Information on Loughborough

Archaeology in Loughborough

Posted on 10/07/2007
P. Klein

mugal-e-shahi indian restaurantThe first Leicestershire Archaeology Week has been organised to show off some of the Countys archaeological highlights and to show how members of the public can get involved. It runs from July 14th to July 22nd and is part of a national week organised by the Council of British Archaeology.

The week will see no less than 18 events around the City, County and Rutland. Throughout the week visitors will be able to visit an archaeological excavation at Donington le Heath Manor House investigating what is thought to be the original stone-built gate house. On 14th July an event at Jewry wall Museum in Leicester will kick off the week with displays, finds to handle, and Roman activities as well as the chance to have your own finds identified. A Practice Archaeological Dig will take place at Rutland County Museum and a Finds Day at The Old Rectory Museum in Loughborough.

On Sunday 15th there will be a guided walk at Ratby and an event at Ashby Museum, while on Monday there will be a guided walk at Burrough Hill. On Tuesday 17th excavations at Gorse Field, Swannington will be opened to the public with guided walks around the whole site.

On Wednesday the 18th there is a school holiday activity called the Romans are Comingat Donington le Heath Manor House, while on Thursday there are 2 guided walks at Grace Dieu Priory and on Friday a village walk at Belton.

The final weekend features on Saturday 21st an event at Donington le Heath Manor House called Archaeology Alive , History Detectives at the Old Rectory, Loughborough, and a Collecting Day at Great Bowden. On Sunday 22nd there will be a Step Back in Time event at Beacon Hill, an Ancient Ibstock display at the Community Enterprise Shop and an open day at Papillon Hall near Lubenham.

Peter Liddle, the County Councils senior archaeologist, said "Leicestershire Archaeology Week is our contribution to the national event. I think this shows how vibrant Leicestershires archaeology is and I hope that many people will take the opportunity to join some of the excellent groups running these events

Leicestershire Archaeology Week runs from 14th " 22nd July. A programme detailing events can be picked up at museums and tourist information centres or visit www.leics.gov.uk/national_archaeology_week