Newsletter
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VICTOR JONES’ LEGACY by Don Cooper
As many of you will recall, Victor Jones, who died in 2002 and was a member for many years and HADAS treasurer for nine years in the 1980s, left £1000 in his will to HADAS to be used for the promotion of archaeology in Barnet schools. After a number of false starts, we have now fulfilled his wishes. We have done this by providing Barnet Education Services with three “finds and replicas” boxes. These boxes, one containing Roman, one Tudor and one Florence Nightingale material, were assembled with artefacts and replicas by an organisation called “Suitcases of History”, and have an insert remembering Victor’s legacy and HADAS. The boxes have been added to Barnet Education Services’ loan service, whereby they are lent to schools to support the teaching of the above subjects, and then returned to the lending services to be used by other schools. The task of fulfilling Victor’s legacy was facilitated by Gerrard Roots of Church Farm Museum, whose help and support we really appreciate. I am sure Victor would be delighted with the outcome as one of the “bees in his bonnet” was promoting archaeology and HADAS in our local schools.
HADAS DIARY – Forthcoming Lectures and Events in 2006
Tuesday 14th March – Meriel Jeater, Assistant Curator, Department of Early London History and Collections, Museum of London: “Reinventing the Middle Ages: the Museum of London’s New Medieval London Gallery.”
Tuesday 11th April – Kathryn Piquette, Institue of Archaeology, UCL: “Maintaining Order, Fighting Chaos: evidence in the Petrie Museum for Egyptian Warfare.” (Then judge for yourself how accurate those battle scenes in the recent Sunday evening BBC “Egypt” programme really were.
Tuesday 9th may _ Andy Agate, Institute of Archaeology, UCL: “Kingsbury Old Church”. (Andy is a member of the Wednesday Evening Course working on the Ted Sammes Hendon Church Terrace site for publication, and dug with us at Church Farmhouse Museum in 2005).
Tuesday 13th June – Annual General Meeting.
Saturday 24th June – Outing to Sussex with June Porges and Stuart Wild.
Saturday 22″ July – Day Trip to Leicestershire with Tessa Smith and Sheila Woodward.
Wednesday August 30th – Sunday September 3″ 2006: Annual HADAS Long Weekend – Devon and Cornwall, staying at Plymouth University. To book one of the few remaining places, please contact Jackie Brookes.
As ever, lectures and the AGM take place at Avenue house, 17 East End Road, Finchley, N3 3QE. Events begin at 8pm. Non-members £1. Tea, coffee and biscuits 70p. Fifteen-minute walk from Finchley Central tube station. Turn left on exiting the station and go down the hill – East End Road is a turning on the left; several nearby bus routes; limited parking.
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FIELDWORK ROUND-UP by BILL BASS
SWANLEY BAR (north of Potters Bar) – TL2590/0308 (approx ref)
In early September 2005 members of HADAS conducted a resistivity survey near Swanley Bar Farm in connection with medieval occupation. Fieldwalking over earthworks (possible house platforms) by Brian Warren and the Potters Bar Local History Soc has located amounts of medieval (and earlier) pottery in the location. The resistivity results look promising. 280 EAST BARNET ROAD – TQ2719/9528 Phillip Bailey (HADAS member) has conducted a ‘Watching Brief at the above site during extension work in November 2005. A small amount of medieval material was found with the majority being post- medieval. A report has been deposited with the HADAS library.
WEST HEATH
Work continues on the sorting, rebagging and reboxing of the Mesolithic material. With the advice of other bodies (EH etc) we have also disposed of a considerable amount of material e.g. burnt stone, soil samples and plaster casts of post-holes. Along with further work to sort the flint, a start will be made on the archive – site books/notes, maps, slides and photos etc. A recent visit to BURGH HOUSE MUSEUM, Hampstead, has established that the flints currently on display are well presented and secure. We may need to find out/record how much is not on display and where it is kept.
EDGWARE SCHOOL
A dig is taking place here w/c 20th Feb to investigate air-raid shelters in the grounds. It will undertaken by Gabe Moshenska (UCL) and the ‘Great War Archaeology Group’. HADAS will be lending some support and equipment.
THE LONDON ACADEMY (NORTH), EDGWARE – TQ 518437/192926
An evaluation by AOC Archaeology here last summer consisted of 22 trenches. The western edge of the development area revealed a good level of survival of archaeological remains with a series of ditches and several isolated pits and postholes recorded over 5 trenches. These features all truncated a possible Roman occupation layer, and much of the material recovered from the ditches and pits was dated to the Roman period. The alignment of the linear features, running north to south, and therefore parallel with known Roman road, and east west at 90 degrees to the road, support the idea that these features formed part of a Roman roadside settlement. (EH GLAAS Quarterly Review Aug-Oct 2005)
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Remembering Danny Lampert
Sadly we report the recent death of Danny Lampert. He and Helen have been members of HADAS for over 30 years, and will be remembered by all our members as they were regulars on outings and at Christmas dinners. Our sympathy goes to Helen and her family. We have also been notified of the sad death of Gillian Hartnoll who lived in Hendon, a member since 1993. Her friend Sheila Pearce particularly remembered, and regretted, having been unable to take up an invitation to join Gill on the HADAS trip that included the home at Fontwell Magna of HADAS member John Enderby, an acquaintance of long standing. Gill (like Sheila and John too, of course, was active in may different local organisations and a good friend to many.
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CONSERVATION AND ARCHAEOLOGY From our own correspondent
HADAS Lecture, Tuesday 10th January 2006 The inaugural lecture of 2006, entitled “Conservation and Archaeology”, was given by Mr Jon Finney, Planner and Architect from the Urban Design and Heritage Group of the London Borough of Barnet. Mr. Finney began by explaining that policy governing conservation has three main strands. Some sites required full protection, some could be enhanced whilst retaining their essential character, and some could be made available for growth. Barnet, it seems, in tres partes divisus est. The treatment of each of these categories would be designed to reduce the difficulties inherent in geographical and social division, and to conform as far as possible to the ideal of the mixed development. He concluded his opening remarks by stating that he did not intend to refer to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Conservation Area – presumably a law to itself – and that nothing he might say should be taken as anything other than a personal view. The degree of protection to be given to any particular site is, apparently, derived from the unified consent of concerned local and national bodies under the aegis of the Ministry for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This mountain travails and produces mice in the forms of PPGs 16 and 15 which each require fundamentally different treatment. Sites subject to PPG 16 are preserved in situ or museumised in order to prevent change, and enjoy the strictest protection. Brockley Hill, Sulloniacis (0/S Roman Britain 5th Ed), and the moated manor site under the Sternberg Centre were mentioned in this connection. Apparently there are 19 similar sites in the borough; medieval settlements on the sites of something much older as at Church End Farm, hilltop settlements as at Totteridge and Mill Hill, the road at Watling Street, and, of course, the Battle. Mr. Finney commented on the lack of maps, guides and interpretations. Sadly true. Those old soldiers struggling in the mist have faded away, but the mist remains. PPGs 15 provided a marked change of function and emphasis. Now the talk was not of no change but of managed change, and not just any change but change for a purpose. An interesting purpose, and one with ancient roots: the enhancement of social well-being. The monasteries had a duty of hospitality and tending the sick, but between Henry VIII and the welfare state there was a void in alms giving and, perhaps, in belief which encouraged private enterprise. Mr. Finney used almshouses as examples of the function and working of PF 15 in preserving ancient fabrics whilst addressing social ills. He cited ten existing foundations in Barnet, the earliest dating from 1585, and provided many intriguing and amusing anecdotes about their foundation, their histories, their benefactors and their beneficiaries, besides indicating their buildings’ relevance to the history of architecture. The third strand, growth, is the most sensitive politically, and Mr. Finney restricted his observations to the effects of the wave of church rebuilding in the latter part of the nineteenth century on two parish churches in the borough. The fifteenth century Church of St John the Baptist in High Barnet was enlarged by William Butterfield, who installed two naves and two aisles with internal clerestory window spaces, besides decorating parts of the exterior with a striking system of chequer work. His object, apparently, was to cause the building to dominate the hilltop and the High Street, and the chequers certainly succeed in providing vivid focal points. The large medieval church of St Mary’s, Hendon, received similar treatment from Temple Moore, who rebuilt the nave and the south aisle and extended the church into the graveyard, thus bringing the grave of the famous Raffles within the body of the church. Mr. Finney asked us to note how the continuity of the site had been acknowledged by the installation of an ancient statue of St Mary in a niche in an outer wall, and also how the twentieth century approach to the building had been designed to be in keeping with it. He concluded by indicating that both buildings were, perhaps, good examples of growth combined with the enhancement of social well-being and, to an extent, with preservation and protection. Questions were asked. Ms Bayne wished to know how the inmates of almshouses were chosen. Apparently there is often a waiting list, and applicants are chose according to the terms of the Trust, which might include their occupation, age, need, origin, religion, sex, conduct and place of residence. Ms Rawitzer enquired about the rules governing environmental enhancement. Apparently Health and Safety considerations are paramount, after which the recently favoured Cognitive Approach is used. A question was asked about the demolition of the Cottage Homes (Drapers Homes?) on Mill Hill. Apparently the Council has no powers in this case. Mr Javes wished to know if the Day Almshouses in Edgware had one storey or two -apparently they had only one storey. Ms Gapp asked about the relationship between almshouses and the workhouse. Apparently the Parish ran the workhouse as a general short-term remedy for indigence, whilst almshouses were designed to benefit persons falling under an exact definition for an indefinite period. Mrs Porges wished to know the dates of Messrs. Buttersfield and Moores’ activities. Apparently William Butterfield was active between the 1870s and 1880, and Temple Moore was designing in 1911 and building between 1914 and 1915. * Our Chairman thanked Mr Finney for his very informative and entertaining lecture, and the audience showed their appreciation by applauding loudly.
Temple Lushington Moore, 1856-1920. Born in Ireland, pupil of George Gilbert Scott.
William Butterfield, 1814-1900, English; Gothic Revival architect associated with the Oxford Movement.
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SUMMER FESTIVALS 2006 Eric Morgan
This is a list of possible shows that we might attend if there are sufficient volunteers to help man a table at any of these events. HADAS has attended the East Barnet Festival in the past, and tries to attend the Cricklewood Festival when it is held. It has also been suggested that we could attend the Friern Barnet Show alongside the Friern Barnet Local History Society; and possibly the East Finchley Festival alongside the Finchley Society. East Finchley Festival – Cherry Tree Wood, opposite East Finchley Station on Sunday 25th June. East Barnet Festival – Oakhill Park off Churchill Road, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July. Cricklewood Festival – Clitterhouse Fields off Claremont Road, Sunday 16th July. Friern Barnet Summer Show – Friary Park off Friern Barnet Lane N12, Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th August.
THE TIME TO RENEW YOUR HADAS SUBSCRIPTIONS DRAWS NEAR
The HADAS subscription year runs from April 1 each year, so we are including a renewal form with this month’s Newsletter. Those people paying by standing order need do nothing. Everyone else who is due to renew this April should find a renewal form enclosed with this Newsletter. For anyone who would like to check their standing order instructions, subscription rats remain £12 per person or organisation, plus £4 for an additional family member at a single address, and £5 for students or those under eighteen. Gift Aid allows HADAS to reclaim some useful extra income, so we have also included a form for those who, according to our records, have not yet filled one in. Please return forms/cheques to Mary Rawitzer, Membership Secretary (address at end of newsletter), phone her for more information.
FROM THE PAPERS
The oldest British gold coin ever found has just gone on display in the British Museum, who bought it for £357,832. The Dark Ages “penny” (a mancus), found five years ago on the bank of the River Ivel (Beds.), was minted in London some time between 721 and 821 AD, in the reign of King Coenwulf of Mercia.. The coin would be worth £1,200 in today’s terms, and would then have paid a soldier for a month, bought five acres of really good farmland, or a cart with a team of four horses. An 18th Dynasty tomb (c.1400BC) containing five sarcophagi has just been discovered in the Valley of the Kings by American archaeologists. This is the first such discovery since the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s antiquities chief, has imaginative suggestions as to who is buried in the tomb; but a senior Egyptologist at the British museum felt that this probably was the private tomb of “significant officials”.
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OTHER SOCIETIES’ LECTURES AND EVENTS by Eric Morgan
(As mentioned in the February Newsletter, Eric Morgan has had an accident. His ankle was broken, but with any luck, by the time you read this, he will have had the cast removed from his leg. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Eric!)
Sunday 5 March, 2.30 pm. Heath & Hampstead Society, Kitchen Garden, Kenwood house, Hampstead Lane, N6 “Hidden Heath” (its history and archaeology). Walk led by Michael Hammerson (HADAS member). Donation £2.
Wednesday 8 March, 8pm. Mill Hill Historical Society, Harwood Hall, Union Church, The Broadway, NW7. Dickensian London. Talk by Richard Jones.
Wednesday 8 March, 8pm. Hornsey Historical Society, Harwood Hall, Union Church, The Broadway, NW7. Dickensian London. Talk by Richard Jones.
Monday 13 March, 3pm. Barnet & District Local History Society, Church House, Wood Street (opposite Museum), Barnet. The History of Northaw House – Brian Warren.
Wednesday 15 March, 6.30 pm. LAMAS, Learning Centre, Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2. Danish Mesolithic Dwellings and Landscapes Preserved under Water. Talk by Ole Gren (Hon. Prof., Institute of Archaeology). Refreshments 6pm.
Wednesday 15 March, 8pm. Willesden Local History Society, Scout House, High Road/ Corner of Strode Road, NW6. “My Weird War”, talk by Joan Show (Local Historian).
Thursday 16th March, 8pm. Enfield Preservation Society, Jubilee Hall, Junction of Chase Side/ Parsonage Lane, Enfield. Alderman Thomas Sidney (1805-89), Last Incumbent of Bowes Manor – talk by Rachel Macdonald. Refreshments 7.30 pm.
Friday 17th March, 7 pm. COLAS, St Olave’s Parish Hall, Mark. Lane, EC3. Excavations at Leominster Priory, Hereford. Talk by Bruce Watson (MOLAS). Light refreshments.
Friday 17th March, 8 pm. Enfield Archaeological Society, Jubilee Hall, Junction of Chase Side/ Parsonage Lane, Enfield. Radio Valves and Enfield: an Industrial History. Talk by Bernard Eastwood. Visitors £1. Refreshments from 7.30pm. Sales and information table.
Friday 17th March, 7.30pm. Wembley History Society, St Andrews Church Hall, Church Lane, Kingsbury, NW9. “Ello, Ello!” A Brief History of the London Bobby. Talk by Michal Fountain.
Monday 20th-Sunday 20th March – Barnet Borough Arts Council at Brent Cross (East Mall by Boots). Paintings and “What’s On” (including HADAS).
Wednesday 22″ March, 8pm. Friern Barnet & District Local History Society, St John’s Church Hall (next to Whetstone Police Station), Friern Barnet Lane, N20. History of Christ’s College. Talk by Hugh Petrie £2. Refreshments 7.45pm and afterwards.
Wednesday 22nd March, 8pm. Edmonton Hundred Historical Society, Jubilee Hall, Junction Chase Side/ Parsonage Lane, Enfield. Three London Suburbs – Graham Dalling. Saturday 25th March, 11 am-5.30pm. LAMAS 43RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF LONDON ARCHAEOLOGISTS Lecture Theatre, Museum of London. Morning session: Recent Work (11am-1.05pm); Afternoon session: Recent Work on Roman Towns (2.15-5.30pm) Cost: LAMAS members £4 (non-members £5) incl. afternoon tea. For tickets and general enquiries: Jon Cotton, Early Department, Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, jcotton@museumoflondon.org.uk. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Website with application form and fuller details under “Conferences”:
Thursday 30th March, 8pm. The Finchley Society, Drawing Room, Avenue House, East End Road, N3. The Work of the Enfield Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service. Talk by Barry Smitherman. Non-members: donation.
