Become an archaeologist and unearth the secrets of Syon Park
25 June - 20 July 2012
Every year the Museum of London coordinates a community and training dig. This year we are enormously happy to announce that we are excavating the historic Syon Park in Hounslow.
The community dig, open to school parties and local groups, runs from 25 June to 7 July. The training dig, for intrigued individuals and students 18+ keen to gain practical experience on an archaeological excavation, runs from 9 to 20 July 2012.
The investigations will focus on the area of Sir Richard Wynne’s house, near London Road. Sir Richard was a Parliamentarian. In 1659 he was implicated in the Royalist insurrection and was imprisoned for a spell. His house featured in the Battle of Brentford in 1641 when Royalist troops advanced on London under Prince Rupert, battling against Parliamentary forces, who attempted to resist the Royalist march on the capital. The house was bought by the Duke of Northumberland and demolished to extend Syon’s parkland in the 19th century.
Archaeological exploration of the site provides an opportunity to reveal the remains of the house and its grounds. The site is also close to the main Roman highway that led from the capital to west Britain. Previous excavations in the park have exposed a wealth of Roman archaeology and hopes are high for more Roman finds.
Kate Sumnall, Museum of London Community Archaeologist, said: "This year’s training excavation promises to be our best yet - the site in steeped in history and we are relishing the idea of piecing the puzzle together. We are proud to be able to say that every year the people taking part in the dig thoroughly enjoy themselves and come away with a greater understanding of practical archaeology and perhaps some mud too.”
The community and training excavations are run in collaboration with the Museum of London, Syon Park and MOLA. Full details included below.
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Notes to Editors
1. Community excavation
25 June - 7 July 2012 (bar Sunday 1 July)
2 sessions run daily, 10.00 - 12.00 and 13.00 - 15.00
The community excavation will provide an opportunity for local groups and schools to come to the site for a half day session and have a go at excavating an archaeological site.
Minimum age: 7
Cost: FREE to book email communityarchaeology@museumoflondon.org.uk
Maximum of 30 children (under 11) or 20 teenagers/adults (over 11) allowed per session.
Training excavation
9 - 13 and 16 - 20 July 2012
9.30 - 17.00 each day
The training excavation will provide two structured hands-on five-day courses, suitable for all levels, covering aspects of site survey, excavation and recording.
Minimum age: 18
Cost: £195 book via the box office 020 7001 9844
For more information and to book please contact Kath Creed or Kate Sumnall on 020 7814 5733 or communityarchaeology@museumoflondon.org.uk.
1. For more information or images, please contact Nicola Kalimeris nkalimeris@museumoflondon.org.uk 020 7814 5511.
2. Museum of London, Museum of London Docklands and Museum of London Archaeology seek to inspire a passion for London. The Museums are open daily 10am – 6pm and are FREE to all.
3. The London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre (LAARC) is based at Mortimer Wheeler House in Hackney and is the repository for all archaeology excavated in London. It is the largest archaeological archive in Europe and a resource of international significance. To search for information about sites or projects and their archives see the LAARC Online Catalogue.
4. Explore the Museum of London with collections online - home to over 10,000 objects with more being added.
5. Enjoy one of England’s historic, hidden treasures. Visit Syon Park, the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland. www.syonpark.co.uk
