Silchester Open Day attracts record numbers!
Release Date 01 August 2011
Nearly 1000 visitors enjoyed learning about Roman life at the first of this year's Silchester Roman Town Open Days, the largest number ever to attend the annual events.
Budding archaeologists didn't even have to dig into their pockets as the Open Days are free to attend. The next event is on Saturday 6 August where once again Silchester experts will be on hand to give tours and talks. There will also be demonstrations and a chance for children to dress up and take part in a mini excavation, as well as handle some fascinating finds.
The University of Reading's Archaeology Department has been excavating and researching one block or 'insula' of Silchester Roman Town Since 1997. Finds from 2010 have been cleaned for display, and this year's Field School has already uncovered exciting new evidence of the origins of the town in the Iron Age.
Professor Mike Fulford from the University's Department of Archaeology said: "The first Open Day was a wonderful occasion. It's fantastic to see so many people, of all ages, take an interest in and enjoy visiting what is a site of great historical importance. The team are looking forward to the 2nd and final Open Day and welcoming a large number of visitors once again. They are such exciting and fun events, you never know what you might find!"
The Silchester Field School takes place every summer for six weeks during which time all first year archaeology students at the University of Reading attend along with external participants from all over the world. They will be excavating Insula IX, one part of the large town at Silchester. The purpose of the excavation is to trace the site's development from its origins before the Roman conquest to its abandonment in the fifth century AD
During the Field School, which runs until 14 August, visitors are welcome to see the excavation in progress every day, except Fridays, between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Groups must book in advance. Over 2000 people saw the Field School in action during the first two weeks.
For directions to the site, please visit Silchester website
Ends
For more information, please contact James Barr, press officer, on 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk,
Notes to Editors:
The Department of Archaeology has an international reputation in research and teaching. The University was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize 2009 in recognition of the excellence of the archaeology department, which, uniquely within the study of archaeology, combines ground-breaking research, enterprise and teaching.
The Field School is a key module in undergraduate degrees and provides students with a sound knowledge of archaeological field techniques as well as teamwork, numeracy and IT skills.
University of Reading is rated as one of the top 200 universities in the world (THE-QS World Rankings 2009).
- The University of Reading is one of the UK's top research-intensive universities. The University is ranked in the top 20 UK higher education institutions in securing research council grants worth nearly £10 million from EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, AHRC and BBSRC. In the RAE 2008, over 87% of the university's research was deemed to be of international standing. Areas of particular research strength recognised include meteorology and climate change, typography and graphic design, archaeology, philosophy, food biosciences, construction management, real estate and planning, as well as law.
- Standards of teaching are excellent - the University scored highly in the National Student Survey 2009. 87% of Reading students responding to the survey stated they were satisfied with the quality of their course.
- The University is estimated to contribute £600 million to the local economy annually.
- University of Reading is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk
- More information at www.reading.ac.uk