Event - Roam the Ridge (Wincobank)

Come and Roam the Ridge and find out the facts on Wincobank Hill on Saturday 15th September. A guided history walk round Wincobank Hill Fort and the Roman Ridge with archaeologist Jared Bryson from the University of Sheffield

Meet 10.15am at the Forum Public House, Sandstone Road S9 1AE.   For More information visit the Friends of Wincobank Hill website at http://www.wincobankhill.btck.co.uk/

Events - Hunter’s Sheffield Visits (Sheffield)

The Hunter Archaeological Society are organising three visits around Sheffield on Sunday 13th May 2012 to celebrate their centenary. An excursion showcases three current community archaeology projects, while two guided walks look at places connected with the antiquarian Joseph Hunter, from who the Society takes its name.

There are three guided walks and excursions to choose from:

1. Coach excursion to visit three very active community projects in the Sheffield area – Manor Lodge, Heeley City Farm and Wincobank. This will leave Paternoster Row outside the Showroom Cinema at 10am and return to the same point at 4 - 4.30pm. Lunch will be available at Heeley City Farm at a cost of £5 per head.

2. Guided walk around the non-conformist landscape of Sheffield led by Pat Wagner, leaving the junction of Glossop Road and Clarkehouse Road at 10am, lasting around 2 hours. This will visit the Wesleyan College, the Botanical Gardens and the General Cemetery.

3. Guided walk around Sheffield city centre circa 1800, looking at sites particularly connected with Joseph Hunter, led by Ruth Morgan. This will leave from in front of Sheffield Town Hall on Pinstone Street at 2pm and last around 2 hours.

To book a place pleaser contact Ruth Morgan, Hon Secretary, Royd Farm, Carr Road, Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2NR, tel 0114 288 2640, email secretary@hunterarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk. Booking forms are also available on web www.hunterarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk

All are FREE.

News - History could be lost if hillfort site is developed (Sheffield)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ‘treasures’ dating back to prehistoric times could be lost if housing plans are approved for a site in Sheffield, a councillor has warned.

Former Lord Mayor Coun Peter Price has spoken out over plans to build 26 homes on land at the end of Sandstone Road, Wincobank, on the Roman ridge overlooking the Lower Don Valley, the site of a former hillfort.

An archaeological survey carried out by Dr Gareth Davies, of Archaeological Research Services has concluded there is ‘medium to high potential’ remains may be intact.

Dr Davies recommended the site should be excavated before any development.

Coun Peter Price is among local councillors and residents who have objected to the plans.

He said: “The site could have archaeological treasures.

“Wincobank Hill is the site of an ancient monument and the way we have allowed this side of the hill to be developed has been shameful.

“Had it been anywhere else in the city, we would have protected it long ago.

“It is also an attractive hillside with footpaths, wonderful views, trees and wildlife and we feel it should be treated as open space.

“I strongly request this application is refused, so residents can continue to enjoy a small bit of attractive open space and our city’s heritage can be preserved.”

DLP Planning, agents for developer Investates Development, said the development would consist of 22 three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom flats.

The agents said that surveys carried out in 1993 had found no evidence of archaeological remains.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/history_could_be_lost_if_hillfort_site_is_developed_1_4146413

 

News - Nick sees pupils’ prehistoric project (Millhouses)

SHEFFIELD Hallam MP Nick Clegg was given an insight into a prehistoric project at a city school which has seen the creation of a replica Iron Age round house.


The Lib Dem leader was at St Wilfrid’s RC Primary in Millhouses to officially open the house, constructed with the help of volunteers from Heeley City Farm and Sheffield University.

The round house is already being used by youngsters as an outdoor classroom for their environmental studies - although currently lighting is an issue as the structure has no windows!

“We’re looking at installing small solar-powered lights so the atmosphere of the round house is maintained,” said headteacher Barbara Jarrett.

“The work was only just completed before Nick arrived but he was very impressed with what he saw - he said they didn’t do things like this when he was at school.”

The Deputy Prime Minster also saw smelting work with a craftsman creating an iron hinge for the house’s door.

“It’s been a brilliant project and we are expanding our environmental work with our refurbished school pond and a forest school project,” Barbara added.

Every child in the school was involved in the building work - getting messy creating daub for the walls from clay, straw, water and sand.

The mixture was later spread on the woven willow walls by hand, with help from university archaeology students.

The building work began last February and tied in with classroom work on the whole Iron Age era.


Pupils also worked with heritage officers from Heeley City Farm and university lecturers on a host of activities, including handling genuine archaeological artefacts.

Youngsters also visited the Iron Age hill fort at Wincobank and harvested materials for the construction work.

Sheffield University lecturer Dr Roger Doonan said: “The pupils really enjoyed the project as it was fun but also formed part of an important research project with the work of the pupils contributing to our understanding of life in the Iron Age.

“Their enthusiasm and interest was incredibly impressive and I was asked questions by nine-year-old pupils which would not have been out of place at a professional conference.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/nick_sees_pupils_prehistoric_project_1_3811478

Event - Wincobank Hill - The Facts! A Very Special FREE Event

4th August 2011 - Wincobank Hill - The Facts! A Very Special FREE Event

What's that?

If you want to find out the whole known story, so far, don't miss the next meeting of Friends of Wincobank Hill

Why? Because Sheffield City Council commissioned ArcHeritage to research all the historical information they could find and write it up into one huge report.

To save you having to read it all (and there is a lot of fascinating detail), the team will be giving a special Illustrated Talk at 7pm on Thursday 4th August.

Where? at Upper Wincobank Chapel, Wincobank Avenue, S5 6BB - a beautiful historic building.

Who for? Anyone who is interested, curious or even passionate about the Iron Age hill fort, the Ancient Woodland, the charcoal burners, the mines and the tips of Wincobank Hill. You don't need to be a member so bring your friends and family.

How much? FREE admission, thanks to Sheffield Heritage Wooodlands team. There will be an optional raffle in aid of Friends of Wincobank Hill.

Any need book? - No just come along. Refreshments will be served from 6.30pm

For further information please contact Adam Goodall, Woodlands Officer, Sheffield City Council Tel: 0114 205 3787 Email: adam.goodall@sheffield.gov.uk

Event - Secrets to be laid bare (Wincobank)

SECRETS of the historic Wincobank Hill in Sheffield will be laid bare at a free event on Thursday at 7pm,

The Upper Wincobank Chapel, Wincobank Avenue, is the venue for an illustrated talk with the Friends of Wincobank Hill.

It will cover the Iron Age hill fort, the ancient woodland, the charcoal burners, the mines and the tips of Wincobank Hill. Admission is free and there will be a raffle in aid of Friends of Wincobank Hill. For more information contact Adam Goodall, Woodlands Officer by email on adam.goodall@sheffield.gov.uk

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/secrets_to_be_laid_bare_1_3634620

News - Roman Ridge revamp (Wincobank-...)

A PREHISTORIC earthwork in a South Yorkshire woodland which had been so badly damaged by mountain bikers it was on a national register of threatened heritage sites is to be repaired.

English Heritage has signed a management agreement with Swinton Wood owners Richard and Sue Fulbrook to ensure the remains of Roman Ridge - a scheduled ancient monument - are protected.

The feature has been damaged by mountain bikers digging into it to build ramps, causing it to be put on English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register.

The ridge runs for 500 yards but it once stretched for 12 miles from Wincobank to beyond Wath upon Dearne, with other portions surviving elsewhere, although much of the ridge has fallen victim to the plough and development.

English Heritage Historic Environment Field Adviser Yvonne Luke said: “This is a remarkable survivor and we are pleased to be working with the owner to help secure its future.

“Six stretches of the monument in South Yorkshire are listed in the Heritage at Risk Register as being at threat. 

“Other problems include scrub growth, digging, vehicle damage and plough clipping. Such monuments offer a window on the past and they deserve to more widely known and celebrated locally.”

The Roman Ridge is at least 2,000 years old and almost certainly predates the Romans arriving in Britain. Experts say it is unlikely to have been a defensive structure, even though its construction would have required a huge effort.

It may have marked territories, or grazing areas for cattle and once marked the southern borders of the Brigantes, the biggest tribe in Celtic Britain who lived in what is now northern England.

Mr and Mrs Fulwood are seeking volunteers to help them restore the ridge and report any damage to them.

Mr Fulbrook said: “Part of the reason for buying the wood was to maintain public access and also to help protect the monument. People can play their part by reporting any damage being caused. 

“This is a very important yet fragile monument and we are fortunate it has survived for so long. Everyone can play a part in ensuring it is protected.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/roman_ridge_revamp_1_3072250