New discoveries from the Roman frontier will be presented to the public at a major archaeology forum in Hexham this autumn, bringing the latest findings from Hadrian’s Wall to Queen’s Hall.
The Sixteenth Hadrian’s Wall Archaeology Forum will be held at Queen’s Hall in Hexham on Saturday, October 17. The event is designed to give local residents, visitors and archaeology specialists the chance to hear directly from archaeologists involved in investigating the Roman frontier.
What will be presented at the Hexham forum?
This year’s programme will include updates from several important locations along Hadrian’s Wall. Speakers will discuss work at Vindolanda, Milecastle 46 near Carvoran, the Carlisle Cricket Club site and High Rochester.
Further reports will cover recent findings from Drumburgh and Whitley Castle. Together, the presentations will give attendees an overview of new excavation results and discoveries being made across the length of the Roman frontier.
The forum is expected to appeal to archaeology enthusiasts and students, as well as members of the public interested in Roman history. Organisers say the event is open to all, meaning attendees do not need to be professional archaeologists to take part.
Why the event matters locally
John Scott, management plan coordinator for the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership, said the Hexham event had become an important annual date for people interested in the World Heritage Site.
“The Archaeology Forum in Hexham has become a real highlight of the calendar for anyone with an interest in Hadrian’s Wall.”
He said the forum was intended to reach a broad audience, including professional archaeologists, local residents and people simply curious about discoveries made in the area.
“What makes it so special is that it's for everyone – whether you're a professional archaeologist, a local resident or simply curious about what's been found in the ground near you.”
Scott added that each year’s discoveries helped develop understanding of Hadrian’s Wall and provided a way to share the story of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wider audience.
“Every year brings new discoveries that add another piece to the story of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and this forum is a wonderful way to share that story with the widest possible audience.”
Tickets and venue
Tickets for the Saturday event are priced at £17 and can be bought through Queen’s Hall. The venue’s role as host gives people in Hexham and the surrounding area a convenient opportunity to hear about archaeological work taking place at Roman sites along Hadrian’s Wall.
The forum follows the discovery of a Roman artefact at Magna Roman Fort in August by history enthusiast Oliver Eelyn, according to the event report. That discovery is among the local historical details highlighted alongside the wider programme of presentations.
With reports spanning sites from Vindolanda and Carvoran to Drumburgh and Whitley Castle, the Hexham forum will offer a broad look at continuing research into the Roman frontier.