On the 13th of October 2026 Doctor Wendy Morrison who has spoken for us before returns to discuss “Linear route one” this is a prehistoric subject including some intersecting Roman roads.
On the 10th of November William Powell on
‘Tracing Mesolithic movement and Early Neolithic mobility in Pembrokeshire from the evidence of lithic scatters and stray finds on riverine riverbanks and coastal inlets, as places determined by deep time geology and glacial retreats.’
The talk will trace Early Mesolithic movement westwards from the limestone Mendips, continuing beneath a shallower River Severn estuary to southern Pembrokeshire, the lowland limestone beneath the soils providing prolific evidence of flint working sites, microliths, flint blades, scrapers and shale beads, but much of the material will have vanished.
The impact of progressive rapid sea level rises of c. 30 – 40 metres during the earlier Mesolithic period however submerged former productive landscapes, requiring a re-negotiation of a reduced terrain as a result of land loss, instrumental, it is argued in some Mesolithic groups seeking new resource opportunities along the deepened river valleys flowing towards Pembrokeshire’s hinterland.
It will also be suggested newly created melt-water channels in northern Pembrokeshire, resulting from the retreating glaciers, provided a ‘spring-board’ for Neolithic activity, possibly resulting in visual evidence seen today.’
Lectures are normally held at Stephens House & Gardens (Avenue House), 17 East End Road, Finchley, N3 3QE, and start promptly at 8 pm, with coffee/tea afterwards. Non-members admission: £2; Buses 13, 125, 143, 326 & 460 pass nearby and Finchley Central station (Northern Line), is a 5-10 minute walk away.
Lectures start at 7.45 for 8.00pm in the Drawing Room, Avenue House (also known as Stephen’s House) , 17 East End Road, Finchley N3 3QE. Buses 13, 143, 326 & 460 pass close by, and it is five to ten minutes walk from Finchley Central Station (Northern Line). Tea/coffee and biscuits follow the talk.
Occasionally lectures may be given via Zoom.
Lectures are free for Members of the Society. Visitors are charged £2.
