Saxon Nunnery in Museum Garden

The annual archaeological dig in Berkeley, Gloucestershire by University of Bristol believes that it has found the first ever excavated Saxon Nunnery which was part of a Mynster (Monastery), with domestic buildings in the garden of The Edward Jenner Museum and the remains of the Nun’s Church by the tower in the churchyard at the end of the Museum’s garden.

The Berkeley Project to find Saxon Berkeley and the missing nunnery has been going for five years. This year the Saxon Church has been found at the foot of the Edward Jenner Museum’s garden, by the church tower. The current tower dates from 1753 replacing an earlier tower damaged during the Civil War. The original Saxon Church that was part of the Mynster was recorded as far back as 1541 but had by then fallen into disrepair.

Of great interest to the Edward Jenner Museum was a rubbish pit found at the site of the church dating to the time of Dr Jenner: three broken snuff bottles were found amongst broken chinaware and other domestic waste, which is contemporary with the date that Edward Jenner lived in The Chantry. Sarah Parker (Museum Director) said: In the 260th Anniversary year of Jenner’s birth to find such a personal tangible link with him is a huge bonus on top of the other exciting but much earlier discoveries in our garden.

The remains of a high status Saxon building have been found underneath the Museum’s lawn, complete with a cobbled entrance and a refuse pit with oyster shells, staple food in the medieval period.

Other small finds in this area have included a William the Conqueror coin, a coin from the reign Henry I, and various medieval items from horse bridle furnishings and buckles to clothing pins. Some Roman coins and materials have also been discovered

Dr Stuart Prior of University of Bristol said that if the church was associated to the buildings and they do turn out to be part of the Anglo-Saxon nunnery it will be the first time that a nunnery of this date (7th - 9th Century) has ever been excavated and all the evidence to date including the Anglo-Saxon records support this Hypothesis! Which is very exciting.

With one more week to go it is hoped that there will be more finds and further developments of this fascinating story.

- ENDS -



Notes to Editors:


1) The Edward Jenner Museum & Conference Centre is based in Dr Jenner’s former home, The Chantry, in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Dr Jenner lived in the house from 1785-1823. It was from this (Grade II* Listed) house that he pioneered world-changing vaccination against Smallpox. Joint tickets with Berkeley Castle can be bought at either venue.

2) 2009 is the 260th anniversary of Edward Jenner’s birth and a series of events throughout the year are marking the occasion. See www.jennermuseum.com for more details

Old Cyder House

Old Cyder House
Originally uploaded by TMR Davies

A Sunny day to show off The Old Cyder House conference centre at Berkeley, which Copper Phoenix is currently promoting for The Edward Jenner Museum.

A Lack of Tourism Support

I've just returned from a meeting of the Cotswold Attractions Group and was horrified to hear the apparent lack of support tourism has in these difficult times.

The Tourism Officer for the Cotswolds has been made redundant, there are funding cuts and the Tourist Information Office in Stow has been closed - mad! How are we supposed to capitalise on what is supposed to be a real chance of attracting more home visitors to our industry if we get no support from the existing infrastructure?

We can see from reports that the hotels and guest houses are suffering from a lack of bookings so the day trip market is up, as well as camping of course! But what good is this increase in potential business if there is no support network for tourists visiting the area, or the attractions and businesses relying on the extra promotion?

Anyway, it just shows how important it is to promote tourist attractions and heritage in general - especially now.

Guess what? We can help! See www.copperphoenix.co.uk and get in touch. Take advantage of this time, protect and build your business.

Cheltenham Racecourse Station: Postcard

Cheltenham Racecourse Station: Postcard
Originally uploaded by TMR Davies

I like this picture too. Copper Phoenix was carrying out a "Mystery Shopper" assignment for the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway and I took some pictures for the report.

In colour the shadow was in the wrong place but now looks very dramatic.

A good day out too, especially on a sunny day.

Driving a Double Fairlie

Driving a Double Fairlie, originally uploaded by TMR Davies.

I've sepiad this picture, I like the effect and I suppose gives a heritage sort of feel. Of course there's no need to prove the heritage credentials of the subject. The Ffestiniog Railway has been a world leader in technology and innovation since its inception in 1832.

Well worth a visit.

Château de Tonquédec: Double Drawbridge

Château de Tonquédec: Double Drawbridge, originally uploaded by TMR Davies.

I loved this double drawbridge at this castle, it was one of teh best defences I'd seen in any castle anywhere. This place in Brittany is well worth a visit, tucked down in a beutiful valley.

Ghostly Writing on the Wall

Ghostly Writing on the Wall, originally uploaded by TMR Davies.

This little gem shows how given time even grafitti can become "heritage" in its own right!