Skip to main content

The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society

Since 1863

For everyone interested in Yorkshire's past

  1. Sections
  2. Prehistory Research
  3. Section programme

Programme 2025: Key events

Prehistory Research Section events:

2025
December

Saturday 6th December 2025 Christmas Meeting.
In-person talk and guests are welcome.
Tea & coffee available from 11am and the talk starts at 11.15am until 12.30pm.

Venue: St George’s Centre, 60 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3DL

Dr Neil Wilkin, Curator of Neolithic and Bronze Age collections at the British Museum, will talk about: ‘Chalk Children: The Folkton and Burton Agnes drum burials in their Neolithic world'

In 2015, a burial containing three small children and a remarkable set of grave goods was excavated by Allen Archaeology Ltd near Burton Agnes on the Yorkshire Wolds. Of particular note was the decorated chalk ‘drum’, comparable to the well-known Folkton Drums, also buried with a child, discovered 125 years ago. This talk brings together new research and scientific study to explore the national importance of this pair of internationally important and poignant graves. What can they tell us about Neolithic Yorkshire and its place in the emerging artistic and cultural world of Britain and Ireland 5,000 years ago?

Dr Neil Wilkin is curator of the European Neolithic and Bronze Age collections at the British Museum. His most recent major exhibition project was The World of Stonehenge (2022). He is the co-author of the tie-in book The World of Stonehenge (2022) and Grave Goods: Objects and Death in Later Prehistoric Britain (2022)

Any enquiries to: info.prehist@yahs.org.uk

Possible Archaeological Events for Your Diary:

  • 14th - 16th November: Bronze Age Forum will be held in University College, Dublin

Guest Lectures (open to all) 

Bradford University: School Archaeological and Forensic Science guest lectures series.

Lectures start at 5.30pm - search SAFS guest lecture series on Ticketsource

Please note - Your E-Mail Address:

The majority of members now receive their notices and newsflashes electronically. If your contact details have changed, please let me know, so that our address list remains up-to-date. If you wish to change the way you receive your section information, please drop me a line - either by email, or by post: John Cruse, 26 Logan Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9AR

Above programme updated 17th October 2025

 

 

Saturday 6th September 2025 in-person Joint meeting of the Prehistoric Society and Prehistory Research Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society.

  • Posted On: 4 August 2025
Saturday 6th September 2025 in-person Joint meeting of the Prehistoric Society and Prehistory Research Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society.

Saturday 6th September 2025 in-person talk at 2pm – 3.15pm FULLY BOOKED - NO TICKETS AVAILABLE
Joint meeting of the Prehistoric Society and Prehistory Research Section of the Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society. In person meeting open to all, guests are welcome.

Venue: Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH

Dr. Sophia Adams, The British Museum
‘The massive Melsonby Iron Age hoard: from bits of bits to wheels and wagons’
The Melsonby hoard is a vast deposit of Late Iron Age horse harness and vehicle remains found in North Yorkshire and recently declared Treasure. Discovered and reported by detectorist Peter Heads, it was investigated by Durham University and The British Museum, with support from Historic England. The excavation revealed an incredibly well-preserved metalwork assemblage. When the find was made public in spring 2025 the story quickly spread, captivating audiences across the globe. Consisting of the ironwork from at least seven vehicles, ornate harness pieces, cauldrons, spears and more, this 2000-year-old deposit is astounding. In this presentation we will explore the discovery together, marvelling at the objects, peering through x-rays and revealing how these items were buried and how they are creating the opportunity to review past understandings in new light.

Sophia Adams PhD, FSA, is curator of the First Millennium European and Roman Conquest period Collections at The British Museum. She first joined the museum in 2009 as a PhD student (with the BM and the University of Leicester) and returned in 2021 following post-doctoral research projects at SUERC, the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol. Sophia has published collaborative research on specific artefacts, from The Enderby shield to Bronze Age bronze moulds, and wider contextual studies including the social context of later prehistoric metalworking.

Register for a free ticket: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/yahs/t-zzvjlro

Any enquiries to: info.prehist@yahs.org.uk

Categories: Pre History
Tags:
Return to list
Members Login

Quick Links