11 July 2007
Digging the past in Dartmoor National Park
Princetown is the location for Dartmoor National Park Authority FREE events on 21 and 22 July to celebrate National Archaeology week 2007. On Saturday 21 July the whole family can join a Dartmoor National Park archaeologist to learn about the techniques involved in digging up the past.
Sand dig boxes are filled with layers of different coloured sand and features that represent an archaeological site. 'Finds' are placed in each layer and inside the features. Children can then identify and date the 'finds' from wall charts and fill out a recording form based on those used in archaeological excavations. From this information the participants can work out the story of the site.
Each session lasts 2 hours. There will be 3 sessions during the day, beginning at 9.30 am, 12 noon and 3 pm. These sessions are very popular and booking is advisable. To book please contact (01822) 890414. The activity venue will be signed from the High Moorland Visitor Centre.
A walk through time exploring living archaeology using folk tales, legends and folkore awaits those families joining the children’s surprise trail on Saturday 21 July. Meet at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown. The activity lasts about one hour and start times are 10.30 am 12 noon and 1.30 pm.
Throughout the day children can also take part in self guided quiz trails - follow the clues to find the answers. Ask at the High Moorland Visitor Centre for details.
On Sunday 22 July, at 11 am and 2 pm, Join Dartmoor National Park Authority Guide Paul Rendell for a one and a half hour guided stroll around Princetown. The stroll explores the history behind this settlement, famous for its Prison, and includes a visit to St Michael’s Church, not routinely open to the public. Hear about Thomas Tyrwhitt the founder of the town, the Napoleonic and American prisoners of war who were incarcerated there and the town’s links with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Meet outside the High Moorland Visitor Centre.
National Archaeology Week is your chance to discover and explore this country’s unique archaeological heritage. For information on events across the country visit www.britarch.ac.uk (external link, opens new window). For further Information on Dartmoor National Park Authority's Guided Walks Programme visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
Princetown is accessible by public transport. For public transport information telephone Traveline (external link, opens new window) on 0870 608 2 608. Due to the potential hazard to livestock, no dogs, other than guide dogs, are allowed on Dartmoor National Park Authority guided walks and events.
Ends
For Further Information
Claire Partridge, Events and Activities Officer
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's website. The Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority.
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
Notes for Editors
Much of the archaeology of Dartmoor is recognised as being of national and even international importance. Any tract of land on the Moor might well contain a variety of remains dating from 4,000 BC to the present day. There are probably as many as 18,000 individual archaeological monuments on Dartmoor - so where better to celebrate National Archaeology Week 2007.
The aim of this annual event is to encourage young people and their families to visit sites of archaeological/historical interest or museums, heritage and resource centres, to see archaeology in action and to take part in activities on-site.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 11 July 2007
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Page updated 10 July 2007
