Looking after

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

News release

07 December 2011

Delve into the past with your local time-teams

Secrets of the past, from Castleton’s medieval hospital to Chatsworth’s origins under Bess of Hardwick, will be unveiled on Derbyshire Archaeology Day, Saturday January 14 2012.
 
A day-long series of talks will enable local people to find out what archaeological experts and enthusiasts have been working on across Derbyshire and the Peak District throughout the past year.
 
The event, held at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield for the past 12 years, completely sold out last year with more than 400 people keen to hear results from the latest digs and surveys.
 
Peak District National Park cultural heritage manager Ken Smith said: “This is the best opportunity of the year for local residents to find out about the latest research into the history and archaeology of their area, direct from the people who are conducting it out in the field.
 
“Our programme this year includes how steam and electricity transformed work in a 19th century copper mine, the original vision of Chatsworth under Bess of Hardwick, and Castleton’s medieval hospital, whose site was only uncovered this year.”
 
Other talks focus on:

  • are we seeing the end of an era for Derbyshire fluorspar?
  • a bronze age burial mound on the edge of Stockport
  • the centenary in 2012 of Sheffield’s Hunter Archaeological Society
  • teenagers’ video on life at the iron age fort of Fin Cop, from Longstone Local History Group.
     
    Presenters come from all backgrounds, including professional archaeologists from public bodies, universities and private consultancies, and local volunteers and community groups.
     
    The day runs from 9.15am-5.15pm on Saturday January 14, with tickets at £10 (£6 for unwaged). Booking is essential (it sold out for the past two years) - call 01246 345727 for a booking form or visit Chesterfield Museum, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TD.
     
    Derbyshire Archaeology Day is organised by the archaeology teams from Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council.