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South Dorset Ridgeway Heritage Project Newsletter
Issue 10 May 2011
ARTICLE 1:
Reporting the Archaeology of the South Dorset Ridgeway
Two reports concerning the archaeology of this unique area have recently been published.
In early 2010 Wessex Archaeology carried out a condition survey of barrows in the South Dorset Ridgeway Project Area. Archaeologists surveyed 691 barrows, which included both unscheduled and scheduled monuments. The report makes recommendations for the future survival of barrows at risk from cultivation and animal burrows.
Hidden treasures discovered in old photographs
An exciting archaeological survey has uncovered yet more secrets on the South Dorset Ridgeway. The first ever review of aerial photographs of the whole of this ancient landscape has now been completed and revealed many as yet unrecorded historic features.The project formed part of the National Mapping Programme and was carried out by specialists at Cornwall County Council on behalf of English Heritage and Dorset County Council.
The experts have identified 3,453 archaeological sites of which 2,500 were new and previously unrecorded. The sites range in date from 6,000 years ago through to wartime remains from the 20th century. New sites provisionally allocated a Neolithic date include potential long barrows and a possible henge monument near Bradford Peverell. 325 new Bronze Age barrow sites were identified confirming that these funerary monuments extend right across the Ridgeway and on the higher ground to the north of the River Frome. The numbers of later prehistoric sites recorded are extremely significant with 72% of sites assigned an Iron Age, prehistoric, Iron Age/Roman or Roman date being new to the record. Types of new sites attributed to these periods included enclosures, settlements and field systems as well as two possible Roman camps.
The greatest numbers of sites recorded were dated to the post medieval period, a period that has traditionally been ignored by archaeological survey and field investigation. The recording of 20th century military sites, particularly using the RAF vertical photographs taken during and soon after the Second World War, has proved highly informative with many significant sites being recorded for the first time.
ARTICLE 2:
RIDGEWAY VOICES
Ridgeway Voices a temporary exhibition at DorsetCountyMuseum is now openuntil 25th June
The first reviews are in …
‘My’ beloved Ridgeway captured in many original ways – thank you
Fascinating – I’ve lived here all my life and saw things I didn’t know about, can’t believe how life has changed so much
Really enjoyed this exhibition – the ‘voices’ also Jorn Ebner’s work. The ‘untitled’ by young people I found quite moving – sense of all the people over time walking along the Ridgeway Thank you!
Very powerful continuation of things to look at and evocative voices Stunning photos Thank you
A selection of comments from the Exhibition Visitors Book
DON’T FORGET THE RIDGEWAY VOICES WALKING FESTIVAL
To accompany the exhibition; walks led by people who love the South Dorset Ridgeway. Joins us for great views, great history and great company
Hardy’s High Road,Broadmayne to Poxwell
5 June 2pm to 5pm6 miles, moderate
The Broken Barrows at Bronkham Hill
7 June 2pm to 4pm2 miles, moderate
Came Wood to Sutton Poyntz through 10,000 years
15 June 11am to 3pm6 miles, strenuous
All the walks are Free, but booking is essential email Katharine in the AONB Team
ARTICLE 3:
Ridgeway Voices Storytelling with Tim Laycock. Tim will be creating new stories from memories within the exhibition and bringing some favourite tales to Dorset County Museum on the 10th June at 7.30pm FREE, but booking advisable
ARTICLE 4:
Dorset Voices: Collecting Oral History in Dorset
Ridgeway Voices is based on oral history collecting and together with the Dorset History Forum we are holding a study day at the Dorset History Centre on 11 June from 10am – 4pm.The day isfor anyone who wants to find out more about oral history and interviewing. The programme includes speakers who have recorded memories for use in a variety of projects, and a workshop session to help you to set up, organise and run your own oral history project.
ARTICLE 5:
Ridgeway Charity Challenge 2011
After last year’s successful Ridgeway Challenge the British Heart Foundation are organising another event on the South Dorset Ridgeway on 24 July. Run or walk 6, 12 or 21 miles.
Call Leah on 01892 893918 or visit