FIELDWORK UPDATE -June 2008
Phase 1 of the excavation at Cookham cemetary has now ben completed and phase 2 is imminent. The final report on phase 2 of the Lowgrounds excavation has now been completed with further findings of regional significance revealed. Please go to the reports page for full details for further details of these and other exciting MAS fieldwork projects.
The Search for the Lost Medieval Church of Bix Gibwyn, near Henley & other current work of the Victoria County History of Oxfordshire - 1st May 2008: - Dr Stephen Mileson
Stephen is Assistant Editor of VCH Oxfordshire and College Lecturer at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He gave a very interesting talk about the origins and work of the Victoria County History, his own research into the histories of the rural parishes of Bix and Harpsden and especially on the search for the lost church of Bix Gibwyn.
"I'VE COME ABOUT THE DRAINS"
Tony Rook - 3rd April 2008
Tony, author and broadcaster (his TV programmes include ’ What the Romans Did for Us' and 'Chronicle') gave a very informative and entertaining talk in which he shared his fascination with Roman plumbing and in particular with their bath houses. He described some of the experimental reconstructions in which he has been involved.
FIELDWORK UPDATE -March 2008
A great deal has been happening and MAS has made some exciting discoveries including a neolithic tannery. Please go to the reports page for full details. There are even more exciting and challenging projects to come. MAS fieldwork requires people both experienced and new, both expert and novice. All MAS Fieldwork is carried out in accordance with the official standards but training and supervision is always available.
BECOME INVOLVED AND SHARE THE EXCITEMENT OF REVEALING THE PAST. CONTACT US TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO.
SIR FLINDERS PETRIE
21st February 2008
Jan Picton is a Teaching Fellow at University College London. She works in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology and is Secretary of the Friends of the Petrie Museum. She gave an excellent illustrate talk on the "father of scientific archaeology" - his work and his museum. Sir Flinders Petrie, a fascinating, clever and eccentric man, was a pioneer in the field of Egyptian archaeology, later working in the Middle East. He laid down the principles of archaeological typology and invented a dating technology still used today. He used careful and scientific excavation techniques and his emphasis on recording the physical dispersal of objects in a site rather than simply digging for objects made his techniques unique for his time. Petrie trained many of the best archaeologists of his day, including Howard Carter, who worked side-by-side with him.
MAS SEASONAL LUNCH
27th January 2008
Joy Blake organised this excellent event at The Chequers Brasserie, Cookham Dean, for which all those present expressed their sincere thanks. The food and service were really great; so if you weren’t there keep a space in your 2009 diary for next year’s event.
WOODLAND ARCHAEOLOGY
Dick Greenaway, 24th January 2008
Dick Greenaway is a retired surveyor having spent thirty years with the Environment Agency but with a lifetimes involvement in woodland archaeology. He treated his audience to an excellent lecture concentrating on the woodlands of the Pang Valley. He illustrated how features from many periods that have been almost obliterated in open country, are preserved in woodland, often in almost pristine condition. Dick showed how these features can add much to the archaeological record through a combination of accurate surveying, botany and historical research and how many are under threat from the use of heavy machinery for tree felling.
COOKHAM WALK - 8th December 2007
MAS has been active in Cookham in past years and is hoping to be able to carry out major investigations in 
the near future into the suggestion that there was a major fort at Cookham that was part of King Alfred's defence of Wessex in about 870<890. No archaeological evidence for it has ever been found although it is mentioned in several medieval documents.
MAS chairman Colin Berks led a familiarisation expedition of the village and the surrounding area. Despite the inclement weather this was a very interesting and useful exercise. The 16 hardy souls, most of whom will be involved in the investigations, gained an insight what is known of the archaeology of the area and how each potential site fits into the overall picture. Discussions continued as the party dried out and recuperated in the Kings Arms.
THE LOSS, RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION OF THE MARY ROSE
Ted Sutton, 29th November 2007
Ted is an MAS member and a diver who has studied nautical archaeology. This fascinating illustrated talk about the raising and conservation of the famous Tudor warship was based on his experience with the Mary Rose Trust. It is twenty five years since this historic flagship of Henry VIII's fleet was raised from the sea bed off Portsmouth, after sinking during a battle with a French invasion force in 1545. The muddy silt of the Solent preserved much of the contents of the ship, providing a unique insight into life during Tudor times. This period of history saw important changes in armaments and war ship construction and as England's first ship with gunports capable of firing broadsides, Mary Rose led the way for many years dominance by the Royal Navy.
JULIAN RICHARDS - October 2007
Over 160 members of MAS and the general public, crowded into Liston Hall, Marlow on 30th October 2007 to enjoy a fascinating account of the history and archaeology of Hadrian's Wall from Julian (of TV's 'Meet the Ancestors'). Julian's renowned talent for bringing archaeological subjects to life was amply displayed as he talked about the people who built and lived on and around this world famous monument. There were opportunities, afterwards, to ask him questions, to buy copies of Julian’s books which he then signed for us, and to enjoy refreshments. If you did miss this great event, Julian has promised to return next year with a different theme.
Go to Forthcoming Events to see our exciting future programme of talks.
LOWGROUNDS 2007 This site is about a mile to the south of Marlow between the Thames and an ancient branch of the river adjacent to the Henley Road. This area was an island between these two waterways. Previous work in the area had been carried out by MAS which revealed 3 early Bronze Age Barrows, a Neolithic mortuary area and Neolithic occupation making this possibly the very earliest settlement of Marlow (see LOWGROUNDS 2006) below.
Two new trenches were excavated in the 2007 season, confirming and extending the understanding of this early occupation. For a full summary of the excavation, please go to the reports page.
FRILFORD/MARCHAM VISIT SUNDAY 15TH JULY 2007
Some 19 people joined in what has become an annual MAS visit to Frilford to view the latest results of the excavations which are now in their 7th year under the auspices of Oxford University and featured The site is Romano-British and includes a circular structure thought now to be a half amphitheatre similar to ones found in Europe but not in England. Leading from the southern end of the “amphitheatre” is a substantial drain which has been found again some 60 metres further south and seems to be heading towards an outwash. Finds from the site have varied from pottery fragments and 2nd century coins to small pins and brooches.
LOWGROUNDS 2006
A large scale excavation involving seven trenches was begun at Lowgrounds Farm near Marlow during the summer of 2006. This was carried out as part of a project made possible by a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative. Extensive excavation under difficult conditions eventually resulted in the uncovering of an undisturbed Neolithic surface with clear evidence of structures and human occupation that could by conclusively dated to 2600 to 2800 BC. For a full summary of the excavation, please go to the reports page.