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ArchaeoExpeditions 2005  -  England

 

Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

Upper Forge Complex

 


 
 

Cast Iron Cooking Stove
Upper Forge Tenement Kitchen
Photo :  R. Ross

 

  

Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site  in Shropshire, western England, is in many ways where the industrial revolution began.  It is particularly noted for the first use of coke for smelting iron ore in 1709 and for the construction of the world's first significant cast-iron bridge in 1779.   The area contains iron works, forges, brick and tile factories and the famous Coalport China Works. 

This summer, Ronald Ross, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada will lead new archaeological investigations at the Upper Forge complex under the overall direction of Paul Belford, Senior Archaeologist, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.  The 2004 season will be the penultimate session is the long term CHART programme.

Description

Students and volunteers interested in the industrial revolution, historical archaeology, and archive research are welcome to participate.   Research and excavation will centre on -

- the earliest archaeologically known steel making (cementation) furnace in Europe (1620)
- the Malthouse of 1800s – a rarely excavated type of site
- mixed small scale domestic industry
- tenement and worker’s housing from 1750s to the 1960s
- and excavation of parts of a water power system dating back to at least the 1600s with potential for earlier deposits    and significant artifact recovery.

Nature of the work

The major activities on site will be field excavation and recording.    It is expected that each individual will participate in both light (trowel and brush) and heavy (mattock and shovel) digging. The actual mix is unpredictable, as different areas of the site will have different requirements.

Participants will learn how to recognize and properly excavate both constructs (structures and features) and stratigraphic cuts and fills, and how to recover and handle material remains (artifacts, biological remains, etc).   Accompanying this, each individual will learn how to record their part of the excavation, through drawings, photographs, and verbal descriptions. The recording system used will be the standard Ironbridge Archaeology pro-forma system, a version of the widely used single context recording system.

Site work will also include non-excavation activities such as basic training in archaeological surveying, layout work, and production of simple maps.   One day a week will be devoted to finds washing, conservation, and basic data processing.    There are opportunities for archive research. The Museum of Iron has an extensive research archive and library, only 10 minutes from the site and hostel.  Some individuals may wish to gain more experience or have particular skills in these activities and they should indicate this on their application.

Please note that site work can be physically demanding. Individuals with restrictions on their physical activities should indicate this on their application.

Field trips to archaeological and historical sites, historic gardens, and/or sites of natural beauty will be arranged.   Some probable locations will be Powys Castle and gardens, Caer Caradoc (Iron Age Hill Fort), Ludlow Castle, church, and market, Saxon church at Stanton Lucy, Wroxeter Roman town, Shrewsbury town, castle, and abbey, Worcester town, cathedral and porcelain factory, Land of Lost Content at Craven Arms, and Stokesay Castle.

Local amenities

The region has high tourist traffic and there are good shops, restaurants, pubs and a range of accommodations nearby.  There is a major supermarket about 3 miles from the site/hostel and local laundry services.  Some of the field trips will provide excellent opportunities for shopping.

Summary :  

Director :      Ronald Ross
                    Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies
                    Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Project Director :   Paul Belford
                             Senior Archaeologist, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Period :      16th - 20th Centuries

Dates and costs :  To be advised for 2005

Price includes accommodation,  breakfast everyday, lunch and supper Monday-Friday

(Note : alternate accommodations at extra cost are plentiful in and around Ironbridge Gorge such as bed and breakfast and tourist hotels should it be preferred)

Airfare :          Not included

Volunteers :   maximum 16 per session

Experience :  None

Credit Option :    Students wishing academic credit should identify their requirements when registering

Vaccinations :     Proof of up to date Tetanus shot - contact your local health centre for information

Passport & Visa :    Valid passport, contact closest embassy for passposrt and visa requirements

References :    Visit the CHART website

                     http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/ironbridge/d_archaeology.aspd_archaeology.asp


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NOTE: This ArchaeoExpedition project is the responsibility of the stated project authority and is not in any way the responsibility of Cultural Expeditions MEC Canada Inc.

The participant agrees to take full responsibility for their decision to participate in the stated  project and to act prudently and with responsibility toward the project authority who has undertaken the organization of this opportunity on their behalf.

Further, Cultural Expeditions MEC Canada Inc. is not a travel agent nor does it provide any travel services and is not registered under any Travel Industry Act in Canada. The participant and / or the project authority are responsible for making all transportation and accommodation, rental or any other travel arrangements related to this ArchaeoExpedition.

To ensure a successful and enjoyable ArchaeoExpedition experience, participants should independently inform themselves about the project, conditions in the host country and about tourist visas, health and other insurances, currency matters, local customs and traditions, etc.

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