I’ve always been interested in history and archaeology, I guess it was the books I read when I was little, and the wonderful stories, features and dramas on Children’s Hour, not the 1961 film of course but the marvellous BBC radio programme. When I was at primary school (infants and juniors as it was then) the history we were taught started with where we lived, Cambridge. We were taught that the town arose from a crossing place on the River Granta and so was called Grunta-bridge or something similar. Now the River Granta is the upper reaches of what becomes the River Cam. Back to our school history lessons – we were taught that after the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons came and gradually a settlement became a town with a market around this crossing place on the Cam. We were taught about our ancient fair held on Midsummer Common, and old churches such as the Round Church (where my parents were married and my sister and I were christened) and the Leper Chapel.
As well as what my parents told me and what I learned at school, there were history programmes on the radio, and particularly, as I have mentioned previously, on Children’s Hour. I loved the vivid dramas and stories which were read and acted for the entranced audience – and I’m sure that listening to stories triggered my ability to imagine my own stories. I was also a regular visitor to the local library – several times a week in fact! So it’s not surprising that I opted to study history for A-level, chose to read History with English for my degree and continue to read historical fiction, and history books.
Several years ago, as a gift for Christmas, my husband bought me a subscription to a magazine, ‘Current Archaeology‘, which is published every month. It is absolutely marvellous and is perfect for the amateur like me, and no doubt of interest to experts too (many of whom appear in it!). Publications like this often arrive before the actual date on the front cover, so I’m now looking at issue 430 for January 2026. The image on the cover is of an excavation in Rendlesham – “exploring landscapes of power in early medieval East Anglia“. I’m East Anglian born and bred, so of course, it is of great interest to me:
Over the last two decades, evidence of a high status early medieval settlement has been emerging just four miles from Sutton Hoo. What can Rendlesham tell us about the evolution and exercise of royal power in early medieval England?
As you can imagine, the article, well illustrated with photos of the area, finds, exhibits, the excavation, aerial views, diagrams and maps, is very readable for the interested amateur like me, and no doubt for people with a more specialised knowledge. It gives a context and a background to the dig, it explains the aims, and details what has been found, what has been understood, and what has yet to be researched.
So what else, as well as Rendlesham, is in this month?
- People of The Past: Building a future for Scotland’s archaeological human remains: – Home to one of the largest collections of human remains in Scotland, National Museums Scotland has created a cutting-edge new facility to care for and study these tangible traces of long forgotten individuals.
- From Royal Hall to Cannon Balls: Rediscovering the many lives of the Woolwich Rotunda: – the Woolwich Rotunda has a remarkable 200-year history but is currently supported by scaffolding and remains a steadfast entry on . We trace its eventful past and ask: can it be saved?
- History in the Shallows: Exploring intertidal and inland sites: – Underwater archaeology does not only involve diving on deep-sea wrecks and submerged landscapes. Here, we examine how the Nautical Archaeology Society is also working to document archaeological remains in the intertidal zone and inland bodies of water, and highlight three projects you can join
Of course there are other standard features, the almost obligatory Editor’s Letter and Letters, News, Comment and Context, plus reviews, exhibitions. experience. museum news, calendar, conference and then Sherds and Odd Socs. Sherds is a delightful comment piece by Christopher Catling who delves into the eccentricities of the heritage world. This month he muses on rural myths, legs and paws, breeches and coats, and old myths and new. The very last page features Odd Socs – the whimsical title for a page devoted to unusual and interesting little archaeological societies, this month the CFA Voysey Society – you’ll have to buy the magazine to find out more!!
My featured image is of the amazing Phil Harding (of Time Team) who led an excavation on the old church on the hill in our village. I was lucky enough to be able to join in and had the great honour of holding Phil’s trowel!!! Unforgettable!!
Lois Elsden 