One hundred years ago this month, the Representation of the People Act 1918 made political history, giving British women the vote for the first time. Electoral rights were only extended to a select portion of the female population (I wouldn’t have qualified) but it was a watershed moment. This might seem more like social history than archaeology, but objects and buildings from the time bear eloquent witness to this historic episode and the hard-fought campaigns that led to it.
From landmark changes to archaeological landmarks, our cover feature explores Iron Age hillforts – imposing earthworks dominating their surrounding landscape. Dorset boasts 35 such enclosures, but until recently little attention had been paid to what went on within their ramparts. Now extensive geophysical surveys are illuminating their interiors once more.
Long-hidden secrets are also emerging at Reading Abbey. One of the grandest religious buildings of its day, and home to Henry I’s tomb, it was completely destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and many of its details were lost to history. Now, a new study is piecing together the story of a vanished religious community and its royal past.
Traces of other lost communities have been found during a major investigation across 1,300ha in Yorkshire. In woodlands and on isolated moorland, over 400 sites – including abandoned villages and industrial relics – have been recorded. Meanwhile, evidence of much earlier industry comes from the Weald, where the Roman military may have run major mining enterprises.
Finally, our annual conference has come around again – find the latest details on p.62. We hope to see you there!
Carly Hilts
IN THIS ISSUE:
FEATURES
HENRY I AND READING ABBEY
Searching for the other car-park king
Recent suggestions that the tomb of Henry I, buried at Reading Abbey in 1136, may have been found beneath Reading Gaol’s car park have yet to be proven, but a new study investigates the latest research on the king’s burial and his influence on one of medieval Britain’s most prominent abbeys.
IRON AGE INTERIOR DESIGN
Mapping the inside of Dorset’s hillfort enclosures
The precise definition, chronology, and use of Iron Age hillforts has been the subject of much debate over the decades. We explore the results of an extensive geophysical survey of these enclosures in Dorset, shedding new light on what went on within their mighty ramparts.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS…
Discovering Yorkshire’s hidden heritage
A wide-ranging survey covering some 1,300ha across four counties has documented over 400 archaeological sites lying in Yorkshire woodlands and on isolated moorland. This tour of the project reveals some of its highlights, and the social history behind them.
EMPIRE STATE
Exploring how the Roman military shaped Britannia’s industries
The Roman military was an elite fighting force, but its non-combat roles were equally important to the running of the empire – not least in managing huge industrial enterprises. We explore what research is revealing the military’s involvement in mining and quarrying in Britain.
FOLLOWING THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
The fight for women’s suffrage in ten objects (and a building)
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted some women (aged over 30 and meeting certain property criteria) the vote for the first time. A selection of key objects and a very important building tell the story of the people and organisations that campaigned for this political milestone.
NEWS
Breaking ground at Barrow Clump; Redating Repton; Original resting place of Richard III gains protected status; Reused burial stone hints at Dundee graveyard’s medieval foundation; New evidence for Nero’s links to Roman Silchester; Science notes; Record year for the Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme; Finds tray
REGULARS
Comment
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
Context
Capturing castles: Pulverbatch, Shropshire
Reviews
A Life in Norfolk’s Archaeology, 1950-2016; Hillforts of the Cheshire Ridge; Public Archaeology and Climate Change; Written in Stone: papers on the function, form, and provenancing of prehistoric stone objects in memory of Fiona Roe; Avebury Soundscapes; Geology for Archaeologists: a short introduction
Exhibition
From monastery to mansion: the Charterhouse, London
Calendar
Our selection of exhibitions and events
Conference
The latest details about Current Archaeology Live! 2018
Sherds
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
Odd Socs
The International Arthurian Society
