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Lectures
The lecture on March 3rd was on coins in Archaeological Research, and our members heard a fascinating and very instructional survey on the subject. AS further lecture by Mr. G. Smookler on the Roman coinage of Britain would be welcome if we can persuade him to oblige. The final lecture this winter (APRIL 14th – NOT the usual first Tuesday of the month) will be of special interest to all members who are active researchers in the district. It will be by the recently appointed Borough of Barnet Archivist, Mrs Anthea Hiscock, who will tell about the sources available for research in the Borough. We are apt to forget that excavation, though the most spectacular, is not the only means of research open to us. The older members of the Society can do much valuable work in studying the literary records. For example, the documents in the Westminster Abbey archives relating to the Manor of Hendon have never been fully explored. Mrs Hiscock has already told us that she is much looking forward to the opportunity of meeting members of the Society, a sentiment we are sure members will appreciate.
OUTINGS. Summer 1970. All on Saturdays
March 21st. BRIGHTON Arrangements have already been notified but a note should be made that the coach will stop at Preston Manor on the way in, all the other places of special interest being within easy walking distance of each other. In addition to those already mentioned, you are reminded that the famous antique shops in the ‘Lanes’, the Aquarium and its adjoining museum of veteran cars are all close to the ‘Pavilion’. The Hove Museum is also worth a visit, if time permits.
April 25th. It was hoped to visit Ightham Mote, but we have not been able to obtain a special opening for a Saturday. Instead, we shall visit The Friars at Aylesford, and after lunch the battlemented Elizabethan and 18th century manor house of Boughton Monchelsea, four and a half miles south of Maidstone.
May 30th. On this date, it is hoped that we shall be able to visit SILCHESTER and READING Museum. Most of the discoveries of the Roman city of Silchester are housed at Reading Museum.
July 4th. Arrangements have not been finalised, but it is planned to visit Ragley Hall, 8 miles west of Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a stately mansion of the 17th century and 18th century with very fine furniture, pictures and porcelain. The grounds are exceptionally attractive.
September 19th. This again has not been finalised, but it is proposed to visit Burghley House near Stamford, Lincs, although the house is actually on Northants. This great mansion is the Elizabethan rival of Hatfield, full of splendid paintings and furniture. Those who wish to do some ‘homework’ on the places we are visiting are reminded that the Hendon Central Reference Library is particularly well equipped with topographical works from the Victoria County Histories to the familiar Ward Lock Guides.
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 5th. 8:15 p.m. Central Library NW4
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Saturday May 30th.
The Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute plans an open afternoon lecture/meeting on Conservation, as a contribution to European Conservation Year. Discussions will be initiated by prominent speakers specialising in some aspect of conservation – a wise ranging subject that takes in everything from preserving ancient monuments to controlling pollution in inland waters and oceans. It is hoped that in the ensuing discussion, ideas for positive local action will be put forward. It is unfortunate that the date of this meeting coincides with our visit to Silchester. Those who are unable to go on the outing and would like to attend the afternoon conference should let Miss Hill know so that she can inform the Institute regarding numbers.
Hendon Church Farm Museum
The exhibition on the Middlesex Regiment closes on March 22nd, and the following one on Hendon Records in the 18th century should be of particular interest. It runs from March 28th to April 26th.
Industrial Archaeology
We have mentioned in earlier newsletters the work that the members of the Society have been doing on the recording archhaeology monuments in Barnet. As a result of this, the Society has been asked to mount a small exhibit at one of their functions during the coming months. Offers of help in arranging this exhibit will be warmly welcomed, particularly from any member with skill in the art of lettering.
Historic Buildings
The Historic Buildings Preservation Committee of the London & Middlesex Archaeological Society (to which ours is affiliated) has asked for names of any of our members with wither a special knowledge of, or any informed interest in, historic buildings in this area. They are making a register of people spread throughout London and Middlesex, who can provide prompt advice about the historic or architectural quality or even just the present state of local buildings, should these be threatened by development schemes or in other ways. Would any members of the Society who are interested in the preservation of historic buildings, and who would like to know of this scheme please get in touch with Mrs. Grafton Green, who will be glad to give further information.
Emergency Dig
For Hemel Hempstead Excavation Society. Volunteers are needed from Tuesday 31st March to Sunday 19th April for the Royal Palace at Kings Langley, Herts. Apply to D. S. Neal Esq Ministry of Public Buildings and Works
The site is a quarter of a mile south of Kings Langley. It is an excellent opportunity to dig on a medieval site.
Subscriptions
April is upon us and once again you annual subscription is due. The ever increasing cost of postage, printing and stationery has caused us to increase the amount of the subscription for the first time since the Society was formed in 1961. It is now 15/- (10/- for those under 18). I am sure you will continue to support the Society and should be most grateful if you will send your subscription to the Hon Treasurer
Archive Notes
Archive Images
Archive Notes
Only substantial reference found to Hemel Hempstead Excavation Society is a page about , which mentions Kings Langley excavations.
See Also
Industrial archaeology in newsletters 001 and 002
