Archaeology
This Section is for those interested in the past and its material remains. We organise an annual conference and a programme of lectures and field trips to keep members up to date with the latest discoveries and developments, near and far.
Bronze Age barrows, Magdalen Down
Events & Activities
David Johnston Memorial Lecture – Wednesday, 22 April, 7.30pm at the HRO.
Fraught with high tragedy: new insights on Maiden Castle Iron Age hill fort.
a talk by Dr Martin Smith (University of Bournemouth)
The Iron Age ‘war cemetery’ at Maiden Castle, Dorset, is one of the most famous and internationally celebrated archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. When the site was excavated, in the 1930s, the finding of numerous human burials with severe injuries led the site director, Mortimer Wheeler, to conclude that these must be the victims of a Roman assault on the hill fort and subsequent massacre of the population. Over 80 years on from Wheeler’s publication this view has come to be questioned, but alternative theories lacked concrete evidence until now.
New work by archaeologists from Bournemouth University has used radiocarbon dating to arrive at alternative conclusions regarding the dead of Maiden Castle and why they were laid to rest within the ramparts of this iconic site.
Tickets available at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hantsfieldclubarchaeology/
Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society
Annual General Meeting and President’s Lecture.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 7.00pm at the Hampshire Record Office
Clausentum: Gateway to Roman Britain
a talk by Dr Andy Russel
Recent excavations in the Bitterne Manor area of Southampton have prompted a reappraisal of the archaeological evidence for the trade conducted through this major port on the south coast. The concentration on olive oil, wine and Samian pottery suggests that Clausentum was an official port, vital for supplying the Roman army and keeping Britain ‘Roman’. Dr Russel is the Acting Planning Archaeologist for Southampton City Council.
Tickets available at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hantsfieldclubarchaeology/
Doors open 6.30pm – only HFC members may vote at the AGM.
The lecture will follow the AGM and is free of charge.
Archaeology Section Officers
Chair : Chris Sellen
Secretary: vacant
Treasurer: Robin Iles
Newsletter Editor: David Allen
Jan Bristow
Philippa Harrap
Katie Hinds
Jane King
Jane Schon
Sally Worrell