Archaeology

From the 19th century onwards, the Woolhope Club promoted archaeological studies through its support of excavations with funds, manpower and publication of results. These include G. H. Jack’s  excavations of Roman Kenchester (1912-26) and Dr Stan Stanford’s nationally valuable campaigns at Iron Age hillforts, including Croft Ambrey (1960-66), Midsummer Hill, and Credenhill Camp. 

The Club continues to disseminate leading-edge research about archaeology in and around Herefordshire. In recent years, highlights have included papers and reports which drew public attention to the remarkable discoveries at the Neolithic excavations at Dorstone and Arthur’s Stone and the startling implications of a defended, Anglo-Saxon enclosure found at Breinton, west of Hereford. This work is changing understanding of Herefordshire in those periods. Through the support of prominent archaeologists in Herefordshire, who have successively acted as the Club’s archaeology recorders, along with the valued input of archaeologists and contractors who operate in the area, the Club has been able, for many years, to publish a record of archaeological activity in the county in the annual Transactions. 

The Club’s winter meetings and field meeting programmes in the summer always feature original archaeological content. They will interest both experienced archaeologists and those with a general interest who would like to keep up to date with developments. The current programmes can be accessed here.

For access to a large-scale archive of archaeological research, reports, illustrations and information, published by the Woolhope Club from the 19th century onwards and covering numerous locations, please use the search facilities available on this website. Material that appeared in Herefordshire Archaeological News, the Transactions and elsewhere falls within searchable scope. Recent content is strong and some of the older material offers a powerful reminder of the insights that older sources still deliver today.

The Woolhope Club continues to enjoy a strong relationship with Herefordshire Archaeology, the county archaeology service. Herefordshire Through Time, the website of the service, includes the data base of the county’s Historic Environment Record and much information about the archaeological landscape. 

If you would like to raise questions or make suggestions about archaeological topics, please email the Club at archaeology@woolhopeclub.org.uk