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Looking back at Summer Pursuits

Winchester outing. Despite heavy rain during the evening and night preceding the final outing of the season of that September, a party of 37 assembled for the expedition to Winchester. They were rewarded, for the clouds began to clear at the outset and the weather remained reasonable all day. The first stop was at Sparsholt Roman Villa, situated in the middle of a forestry plantation just outside Winchester. The approach was appropriately via a of Roman Road and we were conducted around the side by Mr David Johnston of the Extra-Mural Department of Southampton University. Evidence existed of occupation from the Iron Age to the mid-4th century A.D. At the most important phase there was a big house with a large courtyard, an aisled building and various out-buildings. There was also an interesting a sequence in the development of the Bath House and a beautiful mosaic floor has been uncovered, which we later saw in the City Museum at Winchester. Some more wall plaster, imitating mosaic was another interesting a find.

From of the villa we returned to Winchester, where we were free to explore until 2.30 p.m., when we met at the City Museum to see some of the evidence of Winchester’s long and eventful history. Mr. Cottrill, the curator, was kind enough to be available to answer questions. Next we proceeded to the cathedral to meet Canon Bussby, who introduced us to its history. We saw an exhibition of Saxon and Norman art in the Treasury, and the beautiful twelfth century Winchester Bible, kept in the library, itself the oldest bookroom in Europe, also dating from the twelfth century. The Canon told us something of the cathedrals administration, including the fact that when the gates of the Close are shut at night, the community has nothing further to do with England until the next morning. We finally repaired at to the Cadens Cafe in the High Street for tea before returning home.

Brent River Walk

The upper reaches of the year River Brent (or Dollis Brook) were explored on the sunny afternoon or Saturday 23 September by a regrettably small party, half of which was comprised of members of the Middlesex Society, under the leadership Mr Jeffrey Evans. Shortly after the start at Totteridge Lane, the Middlesex Hertfordshire boundary was located near the road named County Gate. From here the walkers followed the diminishing river westward to a point beyond Totteridge Vale Farm.

Nothing of note was found in the river gravels. Some pollution from tipped rubbish was noted at one point near a car park and it was thought that a complaint would be justified. On the return journey, the travellers were welcomed by the Trewicks in Western Way and refreshed to buy a delicious tea – a bonus highlight to a pleasant occasion. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, it is hoped that there will be a further walk to find the river’s source next spring.

Second Chance

Those members who missed the first of Mr Jeffrey Evans’ river walks by along the lower reaches of the River Brent, may be interested to know that he will be conducting a similar walk for the Middlesex Society on the Saturday 4 November meeting at the Brent Bridge, Hendon, NW4 at 2.30 p.m.

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Erratum

The Editor wishes to apologise to all bemused Anglo-Saxon scholars and to Mr Jeffrey Evans for incorrectly rendering “GRENDELES GATAN” as “Grendchen Gatan” when the transcribing the original handwritten draft of his feature article along by Brent which appeared in the September newsletter.

Looking Ahead to Winter Plans

Lectures

Arrangements for the 1972/3 Winter lectures have been delayed by various obstacles and at the time of writing several problems have yet to be resolved, reports the Programme Secretary. The date and time of lectures are as announced in the September newsletter, and you will find a map enclosed which shows the exact location of St. Mary’s Church Hall and gives details of bus and services in the area. Plans so far completed are as follows: –

17th October 1972 – Baynards Castle – a Lecture by Jeremy Haslam

The site of the castle, once a Royal Palace, was excavated this summer by the Guildhall Museum. Jeremy Haslam’s talk, which will be illustrated with slides and diagrams, is the first public lecture to be given on this important and interesting site.

21st November 1972 – “They’ll never be missed” – a lecture by James Lee

A member of the GLC’s Historic Buildings Division, Mr Lee will speak on the problems of saving historic buildings, with particular reference to the Borough of Barnet, illustrating his talk with selections from the GLC’s fine collection of slides of important and historic buildings.

20th March 1973 – The Fulham Pottery – a lecture by Dennis Haselgrove

The result of this summer’s excavations will be outlined by Mr Haselgrove and slides will be shown to illustrate his talk. Should any member wish to help the Fulham and Hammersmith Historical Society with the processing of finds (mainly on Sundays), Mr Haselgrove will be very pleased to hear from them.

17th April 1973 – A Maps Evening – with Dr, Helen Wallis

This talk by the Superintendent of the Map Room of the British Museum will cover maps as aides to historical research. Dr Wallis will talk with special local reference to the Borough of Barnet.

15h May 1973 – Annual General Meeting

Other Meetings

The arrangements for the meetings on 16th January and 20 February 1973 have not yet been finalised. One lecture will be on a prehistoric subject, however, and the other of interest to students of the Roman period. It is hoped to be able to give members full details in the next newsletter.

The Festive Season

Make a note in your diary now and tell your friends to – on Friday 15th December the Hendon and District Archaeological Society will be holding a Christmas Party at 166 Station Road, Hendon, NW4. Further details will appear in the November newsletter, but meanwhile if any member would like to donate raffle prizes, or offer assistance with the catering or other arrangements, the Treasurer (Richard Deacon) would be very pleased to hear from you.

Sadly the last social gathering was poorly attended, despite great efforts on the part of those who undertook the organisation, so make a firm resolution now to come along and enjoy yourselves on 15 December.

Projects

The Society has several research projects planned for the coming winter :-

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Portrait Survey

About a year ago, Hendon and District Archaeological Society was invited by the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society to participate in the Middlesex Portrait Survey with responsibility for the Borough of Barnet. From the outset, the idea appealed to the Committee as being both worthwhile and of interest to members. For various reasons, however, the start had to be postponed until now.

The idea behind the survey (which is part of a nationwide Portrait Survey, organised on a County basis) is to fill the gap which exists when a portrait can not be found in one of the larger galleries. There is at present no national record of portraits which can be consulted by historians, biographers, or those arranging exhibitions or illustrating books. Yet such portraits (for this purpose, the word covers representations in any medium, including sculpture) do exist. A team of 30 researchers in Kent, where the survey commenced, managed to find and record 1,400 portraits in two years, by combing schools, municipal offices, vestries, boardrooms, hospitals and territorial army headquarters. The facts about each portrait, when located, are recorded on a special form, which will ultimately provide an archive at the National Portrait Gallery.

Our team is not yet 30 string, but a start has been made with a group of a dozen keen members who are prepared to give this long-term project an hour here or an afternoon there. Some are working in pairs, while others are lone wolves. They plan at first to concentrate on schools and churches. We hop that the team may swell in numbers after you have read this – more volunteers will be very welcome! It is something you can do in your own time and at your own speed, and it should provide opportunities for getting into interesting corners of the Borough and meeting many different people. The project organiser is Mrs. Nell Penny. If you would like to join in, please contact her – she’ll be delighted to hear from you.

Tombstone Survey

Just as interesting and equally useful is Project No. 2 – our old friend the Tombstone Survey – which Ted Sammes will direct again this winter in St, Mary’s Churchyard, Hendon. This, as members will know, is another long-term project, which has been in progress during the last two winters. Mr. Sammes called a halt this spring to direct the Burroughs Gardens dig, but hopes top resume work at St. Mary’s some time in November – the exact date will be announced in the next Newsletter.

Already many hundreds of headstones have been recorded, but much still remains to be done and more volunteers are needed. Strange as it may sound, grubbing around among the St, Mary’s tombstones on a fine Sunday afternoon has a gentle fascination all its own – and is often very interesting. Do try it! Mr. Sammes will also be happy to hear from any member who would like to try their hand at assembling biographical information about some of the better-known worthies who are buried at St. Mary’s – another job which can prove most rewarding.

Cataloguing Brockley Hill finds

Our third project, plans for which are not yet complete, concerns another familiar friend – the finds from the early Brockley Hill digs. Arrangements are in had for spending two full weekends after Christmas on further sorting, cataloguing and indexing at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute. This will provide an excellent chance to handle, identify and get used to the feel of Roman pottery from the late 1st to the early 4th century. Further details will appear in subse1quent newsletters.

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Looking forward to next Spring – Archaeological Weekend

It has been proposed that the Society should organise a weekend trip for members, possibly staying at Salisbury, and visiting important archaeological sites on the Dorset/Wiltshire borders. Departure would be on a Friday night, returning home on Sunday evening. It is important to know how many would be interested in joining such a party before any definite plans are made or the likely cost estimated, so please register your name provisionally with Jeremy Clynes now if you would like to participate.

Subscriptions

As we are now half way through the financial year, please could all those who have not yet renewed their membership of the Society for 1972/3 let Richard Deacon have their subscriptions at an early date, to ensure that the current membership list remains up-to-date.

P,S, The Treasure would also be most grateful for any unwanted Green Shield or Pink stamps to augment the Society’s funds.

The Blue Plaques of Barnet

– A special article by Philippa Bernard, Editor of the Society’s forthcoming publication.

The Society will shortly be publishing the second of its occasional papers. The first was “The Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet” and No. 2. is to be “The Blue Plaques of Barnet”. It is over 100 years since the first blue plaque in London was erected to the memory of Lord Byron on his former home in Holles Street. Since that time, many famous men and women, historic houses and place of interest have been commemorated in the form of the familiar blue circle.

In the Borough of Barnet, there are 21 Blue Plaques, some clearly evident and well-known to passers-by, others less easy to find, marking places unknown to the public. Many members of the Society have co-operated in the writing of this booklet. A considerable amount of hard work has gone into the research, with each plaque telling its story and much fascinating information has emerged. The Borough has been the home of many famous men and women: Anna Pavlova, Wllliam Wilberforce, Sir Stamford Raffles among them. Plaques also mark important historical locations such as the site of the old parish cage and the tollgate. What has become clear as work proceeded, is that there are many equally important spots within the Borough which are not dignified by plaques, and it is hoped that at some future date the Society might co-operate in establishing the situation of additional sites, so far unrecorded.

P.S. Watch for an announcement of the publication of “The Blue Plaques of Barnet” in the Newsletter.

British Museum Exhibition

An exhibition entitled “A Panorama of Drawing, 11,000 B.C. – 1942 A.D.” is to be mounted in the Prints and Drawings Gallery of the British Museum between 27th October 1972 and February 1973. Man’s achievement as a draughtsman will be illustrated, with the inclusion of material from several of the Museum’s Departments, in order to cover the period from prehistoric times to the present day.

Collector’s Item

Your attention is drawn to the notice enclosed with this newsletter advertising the forthcoming Borough of Barnet publication “Local Maps and Views 1600-1850” in a limited edition, which it is thought may be of particular interest to members.

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For your diary

River Walk: Mr. Jeffrey Evans will be leading the next in his series of walks northwards along the River Brent towards its source on Saturday 23rd September. Meet at Totteridge & Whetstone Underground Station at 2.30 p.m. A member has kindly offered to provide tea for intrepid explorers after the walk! FOOTNOTE – The final walk in the series has been provisionally scheduled to take place next spring.

The dates for the Society’s 1972/3 Winter programme are as follows : –

Tuesday 17th October 1972 – Lecture
Tuesday 21st November 1972 – Lecture
December 1972 (date to be announced) – Social Function
Tuesday 16th January 1973 – Lecture
Tuesday 20th February 1973 – Lecture
Tuesday 20th March 1973 – Lecture
Tuesday 17th April 1973 – Lecture
Tuesday 15th May 1973 – A.G.M.

Details will be announced in later Newsletters. The venue for lectures will once again be St. Mary’s Church Hall, Church End, Hendon, NW4 as the Public Library is still closed for modrenisation, and the time remains unchanged at 8.15 p.m.

Burroughs Gardens Excavations – A progress report

The discovery of footings of a house pre-dating the houses recently demolished has caused us to continue our excavations in the area next to the bakery. More interesting still are the layers in this area producing rim, body and base sherds of Medieval pottery. Regrettably, no coins have so far been found in these layers, but the pottery has been tentatively dated by the Guildhall and London Museums as 12th to 13th century. This agrees well with a dating made by John Hurst when the sherds were found.

On Saturday 26th August, Roy Canham, Field Officer of the London Museum, visited the dig and a useful discussion took place; diggers were regrettably few on that occasion! The finding of this material is unusual in North London, the nearest documented site being at Northolt.

The Burroughs dig takes us back archaeologically towards our Saxon beginnings. The number if diggers has fallen off in recent weeks, due to the holiday season. A special effort is needed, therefore, for these last few weeks if we are going to be able to wring all the knowledge available from this interesting site. So wil anyone who can help, even for a couple of hours at a time, please come along to the Burroughs at the following times:

September 16/17
September 24 (no digging on Sept. 23 owing to river walk)
September 30 / October 1

Digging on Staurdays is from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Sunday all day, from 10.30 to 6, allowing time off for lunch between 1- 2.35. IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN, PLEASE HELP TO FINISH OFF YOUR DIG!

Wanted for dig

Donation or loan of stirrup pump for watering the trenches. If you think you can help, please contact Jeremy Clynes.

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Along the Brent – A special report from Jeffrey Evans on the River Walks he has led

These walks are along the banks of the River Brent upstream to its source near Arkley, so for the benefit of those members who were unable to come on the first two walks, here are a few points of local interest seen on the way so far. The River Brent flows for some 18 to 20 miles, mostly through Middlesex, before entering the Thames at Brentford – our old county town.

We started the first walk from Henleys Corner along part of Mutton Brook – which here forms the ancient parish boundary between Hendon and Finchley – passing the site of once famous watercress beds (now a swamp, but still remembered by a few very old inhabitants), alongside the remaining part of Hurst Wood on the Hendon side – known in the 18th century as Foxhole Wood – by Decoy Wood at the site of Decoy Farm, where the brook flows into the River Brent, sometimes here called Dollis Brook. Now walking upstream, we soon pass the high waterfall at Hendon Lane where the river was once dammed to form a long lake to enhance the view from the nearby Manor House (Tenterden Hall). Further on, it flows under the old red brick Waverley Bridge and so to Mill Hill East where our first walk finished.

The next walk was from Dollis Lane under the high arches of Dollis Viaduct where the walk becomes more wild and wooded with small backwaters and pools when passing the grounds of Nether Court and the Finchley Golf Course, on through the well-kept grounds of Woodside Park, where another feeder of the Brent joins it from Mill Hill to the west, then out into the open fields of the Totteridge and Whetstone valley, and finishing at Totteridge Lane, the whole distance being about 4 miles.

We hope to continue these walks at a later date along the final section through part of Hertfordshire around the north of Totteridge and back towards Mill Hill to trace the river’s source in the deep wooded valley by Hendon Wood Lane just below Barnet Gate. This is a site having legendary connections from very early times with Anglo-Saxon mythology, in the story of Beowolf and the slaying of Grendel, the man-eating monster of the woods and swamps, and was mentioned in a 10th century Saxon charter as “Grendchen gatan” (Grendel’s gates).

Exhibition

A neighbouring Society, the Stanmore, Edgware and Harrow Historical Society, has asked us to let members know about its forthcoming exhibition on the local history of Stanmore and Harrow. This will take place on Saturday. October 7, at St. John the Evangelist Church House, Stanmore, starting at 2 p.m. Church House is near the church, which many members may know because of its interesting historical associations. The present church, built in 1850, stands beside the older brick built church consecrated by Archbishop Laud in 1632 and not used after 1850. At his trial, Laud was accused of consecrating a “Masshouse” at Stanmore, and replied “No air. It is a parish church”. The exhibition will include the Moxom collection, found at Brockley Hill about 1905, which the Stanmore society is borrowing for the occasion from the London Borough of Barnet.

Out and About – Summer Outings ’72

July – Sailing Barges Museum

Forty members and friends supported the second of this season’s outings on Saturday 15th July. First stop was The Friars, a Carmelite Priory, at Aylesford. Time was allowed for a quick look round the tranquil surroundings, after which the party moved on to the nearby village of Eccles. There we walked to the site of a Roman villa, where the current season’s activities were explained by Mr. A. P. Detsicas, M.A., F.S.A., Occupation of the villa commenced in the period immediately after the Roman conquest and with subsequent rebuilding until 400 AD.

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We paused for tea at the Mad Hatter and afterwards visited the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum in the cool of the evening. There we received an enthusiastic welcome and a feast of Thames Barge folklore was discussed. Whilst looking at the collection of Barge by-gones, we were told that there are now 35 similar barges in seaworthy condition.

August – Roman Dover

On Saturday 12th August a party of 33, including members of Camden Historical Society, amongst whom was the Secretary, Mr. G. D. Gregory, set off on a special outing additional to the regular summer programme to visit the important Roman excavations at Dover on show for a limited season in July and August. During the course of the work on the A20 York Street bypass road in 1970, extensive remains of the major 2nd century A.D. “Classis Britannica” fort, headquarterd of the Roman fleet in Britain, were discovered, just seven feet away from the site predicted by Sir Mortimer Wheeler as far back as 1929. This led to a major archaeological rescue digging operation by the Kentish CIB Archaeological Rescue Corps under the leadership of Mr B. J. Philp. Although saved for future generations by the raising of the new road level by up to six feet, the “Classis Britannica” fort has now been lost to view again. There was, however, a tour around an adjacent site where excavations are at present under way, conducted by a young helper from the Dover Archaeology Group. On this site, we saw evidence of settlement in Neolithic times from 4000 years ago to 2000 B.C., an Iron Age farm of around 500 B.C. and a later 3rd century A.D. Roman fort with impressive defensive walls and ditches. Above this were ditches and other evidence of a 4th century A.D. Saxon shore fort, destroyed by fire in 800 A.D. and signs of Medieval and later occupation. A final highlight was the now famous 2nd century A.D. Roman “Painted House”, with the walls of two large rooms completely covered by brilliantly coloured painted plaster, unparalleled in Roman Britain, or indeed outside Italy. Members of the party also took time to visit Dover Castle and explore the town. Despite some rather disappointing weather, the expedition was voted a great success by all who participated.

Strand Looping

John Cresswell of the London History Society conducted this exercise on the afternoon of Saturday 19th August. Members of the HADAS were invited. We were first given a little background history of the immediate area of Southwark adjacent to the early London Bridges and a presumed Roman road, possibly extending under Southwark Cathedral. Finding our way over the parapet and down to the river margin was the first adventure – it is a very long way down indeed! Wellington boots and old clothes were essential for nedgotiating the slippery and squelchy area left by the retreating tide. Soon everyone was scratching away at the area of their choice and many objects were unearthed. Some worked flints were found – these, by prior arrangement were given to John Cresswell. Jeremy Clynes took charge of the pieces of Samian pottery found by our members. Other finds included pottery sherds of Medieval and Tudor dating – further examples being nearer our own time. Many pieces of encrusted iron abound, such as nails, bolts and horse bits. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon with a brisk breeze and those of us who participated thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Food for thought – a collection of classes for the Autumn

Certificate in Field Archaeology

The course combines lectures and demonstrations of field work in a study of man in S.E. England, and forms part of a three year Certificate in Field Archaeology. The courses are :-

Course 1 – Field Archaeology and the Prehistory of S.E. England;
Course 2 – Field Archaeology and the Romano-British period in S.E England;
Course 3 – Field Archaeology and the post-Roman period in S. E. England
Course 1 may be taken at Barnet College, Wood Street, Barnet, Herts, commencing 27th September., 7.30 p.m. fee £3.00.

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Tutorial and Sessional Classes

The miscellaneous courses listed below are available locally:

Egyptology – A survey of the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms including architecture, paintings and sculpture, crafts, literature, religion and funerary customs, foreign relations. East Finchley Library, High Road, N2 (Finchley WEA branch), commencing 27th September at 8.00 p.m. fee £2.50.

The Romans in the West – an examination of the development of Roman civilisation in Gaul, Germany, Spain, Britain, and N. Africa. Golders Green Library, Golders Green Road, NW11 (Golders Green WEA branch) commencing 26th September, 8.00 p.m. fee £3.50.

History of Greek Civilisation – Societies and cultures of ancient Crete and Greece: prehistoric forerunners, piracy and slavery, class warfare, the Olympiad, city states and empires, Greeks and Celts and Alexander’s conquest of India. Edgware Library, Hale Lane, Edgware (Mill and Edgware WEA branch) commencing 25th September at 8.00 p.m. fee £2.50.

Civilisation and its origins – What is civilisation? A comparative study of the distinctive styles and achievements of man’s first civilisations in Egypt, the Near East, the Indus Valley and elsewhere. 36 The Grove, Southgate, N13 (Southgate WEA branch), commencing27th September. 10.00 a.m. fee £2.50.

Georgian London – New squares, parks, churches, West End and City, trade and criminal quarters, the Thames and villages, the London of Hogarth, Pope, Dr. Johnson, David Garrick and Robert Adam. Friern Barnet Library (Friern Barnet WEA branch) commencing 26th September 8.10 p.m. fee £2.50.

The following courses are advertised in the London Borough of Barnet booklet (Adult Educations News), available from Public Libraries, which describes how to obtain details of the classes and enrolment procedures.

Greek Civilisation – Copthall School, Page Street, NW7 commencing 21st September, 7.30. fee £3.00.

Egyptology – 144 Friern Barnet Lane, N20, commencing 28th September 10.30, fee £2.50.

Roman History – 82 Bedford Avenue, Barnet, commencing 29th September, 10.00 a.m. fee £2.50.

History of London – Mill Hill Library, Hartley Avenue, NW7, commencing 26th September, 7.45 p.m. fee £2.50.

Hendon WEA branch – A report and preview

The successful WEA classes in Roman Archaeology which began with the help of the Society two years ago is now starting its third year. Unfortunately no new students can be admitted. Earlier this year many members of the class, together with their tutor, Mrs. M. Roxan, and some members of her other classes made a very successful and interesting trip to Hadrian’s Wall. A class on Victorian England held in January was also well attended.

Of interest to members this year, starting on 5th October, is a new class on Art and Architecture of the Renaissance. Full details are given in the enclosed leaflet. Other classes of Archaeological and historical interest are being planned. For further information, write to the Secretary, WEA (Hendon), Mrs. P. S. Deacon.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute Classes

Particulars of the wide range of classes on subjects which may be of interest to members are shown on the separate sheet enclosed with this Newsletter.

Winter Weekends Abroad

Dr. John Alexander of the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at the University of London will be conducting two tours during 1972/3 as follows:

8th-10th December, 1972 – Museums of Vienna (cost approx £28)
9th-12th February 1973 – Museums of Copenhagen (cost approx £30)
Immediate application is advised. Booking forms are available from Dr. John Alexander, University of London, Department of Extra-Mural Studies, 7, Ridgmount Street, WC1E 7AD

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Outings

It is encouraging that we can report that there has been good support for recent outings. A short account of the Grimes Graves visit in included in this newsletter.

It is hoped that a good number will be able to join the 15th July party that will visit the Roman villa at Eccles, near Tunbridge, and after a picnic lunch, the Sailing Barge Museum at Sittingbourne.

Please keep a note in your diary of the 9th September outing to Winchester, where a varied programme is being arranged, including a visit to the Roman villa at Sparsholt, the City Museum and the special exhibition at the Cathedral.

Don’t forget “Strand Looping” – a walk to search along the river mud (meeting at 2.15 p.m. at London Bridge Underground Station on August 19th). This will be conducted by John Cresswell and the London History Society. Please bring Wellingtons and old clothes.

It is possible that an outing to view the excavations at Dover mounted by the “Rescue” team might be arranged for 12th August. It would be essential to let Mr. Martin Long know immediately if members are interested, so that he could make arrangements for a coach booking. The committee thought members might like an opportunity to view this excavation in view of the “Rescue” lecture given last winter, and the value of the knowledge that is being gained from the investigation. Proof is emerging of the site of the Classis Britannica fort.

Many members have been enjoying the walks arranged along the river by Mr. J. Evans; it is hoped that he will lead a walk along the final section in the autumn, towards the source near Arkley.

Festival of London

A great deal of effort has gone into making possible the participation of the Borough of Barnet in these events, and the Society has been playing its part. The contribution has been twofold – history walks and exhibitions. Mr. Jeffrey Evans kindly organised three history walks on the Society’s behalf, and they proved very popular; a river walk, a walk around Hendon (including a visit to our own dig) and another around Mill Hill. Mr. Enderby, at the Society’s suggestion, compered a walk around the Hampstead Garden Suburb.

A photographic exhibition of the Historic Buildings of Barnet was arranged by Ted Sammes and Jeremy Clynes. This was mounted on stands and has been moved weekly around the borough. From 24th June to 8th July, it will be on show at the Tea House, Northway, Hampstead Garden Suburb during the day and evening. At the same place is another exhibition by the Society on the history of the Garden Suburb, with photographs and documents, showing the origins of the famous estate and throwing a few sidelights on its equally well-known founder, Henrietta Barnett – the formidable “Dame”. This was a co-operative exercise by a number of members, including Philippa Bernard, Christine Arnott, Enid Hill, Brigid Grafton Green, William Morris, Eric Grant, Ted Sammes, Jeremy Clynes and John Enderby.

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Reports

June outing. The first of our new-type archaeological outings, on June 10, proved both financially successful and enjoyable, and it managed to cover a Wide archaeological range. We saw barrows at Royston (Bronze Age and Neolithic), The Devil’s Dyke beside Newmarket Racecourse (Dark Age) and had a conducted tour around Thetford with a guide who tried to persuade us that the great mound in the town is NOT the remains of a Norman motte, but a monument similar to Silbury Hill with undertones of megalithic mathematicians and astronomers. Not all of us were convinced by his arguments, but it was an interesting theory to cap an interesting day. We finished with a first-class tea in Newmarket – and the outing had been sufficiently well supported for the Programme Committee to be able to include the cost of tea – 35p – in the overall ticket – something they had promised to do if enough people took the trip.

31-41 The Burroughs – Excavations started on this site on 29th April in rain and drizzle. Despite this, the grid was laid out with the assistance of Mr. B. M. Martin, and digging commenced at the rear of the demolished houses. The area proved to be very disturbed, producing modern plastic material mixed up with 18th century. Further trenches opened up have been more successful. We now have a collection of 18-19th century sherds, clay tobacco pipes of mid-19th century dating and 19-20th century coins.

Beneath these layers, we ar now digging into an area, which has produced some 60 sherds of coarse pottery, tentatively dating to the Medieval period. This has not been fully excavated, nor are its limits known. It will therefore be necessary to open up more trenches, and Ted Sammes would welcome some more regular diggers. Excavations will be continuing for at least another four weekends. The site is open on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5.30 and Sundays from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring a small trowel with you. There will be no digging on July 15th, the day of the outing to Eccles.

New Members

Many new members are joining the Society, and this month the Newsletter welcomes them and as a new feature lists below their names and the areas of the borough in which they live. May we suggest that old members look around at meetings, and if they come across any new faces, please welcome them and make them feel at home. It can be very helpful if lifts are offered to those members who find Church House a little off the beaten track, and who have no cars themselves.

Under 18: Percy and Martin Reboul, Hendon; Christopher and Marion Newbury, Hendon; Simon Gale, Hendon. Mrs. Caroline Algoe, Hampstead Garden Suburb; Mrs. Bright, Temple Fortune; Mrs. A. Brind, Hendon; Mr. & Mrs. Colin Evans, Finchley; Joseph Gardyn, Hendon; Mrs. P. S. Karet, Finchley; Mr. D. Miller, Cricklewood; Miss F. Milligan, Edgware; Mrs. D. A. Newbury, Hendon; C. J. O. Webb, Barnet; C. P. Wells, Hendon.

While on the subject of new members, we must mention one of our very important “old” members, Jim Banham, without whose help (and that of his wife) these newsletters would not be addressed and posted off to you. Mr. Banham was taken off to hospital last month at short notice, but after an operation, we are glad to report that he is back home and slowly getting back to normal health. We are very grateful to his wife, and also Jeremy Clynes who took over circulation of the last newsletter in the middle of the emergency.

New Book

A book has recently been published that may be of interest to you – it is, however, one to order from the library, unless you have a fairy godmother – the price is £8. “Amarna” – city of Akhanaten and Nefertiti. With 75 illustrations., it is published by Aris and Phillips Ltd.

Subscriptions

May we remind members that the subscriptions for 1972-3 are now due. The new rates are: £1 except for those under 18; 65p for under 18s; 75p for O.A.P. The Treasurer – Richard Deacon, will also be pleased to receive any spare Green Shield or Pink Stamps.

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Annual General Meeting

This was held on 16th May 1972 at St. Mary’s Church House. The Chairman being unavoidably absent, hi s report was read in which he gave the latest details of the Society’s membership – an increase of 38 over the previous year. He reported a year of continued success, apart from the ever present financial problems and the adjustments necessitated by the change of hall for lectures. It was to be hoped that the current programme of outings would prove popular and be well supported.

The meeting agreed to a resolution that the annual subscription to the Society should be raised. The new rates are – Members over 18 years; £1.00, Members under 18 years: 65p; Members over 60 years: 75p. It is possible that non-members attending functions may be charged a small fee.

Councillor Mrs. Freedman, a vice-chairman of the Society, presided over the meeting with a light touch that set the tone for the evening that everyone seemed to enjoy very much. After coffee and biscuits, Ryamond Lowe showed some colour slides to test our knowledge of things Roman.

The following officers were elected: –

Chairman: – B. A. Jarman, Esq; Vice-Chairman: – E. Sammes, Esq; Hon. Secretary: – Mrs. B. Grafton Green; Hon. Treasurer: – R. Deacon, Esq; Committee: – Mrs. Arnott, Mr. Clynes, Mr. Enderby, Miss Fear, Miss Gould, Mr. Grant, Miss Holiday, Mr. Long, Mrs. Lorimer, Miss Trewick, Mrs. Wilkinson, Mr. Wookey.

Next Outing

Details of the next outing, to Grimes Graves on June 10th, are enclosed. This is the first of our new-style outings which are intended to be mainly archaeological, rather than historical, and we hope very much that members will support it. It is hoped to see something of every archaeological period from Neolithic through to Saxon.

Do keep the following dates free – more precise details nearer the time : –

15th July – Sittingbourne Sailing Barge Museum

19th August – Strand Looping

9th September – Winchester – Roman Villa.

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Excavations

31-41 The Burroughs, Hendon

Excavation has been going on at The Burroughs for the last three weekends. Ted Sammes has reported great enthusiasm among those reporting for duty – even Cup Final Saturday produced 7 volunteers! 5 squares have been opened up – the area is generally much disturbed, even at 1 ½ meters down, where in the first trench in the garden area many clay pipes have been found, approximately 1940 dating, mixed with modern b=debris. Work will continue at the site for at least another three to four weeks, so that any further offers of assistance will be welcome.

It will be necessary to suspend recordings at St. Mary’s Churchyard for the time being.

Trading Stamps

A new excavation season has revealed the need for another wheelbarrow, as well as further supplies of tools. Last year, the Treasurer was able to buy a wheelbarrow with pink shield stamps and he is endeavouring to do the same this year. All types of trading stamps will be gratefully received by him.

It will be a tremendous help to the Treasurer if subscriptions are forwarded to him, as these are now due for 1972/3. The new rates have been given earlier in this newsletter.

Field Course

There will be a one week field course at Highgate Wood from 1st-7th July, from 9.30 – 5.30 p.m. This course is being arranged by the Department of Extra-Mural Studies at the University of London. Following weeks will be spent on the site where excavation has taken place each summer since 1966, investigating the Roman pottery manufacturing site operative there 100-200 a.d. Mr Harvey Sheldon, who is one of the course tutors, can be approached for information.

Timna Valley

Enclosed is a letter from the Anglo-Israel Friendship League of Finchley, inviting our members to a lecture on Tuesday 13th June, at 8 p.m. at Avenue House, N3. The speaker, Mr. P. Woodhuysen, was deputy director of the dig and arranged the British Museum exhibit on it last summer. This lecture on the Biblical copper mines will be of particular interest to all our members and we know there are a large number, who are particularly interested in Middle Eastern archaeology.

There is an interesting collection of Medieval material at the London Museum (Kensington Palace, W8) entitled “Chaucer’s London, Mirror of all England”. Manuscripts of Chaucer’s work are on display. Open 10-6 daily, 2-6 on Sundays, entrance 20p (10p for children). Closing date 31st August.

Those members interested in Industrial Archaeology may like to know that Penguin are publishing a Pelican original with this title on 29th June. Industrial Archaeology by R. A. Buchan, 60p.

Members may also care to have a note of three books from the Bodley Head Archaeologies – they can be ordered from the local library if not bought for £1.95 each.

“Introducing Archaeology” by Magnus Magnusson – a history of the development of Archaeology, and pointing the opportunities now open to amateur archaeologists.

“Digging up the Bible Lands” by Ronald Harker, including recent Masada excavations and further information on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

“The Archaeology of Ancient Egypt” by T. G. H. James who is giving the lecture on May 24th at Westfield College on Tutankhamun.

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Owing to the impossibility of holding the last lecture, because of the ”black-out” in Hendon on 15th February, the Treasurer was unable to offer tickets for the eleventh anniversary party on that evening. The SOCIAL EVENING arranged for Friday 10th March from 8 p.m. at 166 Station Road, Hendon, NW4 will, however take place, with electricity or with candles! Tickets for the party are enclosed with this letter. The cost is 45p each, and money will be collected at the door. Do please come; we shall be please to welcome any friends you may wish to bring. Additional tickets, at the same price, are also obtainable at the door. Wine and refreshments are included in the price. The Treasurer has received some raffle prizes in response to last month’s appeal and further gifts would be appreciated. Anyone who is able to help with refreshments is asked to contact the Treasurer, Richard Deacon. Gifts of refreshments will be as welcome as offers of help.

Lectures

As mentioned above, the cancellation of the February 15th meeting is much regretted, and the committee apologises for any inconvenience caused thereby.

The next meeting – 21st March 1972. Mr. Dawson will talk about the excavations of Delftware kilns at Montagu Close, Southwark, S.E.London.

College Farm

It will not be possible to take a party to this farm as Express Dairy have written that no conducted tours are given on Saturdays. The farm is open to the general public during the summer months from June to September. It would be best if members make their own arrangements for a visit, as Express Dairy do not like numbers such as we envisage, going round at one time.

Annual General Meeting

Preliminary notice is given that this will take place on 16th May 1972.

St. Mary’s Churchyard

Members may like to know that an account of the work done by the Society has appeared in the February edition of “Cornerstone”, the St, Mary’s Parish Magazine. Mr. Sammes mentions that the work of deciphering and recording the inscriptions on the memorials is still in progress – volunteers will always be welcome at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. The object of this work is to put on record an index of the people, rich and poor, notable or otherwise, interred or commemorated there, so that historians and others doing genealogical research may have an extension of their information readily available, either through the Central Reference Library at The Burroughs, or the Library of the Society of Genealogists.

Leaflets

Accompanying this newsletter are several leaflets of general interest. The London Archaeologist have sent us leaflets to distribute. We would draw your special attention to the short courses on “The recognition of finds” which will be given at The Institute, Hampstead Garden Suburb, on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9.30, beginning on 26th April for six weeks. As the Society has been instrumental in encouraging Mr. Enderby to arrange these, we do hope that members will make an effort to join.

Hon. Secretary

During the month of March, The Hon Secretary, Mrs. Grafton Green, will be moving house. The new house number will be given. There is no change of road or telephone number.

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BBC Radio 3

From Thursday 13th April, the BBC radio will broadcast weekly a series of 10 programmes “This was their World”, designed specifically to serve and support the study of local history. These broadcasts at 7 p.m. will concentrate on the late Victorian period, toughly the 1870s, thereby taking advantage of the 1871 census returns. Although the series focuses on the late Victorian period, the topics are dealt with in such a way as to be relevant to students with interests in other periods. A case-bound book called “This was their World” has been written by Dr. Alan Rogers to accompany the series. The book covers a somewhat wider period of history and considerably expands the basic material. It is extensively illustrated with photographs, diagrams and maps, and is being published by BBC Publications at about £2.40. Available towards the end of April, copies may be ordered from booksellers or direct from the BBC.

University of London

The Department of Extra-Mural Studies is presenting a course of 11 University extension lessons on Archaeological Field Techniques. Give by two notable lecturers, these will begin on Wednesday 19th April at 6.56-8.45 p.m. at the Extra-Mural Centre, 32 Tavistock Square, W.C.1. Applications should be addressed to the Deputy Director (Ext.), Dept of Extra-Mural Studies, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AD.

Palaeography

Would any members be interested in joining a weekly course next winter, if one could be arranged. Even 18th century documents pose problems of unscrambling variations in Secretary, Chancery and the various hands; the problems are intensified if investigations are being made among Tudor or Medieval papers. Such a course would enlighten us as to the more common abbreviations and contradictions used particularly when writing Latin. Understanding could be gained of such mechanical point as the interchangeability of I and j, u and v or the vagaries of the long s. The Hon. Sec. Would be very pleased to hear from any member willing to take part in such a course; the minimum required is 10 to 12, and it would then be possible to canvass authority to arrange lectures, bearing in mind that something practical is desired, so that the lecturer would bring actual documents for students to work on.

Development Watching

The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society recently began a scheme for Borough Secretaries, the appointment of people or organisations in each London Borough to be responsible for (a) plotting onto 6” Ordinance Survey maps all known archaeological sites and finds in each borough; (b) watching sites which are being developed for evidence of archaeological interest. HADAS was asked to act for the London Borough of Barnet and agreed to do so. During the winter, the organisation of the project has been worked out and now it is ready to go into action. Its importance is underlined by the threat that increasing urban development poses to archaeological evidence (not only house-building, but pipe-laying, road building, etc.). Some 20 members have so far volunteered to be “development watchers”.

Through the helpful co-operation of the Borough, the Society receives regular lists of planning applications and decisions. These are checked for sites that are thought worth watching, and the details sent to the nearest development watcher. The member concerned can inspect plans for the development at the nearest planning office and can find out when work is likely to start. He can then keep in touch with a friendly foreman, visiting the site regularly to watch for any interesting finds. In the event of a major find, The Society hopes to take immediate action, backed by LAMAS. The scheme is in its infancy and may need adapting. We hope many members may like to take part, and anyone prepared to help should get in touch with the Hon. Secretary.

River Walk

Don’t forget the river walk along the course of the Brent on March 25th. Led by Mr. J. Evans, time 2.30 p.m. at the roundabout at Holders Hill Road (240 bus from Golders Green).