Victorian Ice Wells And Petrified Poo: It's The Festival Of Archaeology 2016

By Zoe Craig Last edited 101 months ago

Last Updated 08 May 2016

Victorian Ice Wells And Petrified Poo: It's The Festival Of Archaeology 2016
Bones from Benjamin Franklin's Basement. Photo from strangeremains.com

Explore London's Roman, Saxon, Georgian, Victorian and 20th century history at this year's Festival of Archaeology.

You can take a walk through Kingston-upon-Thames's Saxon past; descend into the Victorian Ice Wells below the Canal Museum; learn the secrets behind the bones in Benjamin Franklin's basement; and examine real, petrified poo at the Museum of London Docklands.

Fans of Georgiana and Victoriana are spoilt for choice with this summer festival: there are treats on offer at London venues including Rainham Hall, Kirkaldy's Testing Museum and at the Union Chapel, Islington.

If you're interested in prehistoric and Roman times, there'll be free, fun family events delving into this era at UCL Institute of Archaeology (11 June) and at Museum of London Docklands (25-29 July).

The Festival of Archaeology — coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) — encourages everyone to explore the archaeology of their local area, watch experts at work and experience archaeology for themselves.

Which other festival offers the chance to hear a fully restored Henry Willis church organ; make a rare visit to an ice well; try flint knapping; and create a (pretend!) poo?

Festival of Archaeology runs from 16-31 July. Visit www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk to find out more.