HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND GRANT FOR ABINGDON ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT
The Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society
The AAAHS was founded in 1968, and since then it has been the principal meeting point for all who have an interest in the past of Abingdon and its region. The AAAHS Constitution can be viewed here.
The society organises monthly lectures by acknowledged authorities on topics related to history and archaeology and to those of Abingdon in particular. There is also, during each summer, a programme of visits to sites of particular significance. Members are encouraged to write for the Society's bi-annual newsletter, which is published on the website.
The society encourages its members to pursue their own research interests, either independently or within its special interest groups, and supports these financially so far as its means allow. Its archaeological group, the longest established, has carried out numerous excavations in and about Abingdon; many of these have been published while others are currently being prepared for publication. The local history group was established in 2000 and since then has taken a number of initiatives, notably including the Ock Street Heritage project of 2006-8 and the 'Abingdon Buildings and People' history website . The society provides guides and lecturers, and cooperates with other local organisations on projects of civic importance.
If you want to join the AAAHS, there's a Membership Form on this website, or you can contact any of the committee members. Visitors are very welcome to attend meetings at a cost of £3.
Next AAAHS Talk:
The next talk will take place on Thursday 19 March 2020 at 7.45pm in the Northcourt Centre, Abingdon OX14 1NS.
James Mather: 'Treasures Beneath our Feet and Discovering the Watlington Hoard'
This presentation covers responsible metal detecting, and majors on the excavation, conservation and significance of the Watlington Hoard, that was discovered by James in 2015. This find has been described authoritatively as one that has changed history. James will be bringing along a selection of "hands-on" finds and some high quality replicas of items from the Watlington Hoard.
James has been a metal detectorist for 25 years and is a member of several metal detecting clubs and also of AiM- the Archaeology In Marlow club. He has had significant finds including numerous individual treasure items and several hoards. His most important find to date has been the Watlington Viking Hoard, on permanent display at The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. He has been published in several magazines, appeared on Radio Berkshire, and on national television in Professor Alice Roberts "Digging For Britain" series.
Next Local History Group (LHG) Meeting:
The LHG meetings for 2020 will be on the following dates:
- Tuesday 19th May 2020
- Tuesday 20th October 2020
Meetings start at 7.45 in the Pendarvis Room at 35 Ock Street, Abingdon OX 14 5AG.
For security reasons the front door of 35 Ock Street is kept locked, so ring the bell and you will be let in. Go up the stairs and the Pendarvis Room is on your left.
For more information contact John Foreman, at local@aaahs.org.uk
AAAHS Local History Group Convenor
Please find further details in the Current Activities - Local History Group section on this site.