Wind up your radios!

Maiden Castle, Dorset

Now the new British Archaeology is out (featuring the usual archaeological stuff – collapse of the Roman empire, a major first world war communal grave excavation, human origins, Stonehedge [sic] and much else – as well as statements from the arts minister and her two shadows), I have a moment to write. I want to mention two radio programmes I’ve been making with Sian Price, and a third with Terry Lewis.

I’m excited about these. Beyond Time Team, archaeology does not get as much broadcast coverage as it could support (though look out for news of a new TV series later this

Radio in the snow

Everyone in Britain’s posting snow photos, so here are a couple of mine. Having sold my 4-wheel-drive car (good move) and anyway being very busy with the next issue of British Archaeology which goes to the printer soon, my excursions are brief. Above is a view across Marlborough from St Mary’s church, towards Savernake forest, and below looking down the High Street after the A4 had been cleared. If it looks cold, it is.

The snow is lovely, and of course my three-year-old is having a great time with it, but it doesn’t help work. I’m supposed to be at Sutton Hoo on Saturday to record an

Meadowsweeet to the grave

Now for something more positive about British archaeology (and British Archaeology). This morning Huw Williams, of BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland, reported the discovery of flower heads in a bronze age grave excavated at Forteviot, south of Perth, lying close to a bag and a small knife-dagger. The discovery came as work continues on the contents of the exceptional cist grave, whose large capstone was lifted in August to wide media attention. You can read the original story in the new British Archaeology.

The find settles years of controversy