You are invited to join us on the final season of field excavations at
the Upper Forge, within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. These
excavations are part of the Coalbookale Historical Archaeology Research
and Training (CHART) project, which began in 2001.
The 2005 season will run from early June until the end of July.
Applicants are encouraged to come for two- or three-week blocks during
this period, to make the most of the opportunity for experience.
Participants have already signed up from the US, Canada and EU; spaces
are limited so please apply soon!
Background
In 1709 Abraham Darby of Coalbrookdale became the first person to
successfully smelt iron with mineral fuels. Because of this, the
Ironbridge Gorge is often referred to as the birthplace of the
industrial revolution. Until recently, historical and archaeological
research focussed almost entirely on the iron industry. The CHART
programme is looking both at other industries in the valley, and at
industry before Darby. In 2004, we uncovered the oldest archaeologically
known steel furnace (cementation furnace) in the world, from about
1620-1640. Evidence was also uncovered for malt making, lead working,
and other industries, as well as workers' housing. In 2005, excavations
at Upper Forge will continue. We will further examine the steel furnace,
and expect to find the other early steel furnace on the site. We will
also be excavating the mill pond, which may be medieval in origin.
The CHART Programme was conceived and is directed by Paul Belford,
Senior Archaeologist at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. The Upper
Forge Excavations are co-directed by Paul Belford and Dr. Ronald A.
Ross, of the Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, at Wilfrid
Laurier University, Canada.
More information is available at the WLU website.
http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=296&s_id=971&sb_id=1421
North American applicants, should contact Dr. Ross via the WLU website.
British/European applicants should contact Paul Belford via
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Fees
£50 per week dig fee. £75 per week for accommodation including food.
Accommodation will be in dormitory-style cabins, with kitchen, common
room, toilet and shower facilities. Various social events, field trips
and other entertainment will also be provided.
Please contact the directors for further information or to discuss
options.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Paul Belford
Senior Archaeologist
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
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Ironbridge Archaeology is the archaeology unit of the Ironbridge Gorge
Museum Trust. Specialising in historical archaeology and the world
heritage of globalisation.
Visit the CHART project web page
http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=296&s_id=971&sb_id=1421
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