Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
Join us behind the scenes at our store in Whitley. This year’s theme is Roman Silchester, looking at objects connecting the regional capital to the wider Roman empire. Tours are in small groups led by the Reading Museum team and last about an hour.
St Nicolas Church Hall, West Mills, Newbury RG14 5HG
All welcome. £15: book online or pay at the door
This day school brings together professional archaeologists, archaeological societies and those interested in archaeology in Berkshire and surrounding counties to hear reports about the latest projects.
PROGRAMME
10:00
Welcome Andrew Hutt, Chair, Berkshire Archaeological Society
10.05
Recent work in West Berkshire Sarah Orr, Senior Archaeologist, West Berkshire Council
10:35
Recent discoveries in East Berkshire Fiona McDonald, Berkshire Archaeology
11:05
COFFEE – 30 mins
11:35
Recently found portable antiquities in Berkshire Phil Smither, PAS Officer Berkshire
12:05
Making the Pennies Count…How can ’big data’ analysis of material culture be used to enhance the characterisation of function and character of Romano-British settlement across West Berkshire? Keith Abbott, Berkshire Archaeological Society
12.35
LUNCH – 1 hour
13:35
Cursus Publicus Peter Clifford, Berkshire Archaeological Society
14:05
Old Windsor Darko Maricevic, University of Reading
14:35
TEA – 30 mins
15:05
Royal Observer Post, Arborfield Bob Clarke, Wessex Archaeology
15:35 -16.00
Questions and Conclusion Andrew Hutt, Chair, Berkshire Archaeological Society
A prison where celebrated Irish writer Oscar Wilde was once an inmate has been sold to an educational charity, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said. (press release 11th January 2024)
Reading Jail formally closed in January 2014 and has been empty ever since.
A campaign to turn the Grade II listed building into an arts and community centre was supported by celebrities including Stephen Fry, Kate Winslet and Dame Judi Dench.
The government said the jail had been sold to the Ziran Education Foundation.
It said the charity’s plans for the site included an educational centre incorporating a museum and exhibition space.
