Description

A Century of Archaeology in East Herts.

The East Herts Archaeology Society was established in October 1898 at a public meeting. The assembled Victorian gentlemen – regrettably there were no ladies present – agreed that the eastern half of the county needed a society “to collect and publish information on the History and Antiquities of the District” and also “to oppose and prevent any injuries with which ancient buildings and monuments may be from time to time threatened.”

A Century of Archaeology in East Herts tells how the Society has pursued those aims over the past hundred years. It is a fascinating story of surprising discoveries below ground and in standing buildings which hide their true character. It is the story of enthusiastic protectors of our heritage, like the Andrews brothers (who also founded Hertford Museum), J.L. Glasscock, the Bishop’s Stortford builder turned amateur archaeologist, and Gordon Moodey who battled against bureaucracy to save many old buildings in the 1960s.

It is also the story of how archaeological excavation has moved away from the amateur towards professionals who (for good or ill) are financed by developers. It is above all the story of how East Hertfordshire as a whole rediscovered its heritage – buried below ground and in standing buildings – and learned to safeguard it.

Paperback: 96 pages
Published by: the Rockingham Press, 1998
ISBN: 1 873468 62 8
Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 17.4 x 0.6 cm