Practical Archaeology Training Courses at Barcombe Roman Villa

Practical Archaeology Training Courses at
Barcombe Roman Villa, near Lewes, East Sussex.

Barcombe Roman Villa 2001-2005. Interim plan of main area.

The Villa
Following survey work (geophysics and fieldwalking) and trial excavations undertaken by the Mid Sussex Field Archaeological Team (MSFAT) in 1999 and 2000, and in advance of continued plough damage to the site, in 2001 the UCL Field Archaeology Unit and MSFAT began a joint programme of archaeological excavations designed to more fully investigate and record the Roman settlement. In 2005 the project will involve the excavation of various buildings including an aisled structure with a partially preserved tessellated floor and other features which flank the eastern approach to the winged corridor villa excavated in 2001/2002. UCLFAU training courses will form part of the project.

The Interim Report for 2002 can be seen here

Training Courses
The five-, two- and 1-day training courses in 2005 will take place as part of the fifth season of research excavations. All courses are suitable either for beginners or for those with some experience, i.e. those considering archaeology at university (minimum age 16), amateur archaeologists, under-graduates, and those undertaking University Extra-mural courses in Archaeology. All those successfully completing our courses will be given a Certificate of Attendance.

Excavation Techniques

These courses will include excavation techniques, context records, recording plans and sections, photography, environmental sampling, finds processing, on-site surveying techniques and geophysical prospecting methods.
An academic credit option is linked to this course via the University of Sussex (details upon request).

Archaeological Conservation

An introduction to on-site care of finds, including methods of packaging and storage and the techniques used in excavating fragile artefacts. The reasoning behind different packaging and storage methods and lifting techniques are discussed and participants carry out practical exercises in both packaging and lifting.

Archaeological Planning and Section Drawing

Methods of planning and section-drawing on archaeological excavations, especially suitable for those with some excavation experience.

Students may volunteer to dig for a further week (week commencing 18th July and 25th July organised through MSFAT, spaces are limited) after successfully completing an Excavation Techniques course, either in 2005 or in previous years (please request separate application form). We ask participants to make a contribution of £50.00 (for a 5-day period - Monday-Friday) towards project costs.

Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Equipment: All excavation equipment other than trowels will be provided. Students should either bring a Spear & Jackson WHS 4" pointing trowel or purchase one on site, price £14.00 (cheaper makes are usually a false economy). Students should also bring an A4-sized notebook, pencil, rubber, pen, etc.

Tetanus: All participants must ensure that they have been inoculated against tetanus within the last 10 years.

Overseas Students: A good command of the English language is necessary.

Suggested Reading: Details will be provided to participants accepted for the above courses.

Accommodation: Details are available on request.

Transport: The nearest railway station is Cooksbridge (Monday-Friday only). For those without their own means of reaching the site a lift can be provided (Monday-Friday) from Cooksbridge at 9.10am + return journey at 5.30pm (leaving promptly). No transport is available at the weekends for courses (although taxis are available from Lewes station c.5 miles away).

Food and Drink: There is a local delicatessen in Cooksbridge which visits the site daily Mon-Fri serving freshly made baguettes and drinks. You may also wish to bring extra drinks (preferably in a thermos flask).

More detailed information on the above will be forwarded at confirmation of booking

WEEKDAY COURSES

Code Date Title Availability
E1 20-24 June Excavation Techniques Places available
E2 27 June - 1 July Excavation Techniques Places available
E3 4-8 July Excavation Techniques Places available
E4 11-15 July Excavation Techniques Places available

Excavation Techniques 5 days £150

WEEKEND COURSES

Code Date Title Availability
A 2 July Archaeological Conservation Fully Booked
C 9-10 July Planning and Section Drawing Places available

Archaeological Conservation 1 day £40
Planning and Section Drawing 2 days £65

Course fees should be paid in full in advance.

Cancellation Terms: Refunds as follows:
Up to 28 days before course - 75% of course fee
27 days to 10 working days befire start of course - 25% of course fee
From 9 working days before start of course - 0%

The Field Archaeology Unit reserves the right to cancel any specific course if there are insufficient applicants, in which case it will refund fees paid.

Booking Form
Please print out the following form, complete it and send it with your
remittance to the address given below. Thank you.

Name:

Address:

Tel (Day):
(Home):

E-mail:

Fax:

Age (if under 18):

Signature:

Date:

Where advertisement was seen:

Application forms (enclosing SAE not less than A5-sized with postage to the value of 42p) should be sent to:

Mrs Jayne Brooks
University College London
Field Archaeology Unit
1 West Street
Ditchling
Hassocks
West Sussex, BN6 8TS.

Tel: 01273 845497
Fax: 01273 844187
E-mail: fau@ucl.ac.uk
Website: www.archaeologyse.co.uk

BARCOMBE VILLA TRAINING COURSES 2005

I should like to attend Training Course(s)

Code	Course	Date	Alternative Code	Alternative Date

I enclose a cheque for £............. made payable to UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

I require details of local 'Bed and Breakfast'/caravanning/camping facilities: YES/NO

I confirm that I am currently inoculated against tetanus: YES/NO

I am interested in obtaining Academic Credit via the University of Sussex (Centre for Continuing Education) and require further details: YES/NO