a lecture on the Tomb of Tutankhamun by Mr. T. C. E. James. This we have accordingly agreed to do.

Both we and the Historical Association are now trying, in order to provide a suitable hall, to estimate how many members are likely to attend this meeting, which will be in March or April next (exact date not yet settled). We feel the lecture should prove particularly popular because of the British Museum exhibition on Tutankhamun which is due to start about the same time. It would therefore be most helpful if those members who feel they are likely to want to come will either write or telephone the editor (Mrs. Christine Arnott) and tell her (a) whether they would like to attend and (b) whether they would be equally happy if the lecture were arranged say at a hall in Golders Green or at Westfield College, Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead. These are two venues that have been suggested but if they are not popular with a majority of members, we will think again.

Blue Plaques

Many thanks to those members who wrote or telephoned to the Hon. Secretary about the Blue Plaques of Barnet. We have now collected a list of 21 of these (not all of which have been verifies as still being in situ). Twenty were put up by the old Hendon Corporation and one by the GLC.

By Hendon: – Ivy House, North End Road (Pavlova), Highwood House, Mill Hill (Sir Stamford Raffles), Junction of Deans Lane and Deans Drive (Sir Francis Burnand), The Ridgeway, Mill Hill (Peter Collinson), 8 Moreland Court, NW2 (C. B. Fry), 3 Sunningdale Gardens, NW7 (G. L. Jessop), Hendon Grammar School, The Crest, NW4 (John Norden), Parsons Street, NW4 (Site of Abbot’s Bower), Hendon Park, Mill Hill, NW7 (William Wilberforce), Junction of Bell Lane and Brent Street (Site of parish cage), Junction of Brent Street and Finchley Lane (site of cattle pound), Brockley Hill opposite Orthopaedic Hospital (site of Roman Sulloniacae), Page Street, NW7 (Copthall, residence of Nicoll family 1321-1920), The Ridgeway, NW7 (Rosebank, a Quaker meeting house 1678-1719), Church End NW4 (The Greyhound, formerly Church House), The Burroughs, NW4 (White Bear, site of Court Leet and Court Baron), Childs Hill, NW2 (site of Toll Gate, abolished 1826), Junction of Deansbrook Road and Edgware High Street (site of Edgware Turnpike), Sunnyside, Hammers Lane NW7 (Sir James Murray), Corner of North End Road and Hampstead Way (Wylden Farmhouse, residence of Sir Raymond Unwin during building of Hampstead Garden Suburb)

By GLC: – 93 Shirehall Park, NW4 (residence of Harry Rolph ‘Little Tich’)

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Field Work

By the time this newsletter reaches you, we will have held a meeting at 166 Station Road for all those members who have indicated, by filling in one the Society’s questionnaires, that they are interested in field work. The object of the meeting is twofold. – to introduce the Research Committee Chairman, Edward Sammes, to the large number of new field workers who have joined the Society in the last year; secondly, to enable him to outline three new projects which the Society hopes to undertake, all of which call for organised field work in the way of surveys, observation of buildings and development plans, etc.

Earlier this autumn, a meeting was held for those who had stated a particular interest in doing documentary research. As a result, several new lines of research were opened. The facts gained from the Society’s questionnaire forms are thus proving most useful, not only as an indication of the most popular subjects for lectures, but also as a means of alerting members with special interests. Some members however have never filled in the questionnaire. This means that there is an incomplete record of their interests, and it might be that occasionally they will miss some event which they would have liked to have attended. If YOU have never filled in an HADAS questionnaire, and would like to do so, please let Mrs. Grafton Green know and she will be happy to send you one.

Middlesex Portrait Survey

A national survey of portraits in private hands is being organised county by county. The object is to record such portraits, and to place the records in the archives of the National Portrait Gallery. When complete, this would mean that any student or research worker applying for information could be told exactly which portraits were available of the person in whom he was interested, and where they could be seen.

The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society is organising this work for Middlesex, and has asked HADAS to undertake the survey of the Borough of Barnet. The phrase “in private hands” includes portraits (not only of famous people, but of everyone) in institutions. Hospitals, regimental HQs, schools etc. are particularly rich sources for portraits or local worthies.

Two members, Clive and June Eyre, have kindly agreed to organise a small group to start on this long-term project, and already other members have offered to help. If you feel you can give a little time to this, please do let Mrs. Grafton Green know.

London and Middlesex Archaeological Society

This Society brings to our notice a survey of street names that is being embarked on by the Names Society. It is aimed at compiling a bibliography of books and articles devoted to the origins and derivations of street names, and with notes on origins. It is hoped that some member or members of our own society will be willing to undertake such work in our area. Detailed particulars of the scheme can be obtained from the Names Society. Please let Mrs. Grafton Green know if you are interested.

Mr. K. A. Bailey of Putney has recently begun work on studying the field systems and agricultural history of Surrey. He would be very glad to know of any research work which has been or is being conducted by local history societies in Middlesex, an area which may have some similarity with Surrey.

Greetings

Lastly, we must wish all our members a very happy Christmas, and hope that ion the New Year they will all be ready to join in the fresh ventures of the Society that are being planned for them, with renewed strength after the seasonal festivities.

Sep 15
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Newsletter 012 September 1971 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

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Page 1

We hope that all members have enjoyed their summer holidays and are prepared for a busy programme this autumn. In this newsletter are several requests for members to make their views and opinions on different subjects known, and it is hoped that there will be a good response.

Roman Hendon

Many members nave been busty recently mounting the Roman Hendon exhibition at Church Farm Museum, Greyhound Hill, NW4. This exhibition is very well worth a visit, indeed the amount of material available merits careful study. The basis of the exhibition has been material from Brockley Hill – the Society spent last winter going through the finds from the 1947-1954 excavations – and this is a selected display. There are photographs of members excavating at Thirleby Road, where the 3rd and 4th century Roman pottery exhibited was discovered. Many people will find fascinating the exposition of pottery making – from the collection of the raw material to the finished pot. Many visitors have enjoyed the map of the Borough showing where “finds” have occurred – there is scope here for everyone to keep their eyes skinned, if they live near a likely spot.

Financial

The Treasurer, Richard Deacon, would be very pleased to receive any outstanding subscriptions.

Members achieved a wheelbarrow through their generous contributions of Green Shield Stamps last year. We need to buy more tools and equipment to help in excavations so if you have any spare Green Shield or Pink stamps, please put them in an envelope and post to the Treasurer.

There are still a few “Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet” available after the extra printing – do make sure of your copy by contacting Richard Deacon (print 17 1/2pence – 21p by post).

Lectures

19th October at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall – Mr Harvey Sheldon on HIGHGATE WOODS POTTERY KILNS.

16th November at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall – Dr. John Alexander on “RESCUE”.

One of our members is mounting an exhibition of Roman coins at the first lecture – created by himself. At a later lecture, another member is mounting an exhibition of decorated pipe bowls. Would any of our members be willing to produce a small exhibit at subsequent lectures from their own collections? The Society would do all in its power to ensure that care was taken of exhibits and simple display aids could be provided; please contact the Secretary if you can help in this way.

Records

It is important to keep our records up to date so will members please inform the Secretary of any change of address or telephone number.

Outings

Support for these worthwhile excursions has been poor, and in many cases this year they have been run at a loss. As this is the time of year when next year’s outings are considered, PLEASE HELP by sending any ideas or suggestions you may have to Miss E. Dowling. We must have support and member’s views are important – are the dates wrong? Destination wrong? Would fewer or longer outings be preferred? Would more frequent local trips be popular? The last outing attracted only 21 people; at least 30 are required to make it financially worthwhile.

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Digs and Field Work

The Society seems to have a busy autumn ahead:

St. Mary’s Churchyard – volunteers are needed to help recording the inscriptions, starting on Sunday 3rd October at 2.30 p.m. Ad it is necessary to concentrate on excavation work for the following weekends, regular Sunday afternoon recording sessions will not begin until 31st October at 2.30 p.m. Volunteers meet at the churchyard.

October 9/10 and 16/17 – during these two weekends, we hope to dig again at the site in Thirleby Road, Burnt Oak, where previously Roman pottery has been found as exhibited in the Roman Hendon Exhibition at Church Farm House Museum. Numbers are limited as the area offered by the owner for excavation is small.

October 23/24 – This time we will be working at Simmons’ Nursery, Nether Street, N3 in an endeavour to find the foundations of a 15/16th century house; if successful, this would finish the dig on the perimeter of the Brent Lodge estate begun last autumn.

Anyone who wishes to take part in either of these “digs” is asked to contact Mrs. Grafton Green beforehand. The working time (weather permitting) will be from 10.00 to 5.30 each day with one hour’s lunch break.

River Walk

Mr. G. E. J. Evans has kindly agreed to lead a river walk along Mutton Brook and part of the Brent. This will involve looking for finds in the river gravel and photographing those stretches which may soon disappear, as proposed road developments at Henlys Corner threaten the “wild patch” on the corner of the North Circular Road and Finchley Road through which it runs. The Borough of Barnet is slowly losing its rivers as they become confined out of sight in pipes, and if this first walk proves popular with members, we hope to follow with further walks so that other surviving reaches of Dollis, Brent and Silk Stream can be appreciated.

Brockley Hill Material

Starting next Wednesday, 6th October at 7.00 – 9.30 p.m., we shall begin indexing the finds, following last winter’s work which culminated in the Church House Museum Exhibition. V9olunteers will be very welcome, previous knowledge is not required. Anyone with a latent desire to draw pottery will be particularly welcome. Just turn up at the Art Annexe, Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute at 7 p.m. on October 6th or any subsequent Wednesday evening. We are indebted to Mr. J. Enderby for the use of the facilities at the Institute.

Festival of London

Early next summer, the Festival of London will be celebrated in all London Boroughs. In Barnet, the festivities are being co-ordinated by Barnet Borough Arts Council which is organising the following weeks: –

June 3-10, 1972 – Hendon Week; June 10-17, 1972 – Barnet Week; June 17-24, 1972 – Finchley Week. Following on, Hampstead Garden Suburb will hold its normal “Suburb week” from June 24th.

HADAS has agreed to prepare a special touring photographic exhibition on “The Buildings of the Borough” as its part in the festival; and also to help organise special history walks in Hendon and the Mill Hill/Totteridge area. More about these activities in succeeding Newsletters.

Aug 13
0

Newsletter 011 August 1971

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Page 1

We must apologise for the gap which suddenly appeared in our newsletters, due, we are afraid, to too many holidays among the Editorial Committee! This newsletter should have come out to you at the end of July, but although it arrives a month late, we hope to catch up at the end of September. Thereafter, we’ll revert to the usual two-monthly intervals.

Programme News

18th September 1971. – The Society’s last outing of the summer. This will be to Battle Abbey – with various interesting things to see en route, among them Beeches Farm, a 16th century tilehung farmhouse. Full details are enclosed on a separate sheet, which we hope you will fill in and post off to Liz Dowling as soon as possible.

Lectures

Please note change of venue St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, Hendon, NW4 (owing to the rebuilding of Central Library, we shall stay there all winter.) Change of day – meetings take place on the THIRD Tuesday of each month; usual time – 8.15 p.m.

First Lecture – Tuesday 19th October, when Harvey Sheldon will talk about “Excavations in Highgate Woods” and bring us up to date with the latest discoveries at the Roman kiln site there. 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church House.

Subsequent lectures will take place on Tuesdays at 8.15 p.m. as follows:-

16th November, 21at December, 18th January, 15th February, 21st March, 18th April and 16th May.

The Programme Committee would like to hear from a y member who would be willing to give an occasional vote of thanks at the winter meetings. Please phone or write to Miss E. Dowling.

Roman Hendon

Another important date for your diary is September 4th – the opening of the Society’s exhibition on Roman Hendon at Church Farm Museum. The exhibition goes on until October 10th, but we hope members will visit it early and then come back for a second look. Please encourage your friends to come along too.

Seventeen members of the Society have worked to produce the exhibition, which covers both sites and chance finds in various parts of Hendon. We have permission to steward the exhibition at weekends and hope to have two members there regularly every Saturday (morning and afternoon) and Sunday (afternoon only) to answer questions and, when appropriate, do a little publicity for the Society. If you would like to help in this way, please give Mrs. Grafton Green a ring and tell her what time you can spare.

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Excavation news

Barnet Borough Council has agreed that the Society shall, prior to redevelopment, have time to excavate the site of Nos. 31-41 The Burroughs, when this row of cottages is demolished. Further news of this dig will be circulated as soon as we have been notified of a demolition date.

The Society mounted a weekend dig on July 3rd/4th in the front garden of 33 Thirleby Road on the Watling Estate at Burnt Oak. Last summer, when two runways to take the wheels of a car were being dug out, Roman pottery appeared in this garden. Unfortunately it is a small and beautifully kept garden, and there just did not appear to be anywhere that we could dig. However the owners, Mr. & Mrs. Whiston, kindly agreed that we might remove the central strip between the two runways, which was about 50 ft. by 3 ft. – hardly what could be called a mammoth site.

We opened up five narrow trenches, found nothing in two of them, small fragments of Roman pottery in two others, and nearly 100 sherds with a small bronze coin in the fifth, where we appeared to be in the lowest levels of a Roman rubbish pit, containing bone and building material as well as the pottery. The coin is a barbarous radiate dated to c. 270 A.D. and the pottery also fits into the late third or early fourth century. The whole area is unfortunately built up and there does not seem any chance of further excavation. The rest of the site probably lies under the tarmac of the modern road. The most miraculous thing about this dig was that we managed to get all the earth we took out from between the runways back between them again, so that it almost looked as if we hadn’t been there.

St. Mary’s Churchyard Hendon

A good start has been made on this project, and more than half of the tombstones earlier than 1900 have now been recorded. Much of this has been transferred onto record cards, but to complete the picture, it will be necessary to record the more recent burials. This will be an easy task compared with the reading of older inscriptions! Work has been temporarily suspended for the holiday period, and to allow us to devote more time to the preparation of the Roman Hendon Exhibition. Work will recommence on Sunday 3rd October.

Tutankhamen

All members will be pleased to know that in due course this fine exhibition will be on show at the British Museum.

Evening Classes

Prospectuses for Evening Classes in Archaeology and kindred subjects are now available for the Institute, Hampstead Garden Suburb, and the University of London Extra-mural Department. Your attention is especially drawn to the Certificate in Field Archaeology. Also the Roman classes at Hendon, which we were instrumental in starting, will continue again this season on Wednesday evenings (tutor – Mrs. M. E. Roxan).

The University of London Department for Extra-mural Studies are running “Sources of Local History” at St. Mary’s C.E. School, Downage, NW4 on Mondays 7.30 – 9.30 p.m. commencing 27th September 1971.

Members may like to consider an “Antiques Weekend” (3rd – 5th September 1971). The course fee of £7.50 will cover tuition and accommodation at Battle of Britain House, Ruislip, Northwood, Middlesex. The three days will provide a varied programme of lectures, visits, films and quizzes.

May 15
0

Newsletter 010 May 1971 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

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Page 1

This newsletter marks the beginning of out new financial year. We welcome new members and would invite everyone to send in their subscriptions for 1971/2 to the new Treasurer, Mr. Richard Beacon. The current subscription rate is 75p.

Programme News

June 3rd … Lecture by Dr. Ian Gilliland, MD, FRCP, on MASADA at the Central Library, The Burroughs, NW4 at 8.15 p.m.

June 12th … Outing to Warwick – details in this letter.

June 25th … Mr. K Bailey – talk on Urban Recording at 166 Station Road, NW4 8.15 p.m. (more details below)

July 10th … Outing to the Oxford area, including Rycote Chapel, Chipping Norton and Woodstock Village (cost approx. £1.25)

Sept 18th …Outing to Sussex – in process of arrangement.

The June 25th date is an experiment – a summer evening meeting for lecture and informal discussion. It results from suggestions from several members who can not normally go on weekend outings, but who feel the Society should have some opportunity to meet during the summer. Mr. Keith Bailey will talk of the work which the Wandsworth Historical Society is doing on recording urban Wandsworth. He has some interesting slides and a thoroughly practical approach. Members who have been helping with the Church End Hendon street survey will know how relevant this is to the kind of problem that our Society will have increasingly to deal with. We hope many members will come along to this experimental evening which, if successful, will be the forerunner of others

Winter Lectures

From October 1971, at St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, Hendon, NW4 every third Tuesday of the month. Please note change both of venue and date.

Annual General Meeting

At the AGM on 18th May 1971, the Chairman reported a busy and active year. The work of the Research Committee is progressing well and the outings and lectures have been well supported. As ever, finance is a problem, and although there is a small credit balance, new ways of raising money must be found to back the increasing range of activities of the Society. A vote of thanks was given to the retiring Treasurer, Mrs. Isaaman, for all that she has done for the Society. The Auditor, Mr. W. C. Cogman was thanked for hiw work on the accounts. Mrs. Worby was warmly thanked for all the work she has done in the past, particularly envelope addressing. After refreshments, a varied programme was offered to the audience – Mrs. Hiscock, the Borough Archivist, displayed old photographs and prints of Hendon for identification – the Sparks brothers of East Barnet Cine Society showed a film they had made about the Battle of Barnet – Mr. Brian Robertson spoke about the search for Roman Hendon.

The following officers were elected: – Chairman – B. A. Jarman, Vice-chairman – E. Sammes, Hon. Secretary – Mrs. P. Grafton Green, Hon. Treasurer – R. Deacon. The committee is as follows: – Mrs. Arnott, Mr. Clynes, Mr. Cole, Miss Rigby, Miss E. Dowling, Mr. Enderby, Miss Fear, Miss Flascati, Mr, Kirkwood, Mr; Long, Mr. Wookey.

Battle of Barnet

We can be proud of the part which HADAS has played over the past two years in planning and producing the Quincentenary Exhibition of the Battle of Barnet. For a three week period during April the mists of time shrouding the event were lifted. The main exhibition was visited by an estimated 10,000 people. A diorama containing 2,000 battling figures was arranged by the London War Games Section. Banners of the main contestants hung around the hall (these, designed by the Heraldic Design Class of Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, were exceptionally well executed by different women’s organisations in the area). Brass rubbings were mounted up the approach staircase and cases around the room contained relics of the period.

Page 2

The Richard III Society exhibited an absorbing reconstruction of the controversial evidence concerning this Prince’s place in history. Three of our younger members were largely responsible for setting up the stimulating exhibition of children’s work.

Our first booklet, Occasional Paper No. 1 “Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet” – was on sale at the bookstall. It had sold out by the end of the first week. In order not to disappoint members, we are having a further 100 printed. We hope that all members will by a copy of what is – to HADAS anyway – a historic publication in more than one sense. Please get a copy from Richard Deacon, price 17 1/2 penny or 21p by post.

Reascue

Please read the enclosed leaflet RESCUE. This, a new trust for British Archaeology recently set up, urgently needs an initial membership of 100,000. Will all members of HADAS please consider joining this new venture, and encourage friends and families to join as well, even though they are not archaeologists. Minimum subscription is £1.

London Archaeologist

This quarterly publication, first appearance in Winter of 1968, badly wants to extend its readership. The Spring 1971 issue carries a report with good illustrations on the Greenwich Palace dig by Philip Dixon, our speaker last January on this subject. Two of our members also contribute articles. Paul Carter and Brian Robertson. Subscription (4 issues) costs only 60p a year post free.

Exhibition

The Society received high praise for its exhibit at the Annual Conference of London Archaeologists, organised by the London & Middlesex Archaeological Society. Some of the Brockley Hill finds were displayed, including flints, mortarium stamps, pottery and bronze. We also showed resistivity meter surveying and maps of the Victorian postal history of Barnet.

Brockley Hill Pottery

Every Wednesday evening at the Sculpture Studio, Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute between 7 – 9.30, work proceeds on this pottery. This is an outstanding opportunity for HADAS members to get used to handling and recognising Roman pottery of several periods. Please come along. Beginners welcome.

Clay Pipes

Now members are getting busy in their gardens again, we would like to hear from anyone who finds clay pipes (especially bowls). We are trying to trace clay pipe makers, both in the Borough of Barnet and at Highgate. Anyone who can help with the above should contact Jeremy Clynes.

Excavation and Field work this summer

Nether Street, Finchley – first digging date for your diary is the weekend of June 19/20, when we hope to open two trenches in the grounds of Mr. Simmon’s nursery gardens at 166, Nether Street, N3. Work will commence at 10 on both days. The area available for digging is small, so please let Mrs. Grafton Green know soon if you would like to take part.

College Farm Survey (Express Dairy farm). Permission has been given to record the farm buildings and equipment at College Farm, which most members will now, near Henleys Corner. We hope to do this over one or two weekends this summer. Any members wishing to take part are asked to let Mrs. Grafton Green know. Further information will then be sent when the final arrangements have been made.

Brass Rubbings, Church House Farm Museum

May 8th – June 13th 1971. This exhibition includes rubbings from Hendon, Harrow, the City of London, St. Albans and many other places. These are of great historical interest. Open 10.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. (closed 12.30 – 1.3o p.m.), Tuesdays (10.00 am to 1.00 p.m. only, Sundays .30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Admission free.

HADAS exhibition

The Society will show a small selection of the Brockley Hill finds during Suburb week by kind permission of Mr. Enderby, in the Art Annexe of Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute. On show June 30th.

Mar 15
0

Newsletter 009 March 1971 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

By | Past Newsletters, Volume 1 : 1969 - 1974 | No Comments

Page 1

The Society continues to flourish and there are many activities upon which to report, both past and present.

Lectures

Our next meeting will take place on April 6th at Hendon Central Library, when Mr. Money will be talking about two Iron-age hill forts in the Tonbridge area.

AGM

The Annual General Meeting this year will take place on the 18th May ay 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, Hendon. We hope this occasion will be a members’ evening and provide refreshments.

Outing

There will be a coach trip to the Chilterns on 24th April and members wishing to go on this trip should contact Miss E. Dowling for details. This is an experiment and is being specially organised for our Society by Mr. Paul Carter of the Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society. This trip is guaranteed to be most enjoyable and will be more or less a “mystery” trip. Don’t forget to support this event and telephone or write to Miss E. Dowling.

Workshop evening

On March 2nd, 90 people attended the Workshop evening when we were hosts to the Greater London Industrial Archaeological Society. Speakers were Mr. Bruce Henry who gave a talk on his collection of mineral water bottles, Miss Gillian Riley who gave a talk on ”Towards a National Lettering Collection”; Mrs. Grafton Green gave an account of brick making in Harrow Weald 300 years ago, and Mr. E. Sammes gave an account of milestones in Barnet. After a short break during which the audience looked at exhibits, Mr. M. Robbins wound up the evening with a short lecture on “Is Industry a fit subject for Archaeology?” We hope this type of evening will become an annual occurrence.

The Tenth Anniversary Birthday Party

This was held on Saturday 6th March at 166 Station Road, Hendon, NW4. Those of you who were present already know of the social success of the evening and it is with great pleasure that we learned later of the financial success as well. About 40 people were present and it was indeed a pleasure to see so many people supporting a social evening such as this – which was the first of its kind. One of the highlights of the evening was the cutting of the cake by Councillor Mrs. B. Freedman, one of our Vice Presidents.

Mr Wookey, a well-known founder member of the Society, showed slides of various places he had visited all over the world. This was turned into a competition for the correct answers, which was won by Mrs. Corlet. Altogether the verdict was – a very successful evening and Councillor B. Jarman made a point of thanking the members of the committee who had helped and contributed towards the work.

Booklet Publication

The Treasurer would like to thank those members who have kindly lent money towards the publication of a booklet by the Society. The booklet is now in the hands of the publishers and will be ready shortly.

Subscriptions

March 31st is the end of our financial year. If any members have not yet paid their subscription, please send them to Mrs. Isaaman.

The Battle of Barnet Quincentenary Exhibition

This will be opened by Lady Lenanton on April 10th at 3.00 p.m. The exhibition will be held at the Council Chambers, Wood Street, Barnet from April 10th-30th inclusive. It is open from 10.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. on weekdays and 2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free. The brochure published by the Society has just been published containing articles on the battle, medieval warfare, history of the borough, etc., and copies (price 3/- or 15p) may be obtained from Mrs. Grafton Green.

The actual exhibition will include armour from the period, i.e. the 15th century, and many other historical items some of which have been lent by the Tower of London.

There will be a refreshment marquee behind the exhibition, with snacks and light refreshments, a bookstall on which amongst other literature will be the Society’s Occasional Paper No. 1 on the Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet and coloured slides, one of them taken by our archivist, Mr. E. Sammes.

Page 2

Brockley Hill Finds

The finds from the digs at Brockley Hill, near Stanmore, the Roman pottery kiln-site of Sulloniacae are now being catalogued and re-studied at Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute by interested members of the Society on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (including Easter Tuesday). It is hoped soon to start Saturday afternoon work at Church Farm Museum.

Church End, Hendon, NW4

Recording is being done both photographically and by filling in street survey forms. Members interested in helping with either the street survey or the pottery sessions are asked to get in touch with Mrs. Grafton Green.

The Conference of London Archaeologists

This will take place in the Livery Hall of Guildhall on March 27th. Doors open at 2.00 p.m. to allow a chance to see the many exhibits (HADAS will be represented this year); talks begin at 2.30 p.m. Tickets (including tea) for members of LAMAS 25p; non-members 40p, obtainable from Mrs. Grafton Green.

Speakers will include Harvey Sheldon on excavations at London Bridge; Graham Dawson on a Delft-war kiln at Montagu Close, Southwark; Peter Drewitt on excavations in Croydon Old Town; Philip Dixon on the Tudor Palace at Greenwich. Three of these four have talked to our Society in recent years, Mr. Dixon in January last.

After tea, Dr. John Alexander will talk about the aims of RESCUE, the new archaeological society which has been formed to try and save threatened sites all over the country.

The Finchley Society

This is the probable name of a historical society formed recently in Finchley by Miss Jean Scott, GLC councillor of the London Borough of Barnet, with the objects of recording worthwhile buildings, open spaces, tress, etc. in the old parish of Finchley. The second meeting will be held on Friday March 26th at the old Parish Hall of St. Mary’s Church, Church End, Finchley, N3 at 8.00 p.m. Finchley members of HADAS may be interested in joining – subscription will be 30p until the end of 1971.

Green Shield Stamps

These and Pink stamps are still being collected by the Society, and if members have any to spare, they should be sent to Mrs. Isaaman.

Volunteer Speakers

If any members have an interest in any aspect of archaeology and would like to gice a short talk about it at the Annual General Meeting on 18th May (mentioned earlier in this Newsletter) they may get in touch with Miss E. Dowling. As it will only be possible to accommodate two or three people to speak during the evening, it will be a matter of “first come, first served”.

Forthcoming Courses

A good follow-up to our very popular Industrial Archaeology evening with GLIAS on March 2nd would be to join the course of six lectures on Industrial Archaeology being organised by the London University Extra Mural Department on Tuesdays, starting April 27th. Time – 7.00 p.m. Place – Extra Mural Centre, Tavistock Square, London WC1. Further details from Extra Mural Department, 7, Rigdmount Street, WC1

The lectures on “The Romans in the West” will go on for a second year next winter, starting Wednesday 6th October at Hendon Technical College. A few new students can still be admitted. As a result of this success, WEA are organising a Hendon Branch – the inaugural meeting will be in Lecture Theatre A18 at Hendon Technical College on March 31st 1971 at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome.

Jan 15
0

Newsletter 008 January 1971 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

By | Past Newsletters, Volume 1 : 1969 - 1974 | No Comments

Page 1

On behalf of the Society, the Editor hopes all our members have a |prosperous New Year. At the moment, there are numerous lectures and exhibitions in the offing and I hope that the ones mentioned will interest members.

Lectures

Firstly the Society’s lectures. On January 5th, 30 people braved the cold to come and hear a talk by Mr. Philip Dixon on “Greenwich Tudor Palace”. We hope to see as many members as possible, plus friends on February 2nd when Dr. Michael Day will be speaking on The emergence of Man.

As one of the Winter Lectures in the Barnet Libraries, Mr. Peter Marsden from the Guildhall Museum is giving a talk on Recent Discoveries in Roman and Medieval London. This will be held on Wednesday 7th February at North Finchley Library.

Brockley Hill Finds

Arrangements to move this material to new storage places in Church Farm Museum and Hampstead Garden Suburb have been held up but it is hoped that they will be completed soon. When this has been done, the Society can go ahead with plans to work on the material. The days allotted for this are:-

i) the second and fourth Tuesday in each month; 7.30-9.30 p.m. at Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute,

ii) Saturday afternoons at 2.30-5.00 p.m. at Church Farm Museum.

Those members who have already volunteered to help will be informed as soon as work is ready to start. More volunteers will be very welcome, so if you can help, please send the Secretary your name.

St. Mary’s Churchyard, Hendon

Recording of inscriptions on the tombstones was carried out on five weekends before Christmas. The area between the footpath and Church Terrace has now been fully recorded and work is now being done on the area north of the church. The recording hopes to be continued as soon as the weather is a bit warmer. Willing recorders will meet on Sundays at 2.30 p.m. in the churchyard. They are advised to warp up well, because to put it mildly, the whole area is very cold and damp.

Conference of London Archaeologists

This annual event, organised by the London & Middlesex Archaeological Society, will take place in the Livery Hall of the Guildhall on March 27th 1971. There are four or five talks during the afternoon on recent excavations in the London area; an excellent tea; and a chance to look round some of the stands showing work of local Societies. This year, HADAS has obtained exhibition space and we hope that many members may decide to attend. For further details, please write to Mr Roy Canham at the London Museum, Kensington Palace, W8.

Page 2

Museum Charges

Members will no doubt have read in the National Press of the Government’s plan to introduce admission charges for all major museums and galleries, e.g. the British Museum, the South Kensington Museums and the National Portrait Gallery. A campaign to organise opposition to this plan has been started and is already supported by many well-known and reputable organisations and individuals. Our Society has been asked for its support and the Committee has agreed to give it, feeling that the aims of the campaign will have the sympathy of the majority of the members.

Action which can be taken both by the Society and any member who wishes to act individually includes writing to local M.P.s and to Lord Eccles; writing to the local press; and signing the Campaign’s petition forms, to be presented at the House of Commons at the end of the month.

Church Farm House Museum

An exhibition about the life and work of Sir William Chambers (1726-1796) the Architect and his partner, Thomas Collins of Woodhouse is on show at the Museum from January 9th to February 7th 1971. This pair were responsible for the building of houses in Berners Street, Marylebone, and the 18th century Woodhouse (now Woodhouse School) which was reconstructed in 1860.

From February 13th to March 21st 1971, there will be an exhibition on Medieval Villagers and Modern Citizens.

London Museum

“Time off in 1870” is the title of a display of leisurely diversions in Victorian times. The exhibition closes on April 30th 1971.

The Victoria and Albert

Closely connect to the above exhibition is the V & A ‘What the children like’. A large collection of children’s books, toys and games are on display, which have been donated to the nation by Mrs. Anne and Fernand G. Renier. This closes on February 14th 1971.

There is also a chance until January 31st to see “Postcards 1870-1920”. Here you can see examples of early greetings cards, which could be sent for one halfpenny; the exhibition is in Room 38a on the Restaurant corridor.

Page 3

10 years old

This year, the Society is ten years old. The first entry in the HADAS Minute Book is dated May 4th 1961. It reports, among other things, a membership on 25, with 17 members already paid up.

What better way to celebrate achieving double figures than to launch out on a totally new venture? HADAS now enjoying a membership of nearly six times that of 1961, is about to produce its own publications something that most local organisations consider to be he final accolade of success.

As past newsletters have mentioned, HADAS has from the outset participated in (indeed, we initiated) the plans for commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Batlle of Barnet next April. At the Quincentenary Exhibition from April 10-30, there will be a bookstall. This provides a golden chance for launching the first HADAS booklet on some subject connected with the battle. The 5,000 word booklet wil cost between £30 and £40 to produce. We feel sure that every HADAS member will want to buy one. There is a further way in which some members may care to help the Society. This is by underwriting part of the initial cost of publication.

If you would like to be associated with this new venture, will you to lend the Society £3 for one year, less if you can not manage so much, towards the printing costs? If the publication is a success, the whole loan will of course be returned to you; if it makes a loss, the return will only be proportionate. Anyone prepared to act as a guarantor should contact Mrs. Isaaman.

Nov 19
0

Newsletter 007 November 1970

By | Past Newsletters, Volume 1 : 1969 - 1974 | No Comments

Page 1

Despite the fact that Winter is upon us, and that Christmas will soon be here, Society activities are more numerous than ever, so let’s start with …..

Lectures

For future lectures, we are sending printed reminder cards to all members, the first being for the December 1st lecture by Mr. Sammes.

On November 6th, Mr Rutherford Davis gave an interesting talk about deserted Medieval Villages in Hertfordshire (and elsewhere!). He showed that overpopulation and poor agricultural practices were partly responsible for the drastic effects leading to the disappearance of villages

Wrotham Park survey (from Newsletter 6)

This took place during two weekends in October, by kind permission of Lady Elizabeth Byng. A mortuary chapel was built by Edward IV after the Battle of Barnet near the graves of the men-at-arms. The object of the exercise was to find the foundations of the building. Preliminary work on the traverse readings shows one area which may be worth further investigation. In other words, this story will be continued….

Brent Lodge, Nether Street, Finchley

The trial dig mentioned in our last newsletter duly took place, and despite the small area available for excavation, five trial trenches were opened, investigated, and backfilled during one weekend. The site had been a garden/allotments for 150 years, and there was considerable soil disturbance. The object was to find the foundations of a house known to have been standing in 1612 and demolished c. 1807.

Even though it was unstratified, enough pottery was found, dateable to the first half of the 17th century, to suggest that the site of the house was near, probably to the east. Pottery found included the whole base of a tyg, slipware, combed ware and bellarmine. An interesting early field drain was found, consisting of tiles of croquet-hoop shape laid on a flat base plate. One tiling pipe was marked “Drain”, an indication that it could be dated to the period when bricks were taxed and pipes for drainage were tax-free.

Next year, it is hoped to extend the excavation to the east, with the co-operation of one of the nearby residents.

St Mary’s Churchyard

The Society has already begun to record the most interesting graves in this historic churchyard. The Parish authorities welcomed the suggestion that we should do this, and asked us to provide a duplicate record for the parish. The Society of Genealogists is also interested, so we have promised to let them have a list of recorded graves.

Sixteen volunteers turned up, despite a bitter autumn wind, to help with the first session on November 8th. We have started by recording all tombs dated before 1850, and only interesting ones after that date. Recording will go on during the winter on fine Sunday afternoons, starting at 2.30 p.m. More volunteers will always be welcome, and anyone interested can get further details from the Secretary. As a Sunday afternoon occupation, this may seem to the uninitiated somewhat macabre – but once you start, it has a considerable fascination.

The survey will be done in two parts: first the churchyard research; second, the neat copying of notes taken “in the field” on to an index. Mrs. Worby and Miss Fear have already kindly offered to do part of the copying, but are there any other members who would be prepared, in their own time, to do some copying, either in a neat hand or by typewriter? If so, please contact the Secretary.

Page 2

Brockley Hill Finds

Digging began at Brockley Hill (Sulloniacae, a Roman Pottery-Kiln site) before the last war and went on, at intervals, until 1954. The finds from these excavations have for many years been stored in the roof annexe of the Hendon Central Library. For over a year, we have been trying to obtain permission to move this material to more accessible storage, where the pottery could be worked on, and studied. Some from the later excavations is still unwashed, unmarked or uncatalogued.

Although the best finds have already been published in various volumes of the Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, much work still needs to be done on the large accumulation of finds from this site. Hopefully, it will be possible to hold an exhibition of part of the material at some later date, now that we have permission from LAMAS to catalogue the finds.

In the future, the finds will be stored in the “cellar” or old dairy of the [[Church Farm Museum]] and the Hampstead Garden Institute, by courtesy of the Central Library authorities and Mr. J. de F. Enderby respectively. Facilities for working on the finds are available at both places. All members are invited to help. Those who already have some experience in dealing with Roman pottery will be particularly welcome, but please do not feel that a lack of knowledge will prevent you from helping. We plan to work at Church Farm Museum on most Saturday afternoons: and to have a pottery session at H.G.S. Institute, if one can be arranged, every alternate second and fourth Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Please ring or write to the Secretary and let her know if you are interested and when you would like to help.

Wanted – A Representative

Would you like free membership to the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society for a year? We need a representative for the Society to attend the meetings of LAMAS, since we are entitled to send one voting member to all LAMAS lectures, meetings and visits. LAMAS meetings are held on one Friday each month at 6.30 p.m. at the Bishopsgate Institute. Next month’s lecture, on December 11th, is on London Bridge from Roman times till today. Visits are on Saturdays. There is one to Sutton Hoo Ship Burial at the British Museum on 16th January, 1971.

If you are interested, please ring Mrs. Grafton Green – she will supply a copy of the programme and any other details needed.

63 say YES

Thanks for the good response to the questionnaire. From the information we received, we will try to cater for the varied interests in the Society

All that remains now is for me to wish everyone A HAPPY CHRISTMAS and GOOD LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR.

Nov 15
0

Newsletter 007 November 1970 – HADAS Newsletter Archive

By | Past Newsletters, Volume 1 : 1969 - 1974 | No Comments

Page 1

Despite the fact that Winter is upon us, and that Christmas will soon be here, Society activities are more numerous than ever, so let’s start with …..

Lectures

For future lectures, we are sending printed reminder cards to all members, the first being for the December 1st lecture by Mr. Sammes.

On November 6th, Mr Rutherford Davis gave an interesting talk about deserted Medieval Villages in Hertfordshire (and elsewhere!). He showed that overpopulation and poor agricultural practices were partly responsible for the drastic effects leading to the disappearance of villages

Wrotham Park survey (from Newsletter 6)

This took place during two weekends in October, by kind permission of Lady Elizabeth Byng. A mortuary chapel was built by Edward IV after the Battle of Barnet near the graves of the men-at-arms. The object of the exercise was to find the foundations of the building. Preliminary work on the traverse readings shows one area which may be worth further investigation. In other words, this story will be continued….

Brent Lodge, Nether Street, Finchley

The trial dig mentioned in our last newsletter duly took place, and despite the small area available for excavation, five trial trenches were opened, investigated, and backfilled during one weekend. The site had been a garden/allotments for 150 years, and there was considerable soil disturbance. The object was to find the foundations of a house known to have been standing in 1612 and demolished c. 1807.

Even though it was unstratified, enough pottery was found, dateable to the first half of the 17th century, to suggest that the site of the house was near, probably to the east. Pottery found included the whole base of a tyg, slipware, combed ware and bellarmine. An interesting early field drain was found, consisting of tiles of croquet-hoop shape laid on a flat base plate. One tiling pipe was marked “Drain”, an indication that it could be dated to the period when bricks were taxed and pipes for drainage were tax-free.

Next year, it is hoped to extend the excavation to the east, with the co-operation of one of the nearby residents.

St Mary’s Churchyard

The Society has already begun to record the most interesting graves in this historic churchyard. The Parish authorities welcomed the suggestion that we should do this, and asked us to provide a duplicate record for the parish. The Society of Genealogists is also interested, so we have promised to let them have a list of recorded graves.

Sixteen volunteers turned up, despite a bitter autumn wind, to help with the first session on November 8th. We have started by recording all tombs dated before 1850, and only interesting ones after that date. Recording will go on during the winter on fine Sunday afternoons, starting at 2.30 p.m. More volunteers will always be welcome, and anyone interested can get further details from the Secretary. As a Sunday afternoon occupation, this may seem to the uninitiated somewhat macabre – but once you start, it has a considerable fascination.

The survey will be done in two parts: first the churchyard research; second, the neat copying of notes taken “in the field” on to an index. Mrs. Worby and Miss Fear have already kindly offered to do part of the copying, but are there any other members who would be prepared, in their own time, to do some copying, either in a neat hand or by typewriter? If so, please contact the Secretary.

Page 2

Brockley Hill Finds

Digging began at Brockley Hill (Sulloniacae, a Roman Pottery-Kiln site) before the last war and went on, at intervals, until 1954. The finds from these excavations have for many years been stored in the roof annexe of the Hendon Central Library. For over a year, we have been trying to obtain permission to move this material to more accessible storage, where the pottery could be worked on, and studied. Some from the later excavations is still unwashed, unmarked or uncatalogued.

Although the best finds have already been published in various volumes of the Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, much work still needs to be done on the large accumulation of finds from this site. Hopefully, it will be possible to hold an exhibition of part of the material at some later date, now that we have permission from LAMAS to catalogue the finds.

In the future, the finds will be stored in the “cellar” or old dairy of the [[Church Farm Museum]] and the Hampstead Garden Institute, by courtesy of the Central Library authorities and Mr. J. de F. Enderby respectively. Facilities for working on the finds are available at both places. All members are invited to help. Those who already have some experience in dealing with Roman pottery will be particularly welcome, but please do not feel that a lack of knowledge will prevent you from helping. We plan to work at Church Farm Museum on most Saturday afternoons: and to have a pottery session at H.G.S. Institute, if one can be arranged, every alternate second and fourth Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Please ring or write to the Secretary and let her know if you are interested and when you would like to help.

Wanted – A Representative

Would you like free membership to the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society for a year? We need a representative for the Society to attend the meetings of LAMAS, since we are entitled to send one voting member to all LAMAS lectures, meetings and visits. LAMAS meetings are held on one Friday each month at 6.30 p.m. at the Bishopsgate Institute. Next month’s lecture, on December 11th, is on London Bridge from Roman times till today. Visits are on Saturdays. There is one to Sutton Hoo Ship Burial at the British Museum on 16th January, 1971.

If you are interested, please ring Mrs. Grafton Green – she will supply a copy of the programme and any other details needed.

63 say YES

Thanks for the good response to the questionnaire. From the information we received, we will try to cater for the varied interests in the Society

All that remains now is for me to wish everyone A HAPPY CHRISTMAS and GOOD LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR.