There are plenty of ways to get involved with the history and archaeology of Cheshire. Why not visit a museum or join an archaeological society?
Many Portable Antiquities Scheme finds can be seen on display at museums around the county (see the links that accompany the descriptions below).
Museums
Congleton museum is the home to a significant collection of archaeological hoards ranging from the remarkable ‘New Street’ Bronze Age Hoard of spears and axes to the 17th century Priesty Hoard of 3,409 English silver coins. Recent portable antiquities acquisitions include the Malpas Hoard of 7 Iron Age gold staters and 25 Roman silver coins LVPL-DFD9E1/2014 T89: the Knutsford Roman Hoard comprising 3 gilt trumpet brooches, 2 silver finger rings and 101 silver coins LVPL- B44185/2012 T406. Further acquisitions include the 17th century Middlewich gold mourning ring LVPL-2232A6/2011 T188, the gold Sandbach Roman ring LVPL-BA4936 2013 T319 and the 9th century Church Lawton Strap end LVPL-FE8590 2013 T46.
The Grosvenor Museum houses displays on Roman Cheshire including the fascinating collection of tombstones. Also in the collection is this lovely medieval finger ring which was donated after being disclaimed as Treasure and other Treasure finds such as LVPL-A8F220 and LVPL-812752.
Nantwich Museum’s Treasure case houses the stunning Hurleston Brooch LVPL-2A23B2 along with this Tudor dress hook LVPL-16EEF8 and the Worleston ring – a very unusual Roman or post-Roman gold spiral finger ring LVPL-383530, with a punched decoration of triangles. The ring was worn by a wealthy individual (man or woman), possibly to symbolise an important occasion.
The museum and ruins have now closed for the redevelopment project but the Walled Garden is open with new events and activities all year around.
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
Warrington Museum and Art Gallery’s archaeological and social history displays tell the story of Warrington. Beginning during prehistoric times through evidence of early Bronze Age settlements; of its founding by the Romans and their settlement at Wilderspool; as a medieval market town and bridging point on the River Mersey and later the town’s role during the English civil war; as a manufacturing centre for the production of wire, textiles, beer, tanning and chemicals and more recently its involvement in WWI and WWII. The display includes the fantastic Winwick brooch LVPL-9E1D13. Warrington Museum & Art Gallery provides an exciting schools programme on many themes, including Egyptians, toys from the past, and special early years sessions, all FREE for Warrington schools.
Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Societies & Organisations
Council for British Archaeology, North West
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) North West is an umbrella organisation for archaeology groups across the North West. They organise conferences, and events across the region. See the CBA North West website: http://www.archaeologyuk.org/cbanw/
Chester Archaeological Society
Chester Archaeological Society promote understanding and appreciation of archaeology, history and architecture in the historic county of Cheshire see their website: http://www.chesterarchaeolsoc.org.uk/
