UCL Archaeology South-East

13 Dec 2024

Hi BlueSky! 👋 We're Archaeology South-East, part of the UCL Institute of Archaeology! And we can't wait to share our discoveries with you! @uclarchaeology.bsky.social

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

ucl.ac.ukDigging Deeper: How archaeology benefits communitiesDiscover how UCL and Suffolk County Council are bringing archaeology to new audiences, creating opportunities, supporting wellbeing and connecting communities through hands-on exploration of the past.

This International Archaeology Day, find out about how we work together with @archsoutheast.bsky.social and the Suffolk Archaeological Service to bring archaeology to new audiences and connect communities through hands-on exploration of the past 👇 #internationalarchaeologyday #archaeology

We're taking to the streets of Whitechapel for @beinghumanfest.bsky.social with... Crossroads of our Buried History: A walking tour and pop-up exhibition ✨ 📍Tower Hamlets Town Hall (start) 📅Thursday 5 November, 5-8 PM 🎟️Book your FREE ticket on Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crossroads...

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layersoflondon.orgCrossroads of our Buried History: solidarity in East LondonThis trail is a work in progress and was created in partnership with Archaeologists, Historians and members of the community in East London. It highlights moments of solidarity in East London, from th...

Our research and memories will be added to a collection on @layersoflondon.bsky.social, so people can follow our trail 🗺️ Got a story or a stop you'd like on the route? Get in touch! Add a comment below. www.layersoflondon.org/map/trails/c...

This event is part of @beinghumanfest.bsky.social, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Browse the full #BeingHuman2026 programme now: beinghumanfestival.org/festival-eve...

Join us to help map out a brand-new trail from Whitechapel Town Hall to St George-in-the-East Church, Shadwell. Along the way we'll share stories of people, places and events linked to the often-overlooked presence of people of African origin in 18th-early 20th century London. Art by Holly Oluwo

youtube.comRevealing hidden archaeological secrets with light🔦 Reflectance Transformation ImagingYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

This is Reflectance Transformation Imaging, and it’s changing the way we see archaeological objects! #FindsFriday youtube.com/shorts/Hlo3P...

ucl.ac.ukUsing Reflectance Transformation Imaging to reveal hidden archaeological secretsArchaeology South-East is using RTI, a powerful photography tool, to reveal unseen details on artefacts.

Find out more about RTI at ASE: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo... Explore four artefacts with RTI: webrti.com/users/KEQL42...

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

Dr Matt Pope

@mattpope.bsky.social

Home for the next few days. Huge thanks to @butserancientfarm.co.uk for welcoming all of us from @uclarchaeology.bsky.social and @archsoutheast.bsky.social back for another year. Today our new first years start their journey with us on the Experimental Archaeology Course. #ArchaeoTech26 🏺🛖

17 Sept

Tickets still available for this *free* talk on historic buildings this weekend! 🏚️

UCL Archaeology South-East@archsoutheast.bsky.social

Discover the hidden lives of historic buildings with ASE’s Dr Michael Shapland! This fascinating talk is part of Brighton Dome’s Heritage Open Day 2026. 📆When? Sun 20th Sept, 11-12 (doors 10:30am) 📍Where? Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Brighton 🆓How much? Free (but book a ticket!)

4 Sept

brightondome.orgHeritage Open Day 2026 / What's On - Brighton DomeThis year's Heritage Open Day explores our building through the lives of those who have worked here over more than two centuries.

4 Sept

In his talk, Michael will draw on highlights from his work - including familiar local examples - to explore how historic buildings evolve, adapt, decline, endure, and ultimately, die. More information: brightondome.org/whats-on/LX6... Book a ticket: tickets.brightondome.org/online/seatS...

youtube.comMeet ASE's #Bodiam100 excavation team! #archaeologyYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

28 Aug

Meet some of the ASE archaeologists who've been part of the dig team at Bodiam Castle! We've been excavating alongside @uclarchaeology.bsky.social staff/students and @nattrustarch.bsky.social staff/volunteers this summer, and the discoveries have been WILD #Bodiam100 youtube.com/shorts/xGlya...

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

6 Aug

"As far as we know, we're the first archaeological team to be investigating this site properly in a scientific way." @mattpope.bsky.social alongside archaeologists from the IoA and @archsoutheast.bsky.social on @itvnews.bsky.social speaking about one of Jersey's most important Neolithic sites.

ucl.ac.ukOscar Wilde’s hotel room discovered at Brighton’s Royal AlbionThe hotel room that famed author Oscar Wilde stayed in while visiting Brighton shortly before his arrest on charges of homosexuality has been identified by archaeologists from Archaeology South-East.

3 Aug

The suite that Oscar Wilde stayed in while visiting Brighton shortly before his arrest on charges of homosexuality has been recently rediscovered during restoration works at the Royal Albion. www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...

3 Aug

With the building stripped back for restoration ASE's Dr Michael Shapland could see parts of the original structure, which he compared with historical floor plans and a description of the suite given by Wilde during his infamous trial in 1895. He found just one set of rooms that matched.

3 Aug

Dr Shapland said “Old buildings have long memories, and I find it quite moving to realise this is where Oscar and [his companion] Alphonse stayed 130 years ago. It was an important time in Wilde’s life and marks a point just before things fell apart for him.”

31 July

Old, tired and used PPE now is sent to an external provider for professional deep cleaning and returned for re-use. If it’s not salvageable, the PPE is made into waste product fibres used for blankets, pet bedding and insulation. This reduces waste AND saves money on buying new equipment. Win win!

ucl.ac.ukASE achieves Green Impact Bronze at UCL Sustainability AwardsThe award is one of three achieved by the UCL Institute of Archaeology and recognises our efforts in working towards sustainability.

31 July

This initiative contributed to ASE recently achieving a Green Impact Bronze Award at the 2026 UCL Sustainability Awards – one of three (!!) awarded to @uclarchaeology.bsky.social. You can read about some of our green initiatives here: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

ucl.ac.ukWork starts on three-year project that will help "unlock Jersey's full story"Archaeologists have begun excavations opposite La Hougue Bie in Grouville, Jersey, a Neolithic site estimated to be around 6,000 years old.

30 July

Led by @mattpope.bsky.social and supported by staff from @archsoutheast.bsky.social, the excavation at Jardin de Perchard will investigate how the landscape was used 6,000 years ago while also uncovering evidence of much earlier Ice Age environments and human activity 👇 @ucl.ac.uk #archaeology

youtube.comLavish Iron Age burials reveal early links to #Roman EmpireYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

10 July

Today’s #FindsFriday is something truly special – a whole Late Iron Age cremation cemetery that was recently discovered by the ASE team in Essex. The artefacts are stunning, especially those from a handful of high-status burial pits. youtube.com/shorts/gmMKy...

museumofchelmsford.co.ukTimeless Treasures at the Museum of ChelmsfordA new exhibition at the Museum of Chelmsford celebrating the discovery of the Great Baddow Hoard, Britain’s largest Iron Age gold coin hoard.

10 July

Ten of these objects are about to go on display at the Museum of Chelmsford from Saturday 18th July! Don’t miss Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard... www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk/events/timel...

ucl.ac.ukHigh-status Iron Age burials reveal early links to Roman EmpireA large cemetery containing the lavishly adorned remains of high-status individuals dating from around 2,000 years ago has been uncovered by Archaeology South-East (UCL Institute of Archaeology).

10 July

Stay tuned for spotlights on individual objects and how our conservator Alastair Threlfall custom made all the mounts and supports for display 😍 More information about the discovery www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...

1 July

This twelve-sided copper-alloy artefact is a Roman dodecahedron. No one really knows what these objects were for! This one was found during ASE's excavations at Harlow Roman Villa. It's Day 43 of 200 finds for #UCL200 - check out @uclarchaeology.bsky.social on Insta for more!

1 July

You can come and see this example IN PERSON at Harlow Museum's Archaeology Fair, this Saturday (4th July) from 11am to 2pm! You'll also get the chance to see lots of other artefacts and to meet ASE's archaeologists. The fair is free and suitable for all ages.

1 July

What’s next for this dodecahedron? We’ve been working with colleagues at @thebartlettucl.bsky.social and @uclarchaeology.bsky.social to make a highly detailed laser scan of the object, as well as 3D-printed replicas. Keep your eyes peeled for the digital 3D model – coming soon!

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

17 June

We are hiring! We are seeking to appoint a full-time Lecturer (Teaching) in Museum Studies to contribute to the teaching of core modules on the MA Museum Studies, develop new optional modules, support with dissertation supervision, and more! Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/59ka25f3 #Hiring

18 June

Congratulations to Raffi and Ryan who have finished their apprenticeships!🎉👷 The pair started as ASE’s first L3 Archaeological Fieldwork Technician apprentices in Jan 2025 and recently passed their final assessments🥳 A huge well done to both! Thank you for everything you bring to the team at ASE ✨

18 June

Ryan was able to join the wider UCL apprentice cohort last week to receive his completion certificate and celebrate their achievements. 🎓 Darryl Palmer, Head of Fieldwork and Survey, was also in attendance and accepted the Investor in Apprenticeships certificate on behalf of ASE.

15 June

In 2020, a landslip exposed a medieval cave shrine in a railway cutting near Guildford. ASE archaeologists abseiled(!) in to investigate carved symbols and niches adorning the cave walls. The cave is the focus of a new publication in Medieval Archaeology: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

sketchfab.comCave with medieval Gothic 'shrine' - 3D model by UCL Archaeology South-East (@ArchaeologySouth-East)Archaeology South-East’s historic buildings team were called to record and analyse a shallow sandstone cave in Guildford, Surrey, which was discovered following a landslip. The cave is thought to be...

15 June

In the paper ASE’s Dr Michael Shapland relates this cave to a much older landscape of movement and assembly, where dragons dwelt and people gathered for the autumn equinox 🌄🐉 Explore the cave for yourself using this 3D model: sketchfab.com/3d-models/ca...

4 June

Happy #NationalCheeseDay! 🧀 Check out this rare, decorated example of a ceramic Roman cheese press! It was found near Southampton during ASE excavations ahead of a new water pipe called #SouthamptonLinkMain, funded by Southern Water.

4 June

Presses like this compressed and shaped cheese curds, squeezing out excess moisture through small holes – one of which is just visible on our example where the base meets the wall.

4 June

As cheeses would take the shape of the press – often just concentric circles from the base appearing on its surface – the unusual decoration on this piece may also have been imprinted onto the cheese. Fancy!

UCL Archaeology South-East reposted

3 June

Join us for this year's Unravelling the Palaeolithic, an ECR and student-led conference with a history of showcasing excellence in research in Palaeolithic archaeology, early human origins and related fields. Preliminary programme: tinyurl.com/wh46x6f9 Booking: tinyurl.com/4t3ykesa #Palaeolithic

thenovium.orgRoman Re-enactment Day - The Novium MuseumJoin us in Priory Park on 28 May to bring Roman Chichester to life.

28 May

Going to the Roman Re-enactment day today (Thurs) in Priory Park, Chichester? We're staying cool inside the Guildhall 😎 We'll have: - Archaeologists ready to answer your Qs - A display of beautiful Roman pottery - A sandpit excavation activity Come say hi! www.thenovium.org/article/3114...

youtube.comUsing the remains of two 17/18th century inns to engage communities #PublicEngagement #ASEat50YouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

14 May

How can we use a huge 17th-18th century inn assemblage as a springboard to engage with communities? Elke Raemen discusses the finds, and Sarah Wolferstan the engagement projects, that have come from ASE’s exciting excavation in Whitechapel. youtube.com/shorts/ND0wN...

youtu.beSkittles & alms: 17-18th century finds supporting community projects | Elke Raemen, Sarah WolferstanYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

14 May

This #ThrowbackThursday is the final recording from ASE’s 50th Anniversary conference in April 2025! Check out the Whitechapel project page to see how the project has evolved over the last year. Watch full recording: youtu.be/VOXDzrQxzeg Whitechapel project: www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...

12 May

Two further coins have been uncovered from the largest Late Iron Age coin hoard in Britain! The find was made during ASE excavations commissioned by the Museum of Chelmsford in a bid to better understand the Great Baddow Hoard. Read: citylife.chelmsford.gov.uk/posts/chelms... 📷 Fountains Media

12 May

Despite this discovery the excavations – and a geophysical survey led by Dr Kris Lockyear (@uclarchaeology.bsky.social) – sadly revealed no further context surrounding the burial of the Great Baddow Hoard. It remains a mystery - for now! 📷 Starr Bros

youtube.comHow do we record the lives (and deaths) of historic buildings? #ASEat50YouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

7 May

There’s more to recording historic buildings than walls, windows and doors 💒🏚️ ASE’s Michael Shapland tries to get at the human stories behind buildings due to be demolished in this talk, given at our 50th Anniversary Conference in April 2025. #ASEat50 #ThrowbackThursday youtube.com/shorts/DQxL5...

youtu.beThe lives and deaths of historic buildings | Michael ShaplandYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

7 May

Watch the full presentation: Michael Shapland | The lives and deaths of historic buildings youtu.be/KOCAwabMFi4

1 May

A slightly cheeky(?!) #FindsFriday today from excavations at Bodiam Castle with @nattrustarch.bsky.social! ASE and @uclarchaeology.bsky.social are partners on the exciting #Bodiam100 project, with more excavations planned for August 🙌 👇Find out more

National Trust Archaeology@nattrustarch.bsky.social

*NEWS* Over the past 2 years, a team of archaeologists has been exploring Bodiam in E Sussex. Last year, there were several notable finds, including the surviving ‘backside’ of a #Roman pipeclay Venus figurine, nicknamed the ‘Bodiam Bum’. #Bodiam100 #FindsFriday 📷Ellis Briley, Lucy Evans

ucl.ac.ukASE Public Engagement Roundup 2026:1Updates from Archaeology South-East's public engagement team, who have recently been working with new groups in London.

24 Apr

Curious about what’s going on behind the scenes in Archaeology South-East’s public engagement team? 🤔 Read our latest roundup for news of current exhibitions, successful workshops, new initiatives, and exciting partnerships. 🙌 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo...

youtube.comExploring evolving landscapes and shifting settlements in East Anglia #ASEat50YouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

23 Apr

In our next #ASEat50 conference talk, Rob and Angus take us to Essex to explore what some large-scale recent excavations have revealed about Iron Age and Roman archaeology in the region. Here’s Rob with the lowdown youtube.com/shorts/N3f74... #ThrowbackThursday #IronAge #Roman #Archaeology

youtu.beExploring evolving landscapes and shifting settlements in East Anglia | Rob Cullum & Angus ForshawYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

23 Apr

Find the full talk on YouTube youtu.be/T9dXDyJh-KI And check back next week for another #ASEat50 presentation!

youtube.comYouTubeShare your videos with friends, family, and the world

17 Apr

What do we know about Bronze Age Sussex? And how has that understanding changed over time? Hayley Nicholls pondered these questions via an overview of famous sites old and new during our 50th anniversary conference. Spoiler alert – there’s still much we don’t know! youtube.com/shorts/5o6Dz...

17 Apr

Watch Hayley’s full talk on YouTube: youtu.be/lrlaPrIB5UY

youtu.beyoutu.be

youtube.comHow do you cure a case of "I don't understand geoarchaeology-itis"? #geoarchaeologyYouTube video by UCL Archaeology South-East

9 Apr

In the first recording from ASE’s 50th Anniversary Conference, @mattpope.bsky.social takes us through 600,000 years of prehistory – and over 50 years of projects. Here’s a sneak preview! youtube.com/shorts/2RS-4... #ThrowbackThursday