Leicester’s Roman and Medieval past explored at Festival of Archaeology

University of Leicester teams are involved in events and displays across the region for the national Festival of Archaeology.

University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) and Heritage Hub have collaborated with Leicestershire Fieldworkers and the Friends of the Jewry Wall Museum on a pop-up exhibition in John Lewis Leicester.

The exhibition explores everyday life in Roman and Medieval Leicester. It includes an overview of discoveries made by ULAS between 2003 and 2006 during excavations that preceded the construction of Leicester’s Highcross shopping centre, together with archaeological finds and replica objects.

Alongside the display, community groups will run activities in John Lewis every weekend throughout July between 11am and 4pm:

• 6^th – 7^th July - Prehistoric Workshop will showcase prehistoric flint tools, textiles and pottery.
• 14^th – 15^th July – Leicester Cathedral Revealed will explain discoveries made during the building of the new visitor learning centre at Leicester Cathedral
• 20^th – 21^st July - Oadby & Wigston Field Walking Group will display recent field walking finds and host children’s crafting activities including mosaic making.
• 27^th July – Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society will host an event on their work in the county and how the public can get involved.

Director of Heritage Hub and Professor of Archaeology at University of Leicester, Sarah Scott said: “This innovative collaboration is bringing archaeology to new audiences thanks to the support and enthusiasm of Rachel Rodwell and her team at John Lewis.

“Each weekend until the end of July there will be community groups and local organisations running hands-on activities alongside the displays, showcasing archaeological projects across the region and highlighting ways that people of all ages can get involved.”

Other major events for the Festival in Leicester include a Roman family day on Saturday 13^th July in collaboration with LCB Depot, Curve Theatre, Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, Two Queens and Leicester Print Workshop.

Make Roman armour, build an aqueduct, create Kamihanga lion gladiators and much more besides, including a screening of Horrible Histories Rotten Romans at Phoenix. You can travel between venues in style on a Ride Leicester Roman Rickshaw.

More information about the Roman family day can be found here.

Heritage Hub will be at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire for the official close of the Festival on Sunday 28^th July. More information about Festival of Archaeology can be found here. 

The full programme of Festival of Archaeology events in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can be found here.