News ACID
ISSUE 17 JANUARY 2020
Archaeology and Conservation in Derbyshire and the Peak District
Finding my Mesolithic granny!
Young Archaeologists’ Club
Inside:
Alice through the Looking Glass The hidden history of hoards
Our year in numbers: planning and heritage statistics
2020 | ACID
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Have you read ACID? Young Peak District archaeologist Kit Bailey features on the cover of this year’s Archaeology and Conservation in Derbyshire and the Peak District ‘ACID’ magazine, describing inside why he finds archaeology and history so exciting. Another highlight is the biological anthropologist and TV presenter Alice Roberts talking about her career, from her medical training through to her eminent academic position as Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. Her words about humans and nature may ring true for many of us. Read about Andy Bentham’s fascinating research into graffiti and protective apotropaic marks, sometimes known as ‘witch’ marks; Buxton Museum’s summer exhibition of artefacts from the British
Museum’s touring exhibition Hoards: A Hidden History of Ancient Briton alongside specially-commissioned photographs by Derbyshire photographer Nick Lockett; as well as Bronze Age burials and 20th century Prisoner of War camps. ACID showcases archaeological and conservation projects that have taken place in the Peak District National Park, and wider Derbyshire, over the last 18 months. It is produced jointly by the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council on behalf of the Derbyshire Archaeological Advisory Committee. You can read ACID online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/acid-magazine For more information about the Peak District Young Archaeologist Club visit www.yac-uk.org/clubs/peak-district
MA Landscape Archaeology student Elin Price has been looking at Cracken Edge Quarry, Chinley, whilst on placement with the Peak District National Park Authority. Elin’s level 1 archaeological survey recorded the topography, location, type, measurements and condition of features at the hillside site. A desk-based assessment examined relevant historic material including maps and previous research. Cracken Edge is a dramatic scarpedge quarry, and a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS). It specialised in the production of flags and slates for paving and roofing. Existing since at least the 1600s, when local shareholders held ownership, by 1800 Cracken was a substantial enterprise employing many local men. The survey identified 59 features including structures, adits and machinery, highlighting the once industrious nature of this interesting site, which is now a popular place for a walk.
Men at work, circa 1901.
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www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
PHOTO: CORA GLASSER 2019
Cracking archaeology at Cracken Edge
North West boundary walk No.2 setting off from Longdendale Environmental Centre. View of Ogden Clough in the distance.
A story of a boundary GUIDEline is a project being delivered by artists from Glassball over the next two years, exploring the nature and origins of the first National Park and its boundary. Last year marked 70 years since an Act of Parliament established National Parks. The formation of the Peak District’s boundary will frame innovative creative engagement opportunities, for residents and visitors alike, to discover and share personal responses to an emerging story at a key point in the National Park’s history. Through collaborative research
and co-creating artworks, the significance of a boundary will be discussed and understood: what does it mean to live within a mark on a map from 70 years ago and how does this administrative construct manifest itself in everyday life? For information about up and coming free events and activities over the next two years, visit www.guideline.org.uk GUIDEline is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and is supported by the Peak District National Park Authority.
