Uncover the Stories Beneath Our Feet

Dig into the past and connect with the people, places, and stories that shaped our landscape.

Last Thursday of each month · starts at 2:30 PM

Archaeology and History

The Archaeology and History Section is mainly focussed on History. Currently there are no Archaeological investigations being undertaken although visits are made to local sites in Northamptonshire where work may be in progress.

We host a series of talks and lectures about Archaeology and History throughout the year by both resident and guest speakers. Subject matter varies greatly and can cover anything from stone circles to Edward Lear, from the Romans to the Incas, from medieval life to Victorian buildings etc. Most of the subjects relate to Northamptonshire and the local area.

The Exploration Society

Examining Barrows, Tumuli & Prehistoric Remains

The most important report on archaeology at this time, is contained in Vol. 19 of the Journal which carries a lengthy account of excavations by the Northamptonshire Exploration Society, described as an offshoot of the Section. A committee of eight members was formed to ‘examine barrows, tumuli and other prehistoric remains’.

Digs were organised at the Anglo Saxon cemetery at Holdenby, the Roman Villa at Harpole and at other sites. The members of the committee who undertook to supervise, record and restore the sites, as far as possible, were: F Bostock, T George, C A Markham, F Shepherd, W R Shoosmith, B Thomson, T Turner and E Turner.

A legacy of Discovery

By P.Goodfellow

In its early years, the Society did not have a dedicated archaeology section, although members regularly visited historic houses and churches of antiquarian interest.

It was not until 1897 that an Archaeological Section was formally proposed. Its first Secretary was Mr T. J. George, the Borough Librarian. Initially, however, the Section’s activities were not widely published. Meetings took place in the rooms of the Archaeological Society, first at 8 Abington Street and later at 12 Sheep Street.

At one point, there was even a suggestion that the two societies (Northamptonshire Natural History Society and Archaeological Society) might merge, though this idea was ultimately declined—perhaps out of concern over each losing independence.

The Section also enjoyed connections beyond the county. On one memorable visit to Leicester, members were shown notable antiquities before being hosted by Canon Sanders, a former president, who treated them to strawberries and cream along with other refined delicacies—a fitting end to a day of historical exploration.

Chronicle

Through the Years

1904

In June 1904 it is reported that the Section was reorganised (although unfortunately no details are given) and there is a report of a visit to Naseby by a group, some of whom cycled, while 52 others travelled in two large brakes provided my Messrs Bonham.
1905

Membership evidently increased during this time as for the winter of 1904-5 cards of membership were printed with details of the programme, and these were to be used as a pass to meetings because of limited accommodation (in Reference Library, Guildhall Road). Apparently it was usual for a distinction to be drawn between Full members of the Society and Sectional members because at the AGM in 1905 a report listed 59 members of whom 17 belonged to the NNHS and 42 to the Section. This practice evidently continued because in 1908 the Laws wore drawn up to permit Sectional members.
1909

The familiar pattern of regular meetings in the winter months with visits or excursions in the summer was well established by 1909 under the leadership of Mr T J George as President and Mr W H Arlidge as Secretary (these two members were still in these offices in 1919, which could well be a record of combined service to the Society). A visit organised by these gentlemen to Tamworth and Lichfield was of some interest as a similar outing took place 60 years later.
1912

A break with custom was noted in 1912 because the Section held a meeting at which the speaker was Mrs Abbey, her subject was ‘Samplers’, but it was also reported that this was the first time that a lady had been invited to speak.
1914

During the war years there were, naturally, fewer meetings, but a general meeting that was reported fully in the Journal was on the ‘Fortifications of Northampton’ when the speaker was Mr Reginald Brown who was then the Borough Librarian, having been appointed in 1912, Mr George continuing as Curator of the Museum until his death in 1920.