Heritage on your doorstep
1–17 SEPTEMBER 2017
east lothian Archaeology & Local History
Fortnight
COVER ILLUSTRATION: © ALAN BRABY
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Book online:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/archaeologyfortnight (unless marked
)
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON BOOKING
East Lothian Archaeology & Local History Fortnight is organised annually by East Lothian Council’s Archaeology Service. Find out more about what we do and events throughout the year at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/archaeology The fortnight is part of Archaeology Scotland’s annual Scottish Archaeology Month. For more information visit www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk Disabled access
Primarily for adults 16+
Partial disabled access
Family event
No disabled access
Sturdy footwear/ appropriate clothing NO DOGS PLEASE EXCEPT GUIDE DOGS.
In the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017, East Lothian Archaeology and Local History Fortnight celebrates the richness of East Lothian’s intriguing history, impressive cultural heritage and fascinating archaeology at exciting events throughout the county. #hha2017
Events FRI 1ST – SUN 10TH SEPT
Events
The Big Waggonway Dig
Cockenzie Harbour 10am – 4pm
Led by the 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group, come and try your hand at archaeology as we uncover the remains of part of the Cadell’s 1815 iron railway at Cockenzie Harbour. There are loads of different tasks to help with, from digging to cleaning finds and with ‘living history’ salt making at Cockenzie House & Gardens, storytelling from Tim Porteus and much, much more. There’s something for all the family. Drop by any time to see the dig, or join a guided tour of the site, daily at 11:30.
We’re also encouraging members of the local community to dig in their own gardens for clues of the coal, salt, glass and fishing industries which were the backbone of Cockenzie and Port Seton for centuries – a handy info pack will be available to pick up from our Big Dig HQ (exhibition, activity centre and archaeology hub) at Cockenzie House & Gardens. This is a free event, but we encourage donations to the 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group. All donations go towards the delivery of our local heritage projects, including the forthcoming creation of a Waggonway & Cockenzie House Heritage Museum/ Exhibition.
Book your dig session: COCKENZIE HARBOUR
FRI 1ST – SUN 3RD FRI 8TH & SAT 9TH DIG SESSIONS 10am – 3pm Or drop in for a quick try!
COCKENZIE HOUSE & GARDENS FRI 1ST – SUN 10TH BIG DIG HQ: EXHIBITION/ACTIVITY CENTRE AND ARCHAEOLOGY HUB Daily 10am – 4pm FRI 1ST – SUN 3RD FRI 8TH & SAT 9TH OPEN PAN SALT MAKING DISPLAY FRI 8TH & SAT 9TH STORYTELLING by Tim Porteus 11am & 2pm SUN 10TH BBQ & DEBRIEF 1pm – 4pm FREE. Booking required for full dig sessions. Donations most welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Events at Newhailes House
SAT 2ND SEPT
Belter Blethers: Local Voices George Johnston Centre, Tranent 12:30pm Steve Byrne of Local Voices will talk about recording the voices of Tranent folk with a view to starting up a small sound archive project to explore your heritage. The project will be looking for volunteers who themselves could be trained to record the oral history of their fellow Belters. FREE. No booking required.
SAT 2ND & SUN 3RD SEPT
Dig Newhailes Get your hands dirty and take part in an archaeological dig with NTS archaeologist, Daniel Rhodes. 10TH SEPT
Living History Costumed interpretation and guided tour of Newhailes House. SAT 16 SEPT TH
Treasure Trove at Newhailes Bring in those dusty historic items in your attic to be assessed by an expert!
BOOK DIRECT at:
www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Newhailes 4
SAT 2ND SEPT
Family History Day: Art in the Archives John Gray Centre, Haddington 10:30am – 4pm This year our Family History Day is inspired by archives as works of art. Our collections include beautiful notarial signatures, renaissance style seals, 16th century manuscript music, textile designs, photographs, drawings and doodlings! Join us for a packed programme of talks, workshops and behind the scenes tours. Find out what inspires an archaeological illustrator, learn more about the artworks held by East Lothian Museum Service, and why not create your own masterpiece inspired by our collections. Includes hands on activities for children and adults. Contact the Archive and Local History team at the John Gray Centre for a full programme: T: 01620 820695 E: history@eastlothian.gov.uk FREE. Booking required for some workshops, check online at www.johngraycentre.org
SUN 3RD SEPT
Encampment! East Lothian Military History Day Prestongrange Museum 12noon – 4pm Step into recreated military camps, try hands on activities for families including archery and themed face painting. Meet Romans, Jacobites and World War One soldiers, plus lots more to be seen on this time travelling day of military history. No booking required; drop-in event. Cost: Recommended £2 donation per family/group
SAT 2ND – TUES 19TH SEPT
Shop Stories, Shop Window Trail Tranent High Street
Take a walk down the High Street and look at the old photos of the shopfronts displayed in the shop windows. Share your stories on Twitter #shopstoriesTranent @TranentRegen
STORIES FROM THE STREET Sat 6th May 10am - 1pm George Johnston Centre, Tranent
SUN 3RD SEPT
Hailes Castle Knights’ Tour 2 – 3pm A Douglas Man at Arms and a Hepburn knight will lead this guided tour of Hailes Castle. Hear stories of the siege by Hotspur Percy and the rebel Scots Lord Dunbar Earl of March. There is limited parking at the Castle, but it is accessible by footpath along the river from East Linton, a pleasant 1.5 miles walk. For more information visit www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/places/hailes-castle or email andrew.spratt@hes.scot FREE. Booking required.
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SUN 3RD SEPT
Loretto School: Pinkie House and the Chapel 2 – 3:30pm The tour will include the exterior and interior of Pinkie House, with its fine grounds, plaster ceilings and painted gallery and the interior of Loretto Chapel, with its fine organ, memorials and large stained glass windows. The tour is provided by Musselburgh Conservation Society. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.
TUES 5TH SEPT
WED 6TH SEPT
THURS 7TH – SUN 10TH SEPT
What lies below? A highlights tour of the archaeology of Dunbar
Tranent High Street Shop Talk
The Road to Pinkie!
10am – 12noon This guided walk will look at some of the archaeological sites and historic buildings around the historic core of Dunbar. We will also look at what the layout of some of the modern streets can tell us about the history of the town. The tour will be taken by a member of East Lothian Council Archaeology Service. The walk will be along public roads and paths; please note that the walk down to the harbour is moderately steep. At the end of the walk there will be an option to visit the archaeology exhibition Digging up Dunbar at the Town House for an exclusive guided tour. FREE. Booking required.
SUN 3RD SEPT
A Walk Around Medieval Dirleton
George Johnston Centre, Tranent 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Dr Lindsay Lennie, who is an expert in traditional shopfronts, will deliver a lecture on the architectural history of shopfronts followed by a tour in Tranent looking at shops of interest in the town. The lecture will be around 50 minutes followed by a tour of approx. 1 hour. FREE. Booking required.
As part of this year’s Battle of Pinkie commemorations, a Scottish and an English soldier from the Lothian Levy re-enactment society are walking the route of the English invasion of 1547. Departing from Eyemouth Fort at 10am the soldiers will pass Coldingham and over the Pass of Pease into East Lothian. They will then march from the 1540s fort at Dunglass to the ruined castle at Innerwick, on to Dunbar and then Linton Bridge. From there they will cross the Garleton Hills before descending towards the coast road. The final leg of the journey will take them through Prestonpans to the harbour at Morrison’s Haven, and on through Wallyford to Pinkie Battlefield itself. They will arrive at the memorial stone in time for the commemoration service on Sunday 10 September. If you see our soldiers on their march, please feel free to talk to them about the fascinating history they are helping to keep alive: they’ll be glad of the excuse to rest! You can follow their progress on Twitter #battleofpinkie
2 – 4pm This walk will explore the remaining evidence of how Dirleton was established and evolved. A handout showing old maps and plans will be used to help bring the past into focus. Input from participants will be encouraged. This event is provided by Gullane and Dirleton History Society. The walk will be on pavements and mown grassland. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.
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THURS 7TH SEPT
The Palace Green Skeletons: Scottish soldiers in Dunbar, Durham and beyond Haddington Town House 7:30pm
© Durham University
SAT 9TH SEPT
Empire, Expansion & Disruption FRI 8TH SEPT
A Walk Around Medieval Dirleton 10am – 12:00noon SEE SUNDAY 3RD
SAT 9TH SEPT
Walk the Waggonway to the Big Dig with Annie Raynor 11am – 1pm Walk with Annie down the historic Tranent Waggonway and see what the 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group have found in their Big Dig at Cockenzie Harbour. There will be a stop off at Strive Community Garden on the Heugh to look at their recent archaeological discoveries. Bring bus pass or bus fare if you want to catch the bus back to Tranent afterwards. FREE. Booking required.
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SAT 9TH SEPT
Strive Community Garden Open Day and Site Finds Display found during the clearance on the Heugh
Tantallon Castle Knight’s Tour
Strive Community Garden The Heugh, Tranent 11am – 3pm
Dr Andrew Millard, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at Durham University, will talk about the discovery of skeletons in the vicinity of Durham Cathedral which are believed to be those of Scottish soldiers. No booking required. Cost £2 (free to Haddington History Society members)
SAT 9TH SEPT
St Mary’s Church, Haddington 9:30am – 4:00pm The third in the series of the Society’s annual lectures, looks at how East Lothian and its people took advantage of the opportunities offered by the expanding British Empire abroad and the economic opportunities at home, particularly with the developing network of railways in the County. The 19th century also saw many social changes as we will learn about the early beginnings of the welfare state through the Poor Laws. We will also look at how the spiritual divide within the Established Church of Scotland came to a head in what came to be known as the “Disruption”. Again the Society is pleased to bring to you professional experts and informed enthusiasts in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s Church, Haddington. This event is organised by the East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society in partnership with East Lothian Council and St Mary’s Church, Haddington.
Come along and see the progress our team of volunteers has made so far at the Heugh Gasworks site. There will be a display of ideas we have for the garden and some of the many items we have found on the site. There will also be a lime pointing workshop for people who are interested in learning the building skills to undertake you own pointing projects (see below).
2 – 3pm Take a tour with a chainmailed Douglas Knight, hear bloodthirsty tales of siege warfare and castle life. Please note there are some uneven surfaces and limited wheelchair access on grassy areas. Included in the usual admission price to the Castle, free for Friends of Historic Scotland. Visit www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/ For information email andrew.spratt@hes.scot No booking required.
Access to the Heugh top gate from Coal Neuk /Church Street (warning very steep steps) or via the bottom gate five minutes along the pedestrian walkway starting at the Brig Inn rear car park. For more information email: lorraine@strive.me.uk FREE. No booking required. Drop-in event.
Booking required. Cost £10. A soup and sandwich lunch can be purchased on the day for £5.00
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Traditional skills
SAT 9TH & SUN 10TH SEPT
Lime Pointing Workshop Strive Community Garden The Heugh, Tranent 9:30am – 4:30pm Saturday 1 – 3pm Sunday As part of the traditional skills festival weekend, a FREE lime pointing workshop will be run by the Scottish Lime Centre.
SUN 10TH SEPT
Guided visit to Seton Collegiate Church and the site of Seton Palace 10.30am – 12.30pm The Friends of the John Gray Centre are very excited to offer this opportunity to combine a visit to Seton Collegiate Church with a guided walk around the grounds of Seton Castle, looking for the remains of the 16th century Palace. The visit will start at the Collegiate Church guided by the Historic Environment Scotland custodian and will look at the remains of the well and priests’ lodging. We will then proceed to the grounds of the house [by kind permission of the owner] and look at the walls of the original Seton Palace under the expert guidance of a former Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments. Tea / coffee will be served on arrival at the house.
Aimed at those who would like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures this popular hands-on course will give a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing. Attendees are encouraged to bring along images of their projects to discuss with the SLCT tutor on the day. Participants should wear sturdy shoes/ boots; personal protective equipment (PPE) safety glasses and gloves will be provided. Participants should bring a packed lunch and soft drinks.
BOOK DIRECT at:
www.scotlime.org/en/tranent-carsstrive-open-day-lime-pointing-course/
Included in the usual admission price to the Collegiate Church, free for Friends of Historic Scotland. Visit www.historicenvironment. scot/visit-a-place/places/setoncollegiate-church/ Booking required.
SUN 10TH SEPT
SUN 10TH SEPT
Archaeology at Tantallon
Commemoration at Pinkie Cleugh Memorial Stone
11am – 12:30 pm Join one of Historic Environment Scotland’s archaeologists to explore what new research tells us about this imposing stronghold. This event is included in the normal admission price to the Castle. Booking essential, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/
1pm Annual commemoration of the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh (1547) at the memorial stone (off Salter’s Road, Wallyford, at the A1 junction). This event is arranged by the Old Musselburgh Club. FREE. No booking required.
SUN 10TH SEPT
Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Walk 11:00am – 1:00pm 2017 marks the 470th anniversary of the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, and a number of events will celebrate the anniversary, including this guided walk over the site of the Battle in 1547. The tour will start from the ‘Roman’ Bridge over the Esk in Musselburgh, and take the route followed by the Scottish forces in the approach to their fateful encounter with the invading English Royal army. The walk will end at the battlefield Memorial Stone off Salter’s Road, Wallyford, in time for the annual commemoration ceremony of the battle, led by the Old Musselburgh Club. Walking is mostly on paved footpaths, but includes a section of steep steps leading up to St Michael’s Church, Inveresk. This event is provided by the Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Group. FREE. Booking required.
SUN 10TH SEPT
St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ports, North Berwick: Past, Present & Future 2:00 - 3:30pm Visit this early post-Reformation kirk, learn about its history, and the plans for its preservation. Learn about some of the people commemorated in the graveyard. This event is provided by the Kirk Ports Working Group. FREE. Booking required. Donations to the church preservation fund gratefully received.
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TUES 12TH SEPT
Archaeology of the Garletons 10am – 1pm Join East Lothian Council Archaeology Service on a 6km guided walk from Athelstaneford up onto the Garleton ridge to explore the Iron Age hill forts and Barney Vaults. Return to Athelstaneford, visit the Saltire Centre and view the site of the 9th century Battle of Athelstaneford. Bring boots, waterproofs, snack and refreshments. This is a strenuous walk in places, and not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.
WED 13TH SEPT
SAT 16TH – SUN 17TH SEPT
St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ports, North Berwick: Past, Present & Future
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh 1547 - Living History and Re-enactment Weekend
2 – 3:30pm SEE SUNDAY 10TH
Newhailes House, Musselburgh
10am – 11:30am
Step back in time to the dramatic year of 1547, when the mighty armies of Scotland and England gave battle to determine who should marry the infant Queen of Scots. With fascinating living history encampments, hands-on activities for all the family, and spectacular battle recreations, this wonderful historical event is not to be missed. See the drama and excitement of Battle of Pinkie Cleugh come to life before your eyes, and discover more about this fascinating period of our history.
Explore the Gullane end of the old branch railway line on this guided walk with Gullane and Dirleton History Society. The railway and its history will be brought to life with a number of historic images from the History Society’s archive. There will be an optional extension to the walk of 45 minutes to talk about and see anti-tank blocks, ice-age beach levels and other historic sites.
WED 13TH SEPT
Tranent High Street History Project John Gray Centre, Haddington 4pm Behind the Scenes tour of the Archive and Local History Centre and an introduction to resources for researching Tranent High Street including census returns, maps, valuation rolls and photographs. Also the chance to do some hands on research and become involved in a local history project. FREE. Booking required; email history@eastlothian.gov.uk
Hunters of the Firths Dunbar Town House 7pm
FREE. Booking required for non-members as places are limited.
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For more information and booking visit: www.eastlothianbattles.com
Down The Gullane Railway Branch Line with Old Photographs
FREE. Booking required.
SAT 16TH SEPT
The Cuds in Reel Time: A History of Winton Cinema Tranent Town Hall, Church Street 12:30 – 1:10 pm
TUES 12TH SEPT
A talk by consultant archaeologist Kristian L.R. Pedersen, whose area of research covers the north east of England and south east of Scotland. Kristian will discuss the prehistoric hunters and the research that he is currently doing in the area at this opening talk of the History Society’s new season.
Supported by East Lothian Council and Event Scotland.
SAT 16TH SEPT
THURS 14TH SEPT
Around Gullane With Old Photographs 2:30 – 4:00pm Join Gullane and Dirleton History Society for a guided walk around the centre of Gullane finding the spots from which old photographs have been taken and observing and discussing the changes which have taken place over time. FREE. Booking required.
To complement an exhibition on the Fraser Centre, Dr. Hanita Ritchie of John Gray Centre’s Archives & Local History Service will deliver a talk on the history of Winton Cinema. Topics covered include: a history of the building, the start of cinematic entertainment in Tranent, the Codona era, and going to the movies in Tranent. Audience members are also invited to share their movie-going experiences. This will be followed by a tour of the former Winton Cinema before it is redeveloped, by David Orr the director of the Fraser Centre. FREE. Booking required.
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Gosford House Designed Landscape 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 – 4:30 pm Gosford is one of the finest late 18th century landscapes in Scotland. Kristina Taylor of The Gardens Trust will conduct a 2 hour guided walk around Gosford Landscape with visits into the Mausoleum, the Curling House (with a talk by Richard Gillanders on its stone collection and decoration) and the Octagon Room in the house. Plans to restore the landscape will be revealed. FREE. Booking required.
Exhibitions
SUN 17TH SEPT
Exhibitions All that Glitters is not Gold: A Metal Detectorist’s Story John Gray Centre, Haddington 1 – 30 September This personal view from one of the local metal detectorists in East Lothian highlights some of the fascinating objects that he has uncovered through this hobby. It also explains what value these objects have in helping the professionals manage and care for our archaeology and heritage.
Treasured Memories Coastal Communities Museum, North Berwick, from 1 April 2017
Friends of the John Gray Centre
The Coastal Communities Museum has brought together an array of artefacts, which will spark particular personal memories and make the visitor aware of events relating to the history, heritage and social culture of the local area. The whole family can become involved - grandparents can revisit bygone days, mums and dads their youth, while the kids can explore Treasure Island.
Wild Prestongrange Prestongrange Museum 1 April – 30 September
Join our friendly group of event, project and fundraising volunteers supporting the centre’s museum and archive work. We’d love to hear from you! To find out more please email jgc@eastlothian.gov.uk
www.johngraycentre.org
Discover the animals, plants, flowers and mini-beasts that inhabit the Prestongrange site. Learn some surprising facts, hear natural sounds, and share your own sightings! Plus, go on our specially created walks to spot animals and plants in their natural habitats and try out activities for young children.
Digging Up Dunbar Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery 5 July – 30 September Over ten thousand years of history will be showcased in this exhibition of archaeological discovery. Ancient objects and sites as well more recent evidence will be explored to piece together a picture of life in Dunbar and its surrounding parish. There will be plenty of activities for families included in the display including a family trail and dressing up.
John Muir & Geology John Muir’s Birthplace Museum Dunbar: July to September John Muir & Geology will explore the Scottish heroes who helped unravel Dunbar’s geological history.
The Rough Wooing John Gray Centre, Haddington 15 July – 17 October East Lothian became involved in a conflict between England and Scotland in the 1600s known as the Rough Wooing. Key events and places including Haddington Priory, The siege of Haddington and the Battle of Pinkie will all be explored in detail as will the conflict’s impact on local people and communities.
Mining in Musselburgh Musselburgh Museum End August – October 2017
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Š Alan Braby
East Lothian Council Archaeology Service
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/archaeology