Dr Stuart Prior, of TV fame, from the University of Bristol will be talking about the many finds and history revealed from the Berkeley Project dig of 2009. While searching for conclusive evidence of an Anglo-Saxon nunnery a pit possibly holding Edward Jenner’s rubbish was found at the end of the garden of the 300 year old Chantry. This and other discoveries will be shared with the public on Thursday 25th March in Berkeley.
There have been archaeological digs at the Edward Jenner Museum since 2005 when the museum granted the University of Bristol permission to conduct their search for Saxon Berkeley within the grounds. As part of the Berkeley Project, a possible Anglo-Saxon church near St Mary’s Church Tower which borders the museum garden has been uncovered. If the remains of Anglo-Saxon buildings in the garden can be linked to it, and they turn out to be part of the Anglo-Saxon nunnery then it will prove to be the earliest nunnery excavated and put Berkeley on the world map again.
Dr Prior, a former gravedigger, is the fieldwork director for the Berkeley Project. Viewers of Time Team will recognise him as the larger than life biker-archaeologist with an infectious enthusiasm for his subject as well as other appearances on the National Geographic channel.
Sarah Parker, the Museum Director said: It has been really fascinating to see the Anglo-Saxon world beneath our lawn emerge in the last couple of years. We look forward to this year’s dig with increasing excitement. The discovery of Jenner’s rubbish pit is of course of special interest to us providing a tangible link with the his life here.
Organised by The Edward Jenner Museum, the Old Cyder House Talks have proved to be very popular, so much so that they have been extended beyond the original March end date to become year round. Dr Prior’s talk will cost £10 per person including a glass of wine and starts at 7.30pm
More information can be found on the museum website, www.jennermuseum.com where there is also information on hiring The Old Cyder House and about other events at the Museum. Bookings for all the talks can be made in advance by calling 01453 810631 or emailing info@edwardjenner.co.uk
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Notes:
THE OLD CYDER HOUSE, Berkeley, Gloucestershire
1) The Old Cyder House is at Dr Edward Jenner’s former home, The Chantry, in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Dr Jenner lived in the house from 1785-1823, and it was from here that he pioneered the world-changing vaccination against Smallpox.
The Old Cyder House is available for training, conferences, business meetings, product launches and exhibitions throughout the year and is situated in the Old Coach House, where cider was originally brewed, hence the name.
2) Doctor Stuart Prior, the biker-archaeologist, is a teaching fellow in the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, Bristol University, and the Fieldwork Director for the Berkeley Castle Project. Stuart.Prior@bristol.ac.uk
Ticketing details/costs & further information, please see: www.jennermuseum.com
General information and booking: info@edwardjenner.co.uk
For further information, interviews or image requests please contact:
Sarah Parker
Director
Email: director@edwardjenner.co.uk
Tel: 01453 810 631
Fax: 01453 811 690
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