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Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society

About Us

The Society began as Lichfield Archaeological and Historical Society on September 10th, 1959. `South Staffordshire` was added to its title in 1961, and in 1995, to reflect its county-wide activities and its publication of original research papers, the Society became Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society.

The inaugural lecture was a talk on Cruck-trussed houses in Lichfield; other topics in that first season included Wyrley and Essington Canal, Iron Age forts in the Cotswolds, Roman roads and a study of Aldridge. A similar pattern exists today, but talks are no longer related to published papers and have a wider, national context. Recent subjects have included The Rows at Chester; Roman York, the archaeological findings from the route of the BNNR (M6 Toll), and a fascinating insight into the life of 19th century figure William Morris.

In addition to the several Newsletters per year, outings are arranged to follow up particular talks. In the past, several long weekends have also been organised, to places as diverse as as Caerleon, Much Wenlock and Stamford. In 2000 we visited Sandon Hall and a little known local gem, Graseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton.

Some documentary research is undertaken by members from time to time, but such work is an occasional project, governed by circumstance. Survey work of Staffordshire churches has also been undertaken in recent years, and this has included examinations of St. John the Baptist, Croxall; St. Michael and All Angels, Hamstall Ridware, and St. Lawrence, Gnosall. The work involves surveying the building and making detailed drawings. To look at a photograph of a particular wall and compare it with a stone by stone drawing can often reveal the structural changes which have taken place over a period of time (these surveys await publication).

Since its inception the Society has been involved with the Roman site at Wall - Letocetum - and retains a special interest in the area. After an initial examination of the Roman fort in 1959, published in Transactions Vol. II, a series of further excavations was undertaken, the latest published one, No 14, on the Mansio, appearing in Volume XXXII. Subsequently, after a period of inactivity, a new area was opened up in the north of Wall village, where sections were cut across the northern defensive system of the Claudio-Neronian fort. Although this excavation is now at an end, such work is ongoing, and will add to the considerable corpus of knowledge of this extensive Roman site appearing in the Society`s publications.

With a considerable and highly regarded list of achievements to date the Society looks forward in the new century to new ideas and new techniques which will further develop our understanding of the past.

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