LECTURE: Digging for Erlestoke by Leigh Chalmers and Dr Phil Harding
In 1963 a small-scale archaeological excavation took place on the site of HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire when it was a different institution. During this dig items were found dating back to the Bronze Age, suggesting there was more to uncover.
Sixty years on from that dig, a group of prisoners and Wessex Archaeology specialists have been working together to discover more, setting out on a full archaeological excavation together with incredible results. Join Leigh Chalmers, Heritage Inclusion Manager and Dr Phil Harding, Archaeologist, from Wessex Archaeology to hear more about the project, the archaeology found and the impact taking part in the project has had on the men.
Made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the knowledge and expertise of the Wessex Archaeology team, it was designed to give the men taking part, and wider prison community, access to archaeology.
The lecture accompanies the exhibition currently on display in our Long Room, which celebrates the journey, outputs and impact of the project. The exhibition showcases the role archaeology can play in improving the wellbeing of people in unconventional settings. The exhibition includes documentary evidence of the research process, artefacts uncovered during the recent dig and those from the 1963 dig, artistic interpretation of the discoveries and first-hand accounts and interpretations of what it was like to take part in the project, believed to be the first of its kind.
Date: Saturday 14 December
Tickets: £8 (£5 WANHS members) – booking essential.
Time: Start 2.30 pm
Location: Wiltshire Museum
Accessibility: The activity will take place in the Museum's lecture hall, located on the first floor. This is accessible via a platform lift. More details about accessibility can be found here.
Parking: there is a small car park to the rear of the Museum buildings. Please park with care and consideration to ensure as many vehicles as possible can use the space.
Terms and Conditions
Unless sold out, online bookings will close at 9 am on the day of the event.
Booking for events
Cancellations, Refunds and T&Cs
No responsibility can be accepted by the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (the Society) for accidents or injury sustained during the course of any event arranged by the Society.
