Southgate lecture repeated

A free lecture organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council is to be repeated at the Bath Guildhall in response to popular demand.

 

It was standing room only recently when nearly 400 people listened to the results of six months archaeological work at Bath’s largest development site and those arriving just a few minutes before it began had to be turned away.

 

Organisers have announced that the lecture will be repeated at the Guildhall on Monday 11 February at 7.00pm.

 

Stephen Clews, Manager of the Council-run Roman Baths said ‘The public response has been terrific. We did not expect so many people, but by repeating the event in the Guildhall we believe we can accommodate all those who were unlucky enough to miss out on the night and still have plenty of seats left for others who may be interested in coming along. Those people who left us contact details will be offered a guaranteed seat.’
 
Archaeologist Bruno Barber will describe the changes that took place in Southgate over more than 5,000 years and answer questions from the audience.

 

The story will reveal details of middle Stone Age activity on the river gravels and the nature of the Roman and medieval city walls. The excavations cast light on the city defences of Alfred the Great, the search for the elusive medieval Horse Bath, the purpose of the Bum Ditch, the growth of an industrial suburb in the 19th century and even evidence for bomb damage in the Baedeker raids on Bath in 1942.

 

The excavation was carried out by the Museum of London Archaeology Service which is a specialist excavation unit. When the finds have been studied and the reports written the objects will be given to the Roman Baths Museum which will arrange a display for the benefit of local people.

 

ENDS

 

Notes for editors:

 

For further information, please contact; Stephen Clews, Curator of the Roman Baths, on 01225 477774 or by email stephen_clews@bathnes.gov.uk