Museum news

This article is from Current Archaeology issue 412

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Illuminating Neolithic flint mines at Grime’s Graves

Grime’s Graves – a vast complex of Neolithic flint mines in Norfolk (see CA 327) – recently reopened to the public with a new exhibition, and a new entrance building that creates a more accessible way to explore one of the site’s 4,500-year-old mineshafts.

Displays at the site (which is cared for by English Heritage) tell the story of intrepid Neolithic miners, highlighting their engineering abilities and geological understanding, and exploring their everyday lives and beliefs. The exhibition includes previously unseen flint tools discovered on the site, including an axe, a sickle, and a circular knife; these are complemented by a virtual exploration of one of the mineshafts, Greenwell’s Pit, which is otherwise only accessible through guided tours. A new structure over Pit 1 also offers a more accessible way for visitors to descend 9m (30ft) into its depths; once underground, you can watch a new film about Neolithic miners projected on to the shaft’s walls.

For more information about visiting Grime’s Graves, see http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine.

Dover Under Siege

Another site looked after by English Heritage is Dover Castle, which is set to launch a new immersive visitor experience in September following an extensive conservation and interpretation project.

Dover Under Siege will focus on two of the most testing times in the castle’s history: when it was besieged twice during the 13th century, and its response to fears of Napoleonic invasions in the 19th century. As part of this, visitors will be able to explore the network of underground tunnels once used by the castle garrison. A new exhibition will illuminate the experiences of the castle’s inhabitants during both sieges, combining immersive film, light, and soundscape effects with hands-on elements including laser-activated crossbow shooting. Visitors will be able to explore a furnished Georgian barrack room as well, and a new STEM play area outside will explore themes and activities relating to medieval sieges.

For more information, see the website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover.

Roman Painted House to reopen

Remaining in Dover, the District Council and the Roman Painted House Trust have been working together to reopen a unique 3rd-century building to the public this summer.

The Roman Painted House was discovered in 1970 and excavated by Kent Archaelogical Rescue Unit (see CA 38). Its walls were elaborately frescoed, and the site became a popular tourist attraction – but in 2022 it closed, and in 2023 was handed back to Dover District Council, who own the site. At a recent meeting of the DDC cabinet, however, proposals for essential repairs and maintenance were endorsed and more than £70,000 in funding allocated to enable the site to reopen – the intention is that this should happen by the end of July. Once open, it is planned for the Roman Painted House to offer free admission at weekends until the end of October, with bookable group access at other times.

New exhibitions

Antonine Wall: Beyond boundaries
Kinneil House, Bo’ness, Saturdays (excluding 1 June and 30 August) until 28 September 2024
https://kinneil.org/2024/04/22/special-antonine-wall-exhibition-at-kinneil-house-this-year

Unicorn
Perth Museum, Until 22 September 2024
https://perthmuseum.co.uk/inside-the-museum/unicorn

D-Day
The Green Howards Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire, Until 20 December 2024
https://greenhowards.org.uk/event/special-exhibition-d-day

Introducing Must Farm, a Bronze Age Settlement
Peterborough Museum, Until 28 September 2024
https://peterboroughmuseum.org.uk/news/introducing-must-farm-a-bronze-age-settlement

Making Waves – RNLI Cymru 200
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, 22 June 2024-16 March 2025
https://museum.wales/swansea/whatson/12202/Making-Waves–RNLI-Cymru-200