Bristol and Avon Archaeological Society

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Avon Local History and Archaeology

The Society aims to initiate or support Avon-wide local history activities, to share information and ideas and to speak for local history interests. It produces a quarterly Newsletter covering recent events, current issues, recent publications, on-going projects and opportunities and forthcoming activities. This includes the Diary of all the events for the following four months. From May to August there is a guided walk to some part of the region. There is an annual “Joseph Bettey Lecture” as well as publications on aspects of Avon’s history.

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Bath & Counties Archaeological Society (BACAS)

The Society was formed in 1949 as the Camerton Excavation Club by the late Bill Wedlake and had Sir Mortimer Wheeler as its President.  The Society has been involved in some major excavations over the past fifty years  at the small towns of Camerton, Nettleton and at many other sites in the surrounding area.  The Society has its own geophysics equipment (a Gradiometer and Resistance Meter) and welcomes members’ initiatives and student projects.  Excursions are organised during the summer months, including both evening walks and day trips to archaeological sites. A series of lectures is run during the winter months.  The Society also publishes an annual journal  ‘Camertonia’ packed with articles about current projects and other items of interest to members.  The Society has recently changed it name from Bath & Camerton Archaeological Society to Bath & Counties Archaeological Society.

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Bev’s Roman Roads Blog

Bev Knott (BAAS Committee Member) writes a blog on his research into finding the remains of Roman Roads and tracing them through the landscape in North Somerset and Somerset.

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Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society

The Society promotes the study of the history and archaeology of Bristol and Gloucestershire and encourages the conservation of the historic environment.  The Society publishes excavation reports, research and historical sources.  It arranges regular meetings and excursions with two programmes of lectures in Bristol and Gloucester between September and March.  There are fieldtrips to local sites in the Spring and Autumn, with residential trips in Britain and Europe.

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Bristol Potters and Potteries

This is a website that brings together 40 years of research by Reg Jackson on the Bristol pottery industry for those interested in the subject.  This is a comprehensive website that covers the pottery industry since the Medieval period.

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Charterhouse Environs Research Team (CHERT)

CHERT is a group of individuals who meet every Tuesday at 10.00 a.m. at the Charterhouse Education Centre to record and survey the landscape around Charterhouse-on-Mendip.  The group works closely with the A.O.N.B., English Heritage and local landowners to understand the complex processes that have formed the landscape around Charterhouse and its environs.  New members are welcome and no specific skills are required to join the team.  The group also organises outings to archaeological sites.

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Clevedon & District Archaeological Society

The Society holds monthly meetings with invited lecturers, together with Summer fieldtrips.  Its venue is at the Friends Meeting House, 15 Albert Road, Clevedon, North Somerset at 7.30p.m.  Visitors always welcome.

contact Maureen O’Connor [email protected]

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Clifton Antiquarian Club

The original club was formed in 1884, but was dissolved in 1912 after 28 years.  In 2006 the club was revived and the principal 19th Century objectives applied to the new society.  High quality fieldtrips and lectures are organised with active participation in personal research projects.  The Society’s Proceedings are published biannually.  The Society holds two lectures annually which are held in the Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, 8.

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Cotswold Archaeology

Although a prominent international, commercial company, Cotswold Archaeology has done much work in Bristol and its environs.  It has created a free on-line library of its report, which can be accessed at the above website.

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Council for British Archaeology (CBA)

“An independent charity whose overall aim is to open up the UK’s rich heritage or all and safeguard it for future generations”.  Membership includes regular issues of the magazine British Archaeology per year; opportunities to participate in local CBA group activities.

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Egypt Society of Bristol

The Society aims to offer at least six lectures a year between October and June. The emphasis is on ancient Egypt, but there may also be talks on more modern topics, as well as people associated with the country and its exploration.  Talks take place at the University of Bristol, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, 43 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UU, at 18.45 (doors open at 18.15), followed by an informal gathering over a glass of wine.  Street (and limited off-street) parking is available in the vicinity, and the venue is wheelchair-accessible.

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English Heritage

English Heritage exists to help people understand, value, care for and enjoy England’s unique heritage.  It is best known for looking after the National Heritage Collection of historic sites and monuments and the guardianship of over 500,000 objects and 12 million photographs in our public archives.

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Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society

The Society promotes the study of archaeology, natural history, local history and historic buildings with particular reference to the county of Somerset and is an important point of contact for anyone with an interest in understanding and protecting the heritage of Somerset.  Meetings and excursions take place each month throughout the year.  The Society has a library collection held at the Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton and publishes its Proceedings annually.

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University of Bristol Archaeology & Anthropology Society

This is a student organised Society that runs a series of lectures from October to March.  Members of the public are welcome (fee charged at the door for non-members).  Lectures are held in the Department’s building, Lecture Room 1 at 43 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UU at 5.30pm. Refreshments afterwards.

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University of Bristol Spelaeological Society

The Society engages in cave exploration and survey on the Mendip Hills, County Clare, Ireland, Thailand and Romania.  It publishes its Proceedings annually and its digital archive and past Proceedings are available on-line.  The Society has been involved in a number of archaeological excavations in caves on the Mendips and Wye Valley and the finds are held in the Society’s Museum, University of Bristol.  Visits to the museum and access to its collections can be arranged with the Society’s curator.  Members meet weekly at The Coach & Horses, Highland Square, Blackboy Hill, Bristol at 9.00 p.m. where regular events are organised.

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Weston-super-Mare Archaeological & Natural History Society

The Society offers a series of talks at the Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Weston-super-Mare on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May.  They also meet for walks and explore aspects of their local wildlife.  The summer months have a programme of visits and activities.  The Society publishes a quarterly newsletter.

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