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Archaeology Weekend at Snowshill Manor

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Forming part of the National Festival of Archaeology, Snowshill Manor will be the setting for a two-day extravaganza of archaeological discovery this summer – during the aptly-titled Archaeology Weekend on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2009.

Organisers say the village of Snowshill stands at the junction of a number of ancient roads and was a stopping place for many travellers through the Cotswolds. The landscape is rich in archaeology, including ancient burial sites, old field systems and track ways, furthermore.

The weekend will see experienced archaeologists excavating part of Snowshill Manor’s orchard, and cleaning old objects unearthed in the garden. There will be a mini-dig for children to unearth their own hidden treasures, and the chance to identify genuine historical items found in the area.

Younger visitors are also sure to enjoy the displays of fossils and weaving demonstrations, a competition to design a labyrinth, and trips around the garden – led by Snowshill’s own dowsing expert – to hunt for water and old structures.

For grown-ups there will be a self-guided tour around the garden, using old photographs and maps to identify historic features of the surrounding landscape. While in the manor itself there will also be a special display of archaeological artefacts from around the world.

Jennifer Rowley, house steward at Snowshill Manor, said: ‘A number of the staff here have archaeology degrees, so we’ve a lot of personal interest in this weekend’s activities. There is so much history to discover here at Snowshill, and I’m especially looking forward to excavating in the orchard, as we do not think this area has been explored before. Children will be able to get stuck into the kind of thing archaeologists do, so there will be something for all the family.’

Promising a veritable feast of archaeology-focused events and activities, this fun-filled and educational weekend is not to be missed.

Event: Archaeology Weekend
Venue: Snowshill Manor
Date: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2009
Times: 11am to 4pm
Tickets: Normal admission charges apply, plus 50p per person for each trail and activity. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk or call (01386) 852410.

SoGlos.com
20 July 2009