Bristol University Archaeology

Hello all, As part of the South West Anarchy Research Project, we would love to get your opinions! If you have a few minutes, we would greatly appreciate your participation in a short survey entitled 'Public Perceptions of Anarchy'. This is totally anonymous and will contribute to the projects understanding of notions and concepts around Anarchy. Follow the link below to take part. Thank you all for your participation!

Take part in a SWARP Survey! Hello all, As part of the South West Anarchy Research Project, we would love to get your opinions! If you have a few minutes, we would greatly appreciate your participation in a short survey entitl…

The 2025 excavation for the Hartygrove Anarchy Research project has been a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved. From breathtaking finds like Alicia’s butchered cow or Reina’s metal tool, to working tirelessly in the rain and waiting hours for the bus, the ups and downs of this years excavation have been nothing short of fantastic - the dig has been a wonderful insight into the life of the budding archaeologists from first and second year, and yet also gave us a fresh perspective from the veteran diggers of the department....

Past Perspectives: Memoirs of the HARP25 Student Excavation by Josh Fox The 2025 excavation for the Hartygrove Anarchy Research project has been a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone involved. From breathtaking finds like Alicia’s butchered cow or Reina’s metal tool…

Archaeology is the study of human activity through the excavation, recovery, and analysis of material culture. However, there is more to archaeology than meets the eye. It's not just about uncovering stories from the past; it can also shape our present and future. Engaging in archaeological activities, such as digging and studying artefacts, can have a positive impact on mental well-being by giving a sense of purpose and reducing stress....

Archaeology and Wellbeing Archaeology is the study of human activity through the excavation, recovery, and analysis of material culture. However, there is more to archaeology than meets the eye. It’s not just about un…

Power struggles, betrayal, rivalry, prison. Sounds like politics in the 21st century, right? In fact, I am describing the Anarchy Period in 1139! The Anarchy took the country by surprise and lasted for 15 years. The country was torn apart by this war of succession. Let’s explore the chaos leading to and following the imprisonment of King Stephen in Bristol Castle… …...

A Tale of Imprisonment in Bristol Castle Power struggles, betrayal, rivalry, prison. Sounds like politics in the 21st century, right? In fact, I am describing the Anarchy Period in 1139! The Anarchy took the country by surprise and lasted…

The forests of southwest England in medieval times were rich in plants and animals and an important part of the area's culture. Medieval forests in southwest England, particularly Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the New Forest were large areas of land that the king mainly used for hunting, and they played a big role in the social and economic life of the regions....

Royal Forests in the South-West of England The forests of southwest England in medieval times were rich in plants and animals and an important part of the area’s culture. Medieval forests in southwest England, particularly Exmoor, Dar…

From Monday 3rd June to Wednesday 6th June, five second year students had the pleasure of working in the departments archaeological chemistry labs doing total lipid extraction with PHD researcher Elena, on pottery sherds found on site at Lower Hazel. This process utilized acidified methanol to extract and isolate the lipids, facilitating analysis. The students began by selecting their pottery sherds and preparing them for analysis by chipping off a small section and crushing it up with a pestle and mortar....

Lab Week! From Monday 3rd June to Wednesday 6th June, five second year students had the pleasure of working in the departments archaeological chemistry labs doing total lipid extraction with PHD researcher E…

Located in central Sydney, opposite the beautiful Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is a great place to visit when in one of Australia’s vibrant cities. I have been lucky enough to study abroad in Sydney, so in this blog, I will lead you through the layout and key exhibits in the Australian Museum and explore some differences in archaeology between Australia and Britain....

Down Under: Archaeology in Sydney Located in central Sydney, opposite the beautiful Hyde Park, the Australian Museum is a great place to visit when in one of Australia’s vibrant cities. I have been lucky enough to study abroad in S…

Just found out - whilst out in the field with my International Summer School students - that I have been promoted to Professor of Archaeological Practice!

context sheet tuition time in Trench 5. Trying to figure out if we’ve got a building or a defensive bank with building rubble upon it. 

Today, two students went on an excursion around the site and surrounding areas to explore the foliage and nature associated with the Lower Hazel site. The goal being to gain insight into the extent of edible plants and naturally occurring useful resources that would likely have been present at the time of historic activity on the site. The first and most abundant plant that was noticed was the multitude of…...

The ‘Do’s’ and ‘Can’t’s of Local Plants Today, two students went on an excursion around the site and surrounding areas to explore the foliage and nature associated with the Lower Hazel site. The goal being to gain insight into the extent…

end of dig photo for our undergrads at UoB, but the digging is not done as we will be back the week after next with the International Summer School students! We now have good radiocarbon dates firmly in the anarchy period for the various structures and are be beginning to understand the Norman hunting lodge in a lot more detail!

Here at Hartygrove, we are kicking off this year’s dig at full force! Despite the torrential rain on Wednesday, spirits are high and some interesting finds are starting to emerge. Our student archaeologists, as well as some volunteers, have been de-weeding and are beginning to dig deeper into the ruins of the Norman hunting lodge. Whilst everyone was hard at work, the social media team decided to interview some of our resident archaeologists to learn more about both them and the site....

Trowels and Tales: Conversations from HARP 2024 Here at Hartygrove, we are kicking off this year’s dig at full force! Despite the torrential rain on Wednesday, spirits are high and some interesting finds are starting to emerge. Our student archa…