Take a Pew
Saturday 1 July: 11am -2pm
Breedon Priory Church, Breedon on the Hill DE73 8AP
A host of family activities await you to celebrate Breedon’s historic pews. Play medieval games, create a “stained glass” window, come up with an Anglo-Saxon riddle and create an animal inspired by our Mercian beasts. Something to entertain all members of the family!
FREE. Email breedonheritage@gmail.com for more details.
SORCERY AND SUPERSTITION ESCAPE QUEST
Thursday – Sunday through the Festival: 10.30am – 4.30pm
The 1620s House & Garden, Donington le Heath, Coalville, LE67 2FW
Our historic venue is steeped in stories of the superstitions and beliefs of the 17th Century which are brought to life through this interactive game play. Bring your thinking caps as you solve a mixture of virtual and physical puzzles that will guide you through the house on your mission.
Included in Admission Price, https://1620shouse.org.uk/
STONE AGE FLINTS AND FLINT KNAPPING
Wednesday 5 July: 2pm
Lutterworth & District Museum, ‘Highpoint’, Market Street Lutterworth LE17 4DY
Expert flint knapper Bob Wells will talk about flint tools and demonstrate how they are made. The museum has displays of locally found artefacts.
THE GREATER WIGSTON HERITAGE CENTRE OPEN DAY
Saturday 8 July: 10am – 2pm
Great Wigston Heritage Centre, Station Road, (nr Wigston Pool & Fitness Centre), Wigston LE18 2DS
Come along, have a free “cuppa”, and talk to our volunteers about the history and heritage of Wigston. Local books, maps, dvds, documents, scrap books and more. Take a look at our very popular digital photograph archive – over 15,000 historical photographs indexed down to individual street level. Our latest document acquisitions will also be on show and there will also be a display of Aylestone history and the “Journeys In To The Past” series of books.
FREE, drop in, www.wigstonhistoricalsociety.co.uk/Heritage_Centre.html.
- At 2pm there will be a FREE presentation by Peter Cousins – “Orson Wright – Champion of the people”. Limited places so please book as soon as possible at bookings@wigstonhistoricalsociety.co.uk or call 07702 127313
JACOBEAN CRAFT GROUP
Saturday 8 July: 11am -3pm
The 1620s House, Donington le Heath, nr Hugglescote, LE67 2FW
Come and meet the wonderful Friends of the 1620s House and discover domestic needle and wool craft styles of the 17th Century.
Included in Admission Price, https://1620shouse.org.uk/
CQ EARLIES: CREATIVE ROMANS
Saturday 8 July: 12 – 4pm
Various venues in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, Leicester
Cultural Quarter Earlies, Leicester’s monthly creative family festival, travels back in time to Roman Leicester this July.
- Find out what it was like to live in Roman Leicester, handle real Roman pottery and try your hand at archaeological excavation with University of Leicester archaeologists + Aqueducts, Army drills, Excavations, Roman Fashion and more at LCB Depot, 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE
- Make Roman Pots at Two Queens, 2 Queen St, Leicester LE1 1QW
- Mosaic masterpieces at Leicester Print Workshop, 50 St George St, Leicester LE1 1QG
- Gory Stories- Bring your family and imaginations for some fun and silliness in our gory storytelling sessions! At Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB
- Immersive Enigma at Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, Phoenix Square, 4 Midland St, Leicester LE1 1TG
- And travel in between in style on a Roman Rickshaw!
FREE, drop in. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/events/545833601089293
STONE AGE FLINTS AND FLINT KNAPPING
Wednesday 8 July: 2pm
Lutterworth & District Museum, ‘Highpoint’, Market Street Lutterworth LE17 4DY
Expert flint knapper Bob Wells will talk about flint tools and demonstrate how they are made. The museum has displays of locally found artefacts.
HERITAGE OPEN EVENING
Thursday 13 July: 7.30pm
Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HW
An opportunity to discover the diverse range of heritage activities and groups in Rutland. We have all the local groups in one place to advertise their volunteering opportunities to the public. Organised by Rutland Local History and Record Society. www.rutlandhistory.org
FREE, drop in
ST MORRELL & HALLATON CRYPT REINSTATEMENT PROJECT
Saturday 15 – Sunday 30 July
St Michael and All Angels Church, Hallaton, LE16 8TY
“Telling a Tale that has to be Told”
A programme of events celebrating two thousand years of history in Hallaton. Hallaton was the destination of iron age travellers, medieval pilgrims, as well as modern day bottle kickers. So, in addition to sharing the fascinating story of the discovery of St Morrell’s Chapel, the skeletons of pilgrims buried there and the proposed reinstatement of the crypt of St Michael & All Angels, we will be showing some of our ideas about a new multimedia exhibition which will form part of a planned permanent exhibition.
“Café in the Church” will offer lunch and cream teas.
The adjacent Museum will be open with the “Where there’s a Will there’s a Way” exhibition about Edmond Oliver’s Pilgrimage alongside displays on the Hallaton Treasure and the Bottle Kicking.
There is also a programme of guided walks around the Hallaton Heritage Trail and to Hallaton Castle, and a talks by expert speakers (see Guided Walks and Talks)
For more information visit https://www.hallaton-museum.co.uk/ or contact Denis Kenyon via 07834 324352 or deniskenyon36@gmail.com
BEAGLE BARD TRAIL
Saturday 15 – Sunday 30 July: 10.30am – 4.30pm (Thurs – Sun ONLY)
The 1620s House & Garden, Donington le Heath, Coalville , LE67 2FW
Our four-legged friend, Folio the Beagle, is trying to make a book for his best friend Bard. Bard has written some wonderful plays; the problem is Folio seems to have lost them around our site. Can you help us find them all?
£2 per person, normal admission price applies. https://1620shouse.org.uk/
WHAT DID THE ROMANS EVER DO FOR US?
Saturday 15 – Monday 31 July: 10am – 4pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD
Those pesky Romans have invaded our site and seem to have left all their new-fangled inventions everywhere. Can you find them and save civilisation from these atrocious technologies?
Pick up an activity sheet from our Ticket Office. £2 per sheet, https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/
ARTEFACT ART SCHOOL
Monday 17 July: 3.30pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD
Learn how to create archaeological drawings using a selection of artefacts from the Roman period. Choose from a range of objects found during the archaeological survey undertaken between 2005 and 2012 from a previously unknown Roman Temple close to our main Heritage Centre complex. Ages 12+, suitable for all drawing abilities.
£8 per person, pre book essential. Book online https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/whats-on/ or call 01455 290429
LOOK, DESIGN, CREATE
Tuesday 18 July: 2-3.30pm
Melton Carnegie Museum, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1RB
Look at prehistoric pottery found in Melton to learn how they were made, the designs used and what was their purpose. Make your own small pot or plaque in air dry clay and decorate with patterns. You could even go neon with paint for a contemporary look!
Learn from experienced archaeological illustrator, Debbie Miles, who will guide you through the process of illustrating an object and have the opportunity to see her portfolio of work.
£3 per person, 15 people maximum. Booking essential (tbc)
ARCHAEOLOGY FAMILY FUN DAY AT BRADGATE PARK
Wednesday 19 July: 11am-3pm
Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, LE6 0HB
Explore what lies beneath Bradgate Park! Hands-on family friendly activities across the park, from a Stone Age site to the historic ruins, including drop in crafts and fascinating activities for budding archaeologists of all ages.
Activities throughout the Park. No booking required but there will be a small charge for some activities. Please note that parking charges will apply.
Find out more here https://www.bradgatepark.org/Event/archaeology-family-fun-day-2023
DIG IT!
Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 July: 11am – 1pm
King Richard III Visitor Centre, 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB
Children can learn the basics of archaeology and uncover hidden artefacts in our mini archaeology dig pits. The Festival of Archaeology events are included in admission to the Visitor Centre. Don’t forget, once purchased, your ticket is valid for 12 months!
For more info, visit kriii.com; Tel. 0300 300 0900
LEICESTER CATHEDRAL REVEALED TALK AND ARTEFACT HANDLING SESSION
Saturday 22 July, 11am – 4pm
St Martins House 7 Peacock Lane Leicester LE1 5PZ
Find out more about the recent archaeological discoveries at Leicester Cathedral with excavation director Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS).
- ‘Leicester Cathedral Revealed: The story so far…’ with Mathew Morris, 11am
The construction of Leicester Cathedral’s new heritage and learning centre has revealed a fascinating snapshot of life in Leicester over the past 2,000 years. From a possible Roman shrine to Anglo-Saxon buildings and a burial ground in use from the late Saxon period to the 19th century. Find out what has been found during the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project, what it tells us about the lives of the people of St Martin’s parish, and its significance for the story of Leicester. - Handle some artefacts from the Leicester Cathedral Revealed dig with Mathew Morris, from 1pm
In the afternoon there will be a chance to talk to Mathew and handle some of the artefacts discovered during the excavation, including the base of a Roman altar, the first ever found in Leicester.
The talk and handling session are FREE. Booking essential for the talk via Eventbrite. The handling session will run from 1-4pm and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during the afternoon.
ARCHAEOLOGY WORKSHOP
Monday 24 July: 9.30am – 12 noon
St Helens Community Heritage Centre, 4 Church Yard, South St, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1AA
Come along and find out what lies beneath our amazing site! Learn from our archaeological expert by exploring our dig boxes and guessing the artefacts that we have unearthed from our archaeological digs.
£3 per child (ages 5-11 years). No booking required. Refreshments available. Please email sthelensheritage@gmail.com for more details.
ARCHAEOLOGY FAMILY FUN DAY AT LEICESTER GUILDHALL
Tuesday 25 July: 11am – 3pm
Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ
Calling all budding archaeologists (or those that just love digging and making things)! Join us at The Guildhall for our Festival of Archaeology Family Fun Day. An archaeologist wouldn’t be able to do their job without the tools of their trade, so let us help you create your own dig brush and hard hat so that you can have a go at digging in our sand pits. You never know what treasures you may find! Create clay pots, just like the ones on display in the museum and have a go at our medieval games and puzzles. There will be an archaeological dig trail to follow too. Plus Shields and Spears! March like the Roman Legionaries with the Guildhall’s very own Centurion.
£3 drop-in activity, booking essential via www.leicestermuseums.org
LOOK, DESIGN, CREATE
Tuesday 25 July: 2-3.30pm
Harborough Museum, The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough LE16 7LT
Study a genuine, beautiful Anglo-Saxon brooch from Billesdon from the collections of Leicestershire Museums. Look at this wonderful piece of archaeology, then design your own brooch and craft it out of clay or foil to take home. Make two and have your creation showcased in our Story Place display.
Learn from experienced archaeological illustrator, Debbie Miles, who will guide you through the process of illustrating an object and have the opportunity to see her portfolio of work.
£3 per person, 15 people maximum. Booking essential (tbc)
MARVELLOUS MOSAICS
Wednesday 26 July: 10.30am – 12 noon & 2.00 – 3.30pm
Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW
Using inspiration from original Roman mosaic fragments and pictures of the fabulous Rutland Villa mosaic, create your own marvellous mosaics. You will be able to make a mosaic style coaster, photograph frame, as well as mosaic pictures. Suitable for children of all ages.
£3 per child (free for under 4s). No need to book, but places will be on a first come, first served basis. Tel: 01572 758440 or visit rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk
THE GREYFRIARS OF LEICESTER
Wednesday 26 July, 11am – 4pm
King Richard III Visitor Centre, 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology with a talk by archaeologist Mathew Morris in the morning and an artefact handling session in the afternoon. Our ‘Dig pits’ will also be out in the courtyard for budding young archaeologists to practise their excavation skills.
- ‘Recreating Greyfriars: The story of the Franciscan friars in Leicester’ with Mathew Morris, 11am
Hear about the history of the Greyfriars site from the archaeologist who found Richard III. You will also be able to view the Visitor Centre’s newest exhibit which shows the Greyfriars site through the years, from 1485 through to the 2013 archaeological dig. - Handle some artefacts from the Greyfriars dig with Mathew Morris, from 1pm
In the afternoon, Mathew Morris will be hosting a handling session with some of the artefacts from the Greyfriars digs in 2012 and 2013. This family friendly session will be best suited to kids aged 8 years and older, but everyone is welcome.
The talk and handling session are free with a limited capacity. However, you must have a ticket to the Visitor Centre. Tickets to the Visitor Centre are valid for 12 months. Places for the talk can be booked by emailing info@visitleicester.info or calling 0116 299 4444. The handling session will run from 1pm and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during the afternoon.
COPS n ROBBERS AT LEICESTER GUILDHALL
Thursday 27 July: 11am – 3pm
Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ
Come to the Guildhall, Leicester’s first Police Station, for a fun day of crime fighting activities and crafts. Get locked in the stocks, step inside a real Victorian police cell, play with the cops and robbers dressing up clothes and props. Make your own Police walkie talkie and notebook, and a mini police helicopter. “Catch the burglar” trail around the museum throughout the day. Meet Leicester’s police force!
£3 per person, www.leicestermuseums.org.
Building Detectives
Saturday 29 July, 11am -2pm
Breedon Priory Church, Breedon on the Hill DE73 8AP
Ever wondered how archaeologists know what buildings looked like in the past? Take our building detectives trail to find out and help us to reconstruct what Breedon may have looked like in the past. You can also play ‘Who Lives in a House Like This?’ to see how archaeologists can see what buildings may have been used for, and work out what
archaeologists may make of our rooms in the future.
FREE. Email breedonheritage@gmail.com for more information.
ROMAN AROUND
Saturday 29 & Sunday July 30: 10.30am – 4pm
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD
Join us in celebrating the Roman History of the Bosworth area. Long before the Battle of Bosworth took place, the site housed an important Roman Temple. The Batavi Re-Enactment group will be camped on site and covering a whole manner of everyday roman life experiences from home and family life aspects such as cooking and pottery to exploring the life and attire of a Roman soldier.
£2 per person. Under 3s Free, https://www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk/
EXPERIENCE ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL LEICESTER AND SEE OUR OLDEST CHURCH
Sunday 30 July 30: 11am – 3.30pm
St Nicholas Church, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB
Travel back in time with the Friends of Jewry Wall Museum and enjoy a day of object display and activities. Meet and talk with Friends and members of the church. Learn about the progress on our new museum. Walk round this ancient church with a guide. Take a free map for a self-guided tour and information on our Roman town. Light refreshments will also be on offer.
FREE, drop in. A Friends of Jewry Wall Museum, Heritage Sundays and Leicestershire Fieldworkers event, contact jewrywallfriends@outlook.com for more info.
LOOK, DESIGN, CREATE
Sunday 30 July: 1.30-3pm
Charnwood Museum, Queens Park, Granby Street, Loughborough LE11 3DU
Look at wonderful fossils, and find out what they tell us about the past. Then design and create your own fossil necklace, and why not paint a clay fossil in neon colours.
Learn from experienced archaeological illustrator, Debbie Miles, who will guide you through the process of illustrating an object and have the opportunity to see her portfolio of work.
£3 per person, 15 people maximum. Booking essential (tbc)
